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Neuropsychological assessment aims to identify patterns in thinking, learning, and functioning.  While it may result in a diagnosis, the primary focus is on understanding how best to support the individual.  Unlike many professionals who take a “ruling in” approach, focusing on identifying a specific condition based upon your referral question, neuropsychologists tend to use a “ruling out” approach.  This means they explore a broad range of possibilities and gradually narrow them down, ensuring that all potential factors are considered.  This approach helps to identify not just what might be present, but also what can be ruled out, giving you a clearer and more accurate understanding of your or your loved one’s unique profile.  The benefit of this is that it leads to more precise recommendations and support, tailored to the whole picture rather than focusing on just one piece.

 

Dr Bennett understands that seeking an assessment can be a significant step, often motivated by a desire to better understand yourself or your loved one.  Her goal is to offer a comprehensive, strengths-based evaluation that helps guide appropriate supports and interventions where needed. 

 

While a referral is not required to access Dr Bennett's services, she strongly encourages potential clients to first consult with a trusted healthcare provider (e.g., a GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist, geriatrician or neurologist).  This helps ensure that a neuropsychological assessment is the most appropriate pathway for your specific concerns.  For some conditions - such as ADHD or bipolar disorder, where medical management is often essential - direct referral to a medical professional may be a more suitable first step.  In these cases, Dr Bennett is happy to work alongside your medical provider should neuropsychological input be deemed necessary or appropriate.   ​

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When it comes to report writing, Dr Bennett takes a streamlined and practical approach.  While it is common practice for psychologists to write lengthy and detailed reports, Dr Bennett recognises that excessively long reports are not always a good use of her time - particularly given lengthy waitlists and the high demand for access to care.  Dr Bennett's reports therefore include only what is necessary to guide supports, interventions and referrals, ensuring the information provided is concise, clear, and actionable for individuals, families and referring professionals. 

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Dr Bennett is committed to maintaining the highest ethical and clinical standards.  This means that she does not provide diagnoses unless they are fully supported by assessment data.  Her role is to ensure that any feedback, whether diagnostic or not, is meaningful and accurate, with the individual's well-being as her priority.  

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Common reasons to schedule an assessment with Dr Bennett:

 

Understanding your or your loved one's learning, memory and/or attention patterns: If you, your child or your parent are having difficulty focusing, organising tasks, or learning new things (and/or remembering), Dr Bennett can help uncover underlying factors and provide practical strategies to support.  

 

Exploring neurodivergence: Whether you suspect autism, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence, Dr Bennett can guide you or your loved one through a thorough assessment, helping you better understand how your brain works and identifying your unique strengths. 

Supporting emotional well-being: If you or your loved one are struggling with anxiety, depression or mood swings, Dr Bennett's expertise in mental health can provide clarity on how these emotions may be connected to neurodivergence or other underlying factors, offering pathways to feel more balanced and understood. 

 

Recovering from brain injury: If you or your child have experienced a concussion or head injury and are noticing changes in memory, concentration, or mood, Dr Bennett can assess these challenges and provide tailored recommendations for recovery and improvement.

 

Clarifying complex challenges:  If you or a loved one are dealing with multiple challenges - like sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, social difficulties, or engaging in unhelpful coping methods - Dr Bennett's holistic approach helps you gain deeper insight into what's contributing to these experiences and how to navigate them with confidence.  

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