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Assessment Processes

1. Psychological Assessment - Adult (18+)

Purpose

This assessment is designed to help identify and better understand mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or trauma-related difficulties. Through a combination of questionnaires and a clinical interview, we gather a clear picture of your experiences and challenges. The results allow us to provide personalized recommendations, which may include treatment options, coping strategies, and referrals for additional support. The goal is to give you greater clarity about your mental health and guide you toward the most helpful next steps.

What to Expect

Summary Letter – You’ll be given a short letter that outlines your diagnosis and key recommendations.

Questionnaires – You’ll complete some forms to share background information.

Interview – You’ll meet with a clinician for about 2 hours to talk through your concerns.

Feedback Session – A few weeks later, you’ll meet with a psychologist (45 minutes) to review your results and receive recommendations.

2. Psychoeducational Assessment - Adult (16+)

Ensure you have eaten beforehand and bring snacks/lunch and drinks, so you are prepared to do testing for several hours. The testing takes an average of 4-5 hours, depending on the client. Please also ensure that you do not use your phone or devices during the assessment as this may serve as a distraction. If you are currently taking any ADHD medication, we kindly ask that you do not take it on the day of your assessment. This helps us gain a more accurate understanding of your baseline functioning.

You will receive some questionnaires to complete throughout the assessment process. You will be meeting with the psychometrist on the day of your assessment. The assessment is conducted by a team, including psychometrists (i.e., the examiner), psychological associates, and a psychologist. With your consent, the assessment will be video recorded to assist the team with scoring, report writing, and allow the psychologist to observe you directly. 

The virtual clinical interview(s) will take place about 2 weeks after the testing is finished. You will be asked some questions about symptoms and history. During the time that your results are being analyzed, you may be asked to complete additional measures. All measures and forms must be submitted before the feedback session. The team works together to synthesize the report.

About 3 weeks after the clinical interview, once we receive the last piece of information from you, your virtual feedback appointment will take place. During this appointment, the clinician will review the report, results, and recommendations, as well as any diagnoses that were made. The report will be sent to you 5 days after the feedback session.

Recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ADHD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.

3. Psychoeducational Assessment - Child (15 and under)

The testing environment is meant to mimic a formal evaluation experience (e.g., have minimal distractions such as toys in the room).  Ensure your child has eaten beforehand and bring snacks/lunch and drinks so they are prepared to do testing for several hours. The testing takes an average of 4-7 hours, depending on the client. Some children can work longer than we booked for, so packing a meal, snacks, and drinks will be beneficial. Please also ensure that your child does not bring in their phone or devices during the assessment as this may serve as a distraction. If they are currently taking any ADHD medication, we kindly ask that they do not take it on the day of your assessment. This helps us gain a more accurate understanding of their baseline functioning.

You may receive some questionnaires for you and your child's teacher to complete throughout the assessment process. The assessment is conducted by a team, including psychometrists (i.e., the examiner), psychological associates, and a psychologist.  Please bring your child to the office and meet with the psychometrist. After you meet with the psychometrist for the consent process, if you decide to leave for the duration of the assessment, the psychometrist will contact you 30 minutes before the end of the assessment to return to the office to pick up your child. With your consent, the assessment will be video recorded to assist the team with scoring, report writing, and allow the psychologist to observe your child directly.

Your virtual clinical interview(s) will take place about 2 weeks after the testing is finished. You will be asked some questions about symptoms and history. During the time that your results are being analyzed, you may be asked to complete additional measures. All measures and forms must be submitted before the feedback session. The team works together to synthesize the report.

About 3 weeks after the clinical interview, once we receive the last piece of information from you, your virtual feedback appointment will take place. During this appointment, the clinician will review the report, results, and recommendations, as well as any diagnoses that were made. The report will be sent to you 5 days after the feedback session.

Recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ADHD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.  

4. Autism Observational Assessment - Young Children (4-5 years)

The testing environment is meant to mimic a formal evaluation experience (e.g., have minimal distractions such as toys in the room).  Ensure your child has eaten beforehand and bring snacks/lunch and drinks so they are prepared to do testing for several hours. The testing takes an average of 4 hours, depending on the client. Please also ensure that your child does not bring in their phone or devices during the assessment as this may serve as a distraction. If they are currently taking any ADHD medication, we kindly ask that they do not take it on the day of your assessment. This helps us gain a more accurate understanding of their baseline functioning.

