Our Services
Comprehensive Child Psychology & Assessment Solutions
At Steps and Stones Psychology in Blackwood, we support children through every stage of their development. Whether you need a diagnostic assessment to understand why your child is struggling, or ongoing therapy to help them build resilience and social skills, we are here to help.
We provide a holistic service model combining Multidisciplinary Assessments, Evidence-Based Therapy, and Social Skills Groups.
1. Neurodevelopmental Assessments (ASD & ADHD)
Investigating How Your Child’s Brain Works
We offer flexible assessment pathways ranging from initial screeners to full multidisciplinary diagnoses.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Dual Assessment: A comprehensive joint assessment with a Registered Psychologist and a Speech Pathologist. This joint assessment provides a complete developmental picture, ensuring our reports meet the strict diagnostic criteria expected by the NDIS and medical specialists.
- Single Clinician Assessment: A thorough diagnostic assessment conducted by a Registered Psychologist. This is often suitable when a Paediatrician requires specific psychological evidence (such as an ADOS-2) to finalise a diagnosis.
- ASD Screener: A lower-cost initial investigation to see if a full assessment is warranted.
- Tools: ADOS-2, ADI-R, ASRS
ADHD Assessments
- Full Diagnostic Assessment: A complete investigation into attention, impulsivity, and executive function to support a formal diagnosis.
- ADHD Screener: A preliminary check to determine if attention difficulties are likely ADHD or due to other factors (like anxiety).
- Tools: Conners 4, Clinical Interview, Computerised Attention Testing.
2. Cognitive & Educational Assessments
Understanding Learning & Potential
Educational & Learning Assessments
Investigating Dyslexia, Dysgraphia & Academic Struggles
- Best for: School-aged children struggling with reading, writing, or maths.
- Includes: WISC-V (IQ), WIAT-III (Academic), and CTOPP-2 (where relevant).
IQ & Cognitive Assessments
Investigating Giftedness & Intellectual Disability
- Best for: Giftedness (IGNITE) applications, NDIS access for Intellectual Disability, or Special School enrolment (where eligible).
- Includes: WISC-V or UNIT-2 (Non-Verbal).
Preschool & Early Childhood Assessments
Investigating Developmental Delays & School Readiness
- Best for: Children aged 2 years 6 months to 6 years where there are concerns about cognitive delays, language development, or readiness for primary school.
- Includes: WPPSI-IV (Preschool IQ) or similar developmental tools to map their milestones against age expectations.
3. Child Therapy & Counselling
Building Resilience & Emotional Regulation
We provide individual therapy sessions tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our approach is warm, engaging, and evidence-based.
We can support your child with:
- Anxiety & Worry: Separation anxiety, phobias, and general worry.
- Emotional Regulation: Managing anger, frustration, and ‘meltdowns’.
- School Issues: School refusal, bullying, and peer conflict.
- Neurodivergent Support: Affirming support for children with Autism (ASD) and ADHD.
Funding & Fees:
- Medicare Subsidised: We are a private billing practice. However, with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, you can claim a significant rebate for up to 10 sessions per year. Please note a gap fee applies.
- NDIS: We accept Self-Managed and Plan-Managed participants.
4. Social Skills Groups
Connecting, Playing & Growing Together
For many children, especially those with Autism (ASD) or social anxiety, making friends can be difficult. Our Social Skills Groups provide a safe, structured environment to practice interaction.
What we focus on:
- Conversation Skills: Listening, taking turns, and staying on topic.
- Emotional Literacy: Reading facial expressions and body language.
- Play Skills: Sharing, losing gracefully, and cooperative play.
Funding: These groups are eligible for NDIS funding (Capacity Building) or can be paid privately.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Dual Assessment involves two clinicians (Registered Psychologist + Speech Pathologist) observing your child. This is considered the “Gold Standard” for complex presentations and is highly regarded by the NDIS. A Single Assessment is conducted by just the Registered Psychologist and is suitable for more straightforward presentations.
- For Assessments: No referral is needed.
- For Therapy: You do not need a referral. However, if you wish to claim a Medicare Rebate, you must obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP before your first session.
No, we are a private billing practice. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare will cover a portion of the fee, and you will pay the remaining gap.
Yes. As we are a private practice, we work with Self-Managed and Plan-Managed participants. NDIS funding is typically available for Therapy, Social Skills Groups, and Functional Capacity Assessments.
Please note: The NDIS generally does not fund diagnostic assessments (such as initial testing for ASD or ADHD) for the purpose of accessing the scheme. We recommend checking with your Plan Manager before booking.
Book Your Free 10-Minute Discussion
Not sure if your child needs a Screener, a Full Assessment, or Therapy?
We offer a complimentary 10-minute pre-intake discussion to answer your questions and ensure we are the right fit for your family.