You may receive some questionnaires for you and your child's teacher to complete throughout the assessment process. The assessment is conducted by a team, including psychometrists (i.e., the examiner), psychological associates, and a psychologist.  Please bring your child to the office and meet with the psychometrist . After you meet with the psychometrist for the consent process, if you decide to leave for the duration of the assessment, we will contact you 30 minutes before the end of the assessment to return to the office to pick up your child. With your consent, the assessment will be video recorded to assist the team with scoring, report writing, and allow the psychologist to observe your child directly.

Your virtual clinical interview(s) will take place about 2 weeks after the testing is finished. You will be asked some questions about symptoms and history. During the time that your results are being analyzed, you may be asked to complete additional measures. The clinical interviews and questionnaires are designed to detect ASD. All measures and forms must be submitted before the feedback session. The team works together to synthesize the report.

About 3 weeks after the clinical interview, once we receive the last piece of information from you, your feedback appointment will take place. During this 45-minute virtual appointment, the clinician will review the report, results, and recommendations, as well as any diagnoses that were made. The report will be sent to you 5 days after the feedback session.

Recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ASD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.

You may expect the assessment to go a certain way, however there may be things that delay the assessment such as technological issues which may lead to frustration. We will ask for your patience to handle the situation. If at any point there is an issue, please let the clinician know so they can address it right away.

5. ASD Assessment - Child (15 and under)

The testing environment is meant to mimic a formal evaluation experience (e.g., have minimal distractions such as toys in the room).  Ensure your child has eaten beforehand and bring snacks/lunch and drinks so they are prepared to do testing for several hours. The testing takes an average of 4-7 hours (*if doing the observational interview, 1 extra hour), depending on the client. Some children can work longer than we booked for, so packing a meal, snacks, and drinks will be beneficial. Please also ensure that your child does not bring in their phone or devices during the assessment as this may serve as a distraction. If they are currently taking any ADHD medication, we kindly ask that they do not take it on the day of your assessment. This helps us gain a more accurate understanding of their baseline functioning.

You may receive some questionnaires for you and your child's teacher to complete throughout the assessment process. The assessment is conducted by a team, including psychometrists (i.e., the examiner), psychological associates, and a psychologist.  Please bring your child to the office and meet with the psychometrist. After you meet with the psychometrist for the consent process, if you decide to leave for the duration of the assessment, we will contact you 30 minutes before the end of the assessment to return to the office to pick up your child. With your consent, the assessment will be video recorded to assist the team with scoring, report writing, and allow the psychologist to observe your child directly.

Your virtual clinical interview(s) will take place about 2 weeks after the testing is finished. You will be asked some questions about symptoms and history. During the time that your results are being analyzed, you may be asked to complete additional measures. The clinical interviews and questionnaires are designed to detect ASD. All measures and forms must be submitted before the feedback session. The team works together to synthesize the report.

About 3 weeks after the clinical interview, once we receive the last piece of information from you, your feedback appointment will take place. During this 45-minute virtual appointment, the clinician will review the report, results, and recommendations, as well as any diagnoses that were made. The report will be sent to you 5 days after the feedback session.

Recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ASD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.

You may expect the assessment to go a certain way, however there may be things that delay the assessment such as technological issues which may lead to frustration. We will ask for your patience to handle the situation. If at any point there is an issue, please let the clinician know so they can address it right away.

6. ASD Assessment - Adult (16+)

Ensure you have eaten beforehand and bring snacks/lunch and drinks so you are prepared to do testing for several hours. The testing takes an average of 4-5 hours, depending on the client. Please also ensure that you do not use your phone or devices during the assessment as this may serve as a distraction, If you are currently taking any ADHD medication, we kindly ask that you do not take it on the day of your assessment. This helps us gain a more accurate understanding of your baseline functioning.

You will receive some questionnaires to complete throughout the assessment process. You will be meeting with the psychometrist on the day of your assessment. The assessment is conducted by a team, including psychometrists (i.e., the examiner), psychological associates, and a psychologist. With your consent, the assessment will be video recorded to assist the team with scoring, report writing, and allow the psychologist to observe you directly.

Your virtual clinical interview(s) will take place about 2 weeks after the testing is finished. You and the people providing collateral information will be asked some questions about symptoms and history. During the time that your results are being analyzed, you may be asked to complete additional measures. The clinical interviews and questionnaires are designed to detect ASD. All measures and forms must be submitted before the feedback session. The team works together to synthesize the report.

About 3 weeks after the clinical interview, once we receive the last piece of information from you, your feedback appointment will take place. During this 45-minute virtual appointment, the clinician will review the report, results, and recommendations, as well as any diagnoses that were made. The report will be sent to you 5 days after the feedback session.

Recommendations and services available will be explained for support with ASD, learning difficulties, and mental health problems, if applicable.

You may expect the assessment to go a certain way, however there may be things that delay the assessment such as technological issues which may lead to frustration. We will ask for your patience to handle the situation. If at any point there is an issue, please let the clinician know so they can address it right away.  

7. ADHD Assessment - Adult (18+)

During the assessment, the clinician will conduct an ADHD interview with you to discuss your symptoms, symptom onset, and history. More specific information helps with the diagnostic process. The information from the clinical interview and the measures and questionnaires will be evaluated to determine if you have ADHD. It is important to note that this assessment does not guarantee an ADHD diagnosis or that you may receive additional diagnoses depending on your results. Your feedback session will take place about 2 weeks after the assessment and you'll receive a diagnostic letter after the session.

To do after the assessment:

After the assessment you will receive an invitation from Cognifit to complete an online cognitive test for ADHD. You may receive other questionnaires and that will be determined by the clinician after speaking with you. All questionnaires and measures must be completed before the feedback session.

8. Personality Assessment

The process is a 2-3 hour clinical interview with Dr. Syb to talk about symptoms and history. You would also have self-report measures to complete at home. 

The assessment screens for personality and mental health (anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma). Four weeks after the clinical interview, you would meet with our psychologist virtually for the feedback session to review your results and recommendations. About 5 days after this feedback session, we would send you a report outlining these results and recommendations for treatment.

This type of assessment is beneficial in helping to determine the type of treatment you need (therapy, medication, etc.). You can bring the report to your doctor or psychiatrist.

9. Psychovocational Assessment + Personality Assessment

The process includes some virtual testing with one of our psychometrists, a clinical interview with one of our clinicians to talk about symptoms and history, and some questionnaires/measures for you to complete on your own.

The assessment screens for personality, mental health (anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma), cognitive functioning, the alignment of vocational interests, and vocational skills. About four weeks after the assessment, you would meet with our psychologist virtually to review your results and recommendations. Shortly after this feedback session, we would send you a report outlining these results and recommendations for treatment. Recommendations may include treatment options, vocational pursuits, and programs. You can bring the report to your doctor or psychiatrist.

10. Basic Cognitive/Memory Assessment

Purpose: We assess if your memory is intact by looking at problem descriptors. Gives an overview of cognitive functioning but not diagnostic. Evaluates the status of memory functioning of short-term memory and long-term memory.

  • Determining what the problems are will help determine what kind of treatment you should get, if applicable

Process:

  • Output from the Cognifit will be sent and you'll be asked to complete a set of questionnaires.
  • Our psychometrists would do intake, and provide follow-up questions. (2 hours)
  • Cognifit will sent to you following the assessment.
  • A clinician will provide the feedback 2-weeks after the initial assessment. (45 minutes)

Post-Assessment Resources for Autism

Resources for Autism

Changing Outcomes for Individuals with Autism

Dr. Luke Beardon's principle, often referred to as the "Golden Equation," states that the outcome for an autistic individual is the result of their autism combined with their environment. This equation "Autism + Environment = Outcomes" underscores that the environment significantly influences the experiences and outcomes for autistic individuals, rather than attributing challenges solely to their neurology. According to Beardon, if you want a successful outcome and recognize that an autistic person cannot change their brain, the only variable you can modify is the environment.

This principle suggests that by adjusting the environment to better suit the needs of autistic people, through understanding, acceptance, and reasonable adjustments, society can significantly improve their quality of life and outcomes. It also implies that the environment, which includes the people within it, plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences and outcomes for autistic individuals.

Dr. Beardon's work emphasizes the importance of changing attitudes and practices to create more inclusive and supportive environments for autistic individuals, highlighting the need for genuine knowledge about autism to foster acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity.

Creating a Supportive Environment

To focus on creating a supportive environment that allows you to thrive. Here are some overview recommendations to consider as you move forward: 

  • Establishing routines can help reduce stress and provide a sense of stability. Modifying your environment to address sensory sensitivities, can make a significant difference in your comfort and focus.
  • Advocate for Yourself: Understanding your strengths and challenges is key to self-advocacy. Empower yourself by making choices that reflect your needs within the various aspects of your daily life.
  • Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being: Integrate small stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing within your day, and engage with activities that recharge you. Seek extra help when needed from family or a therapist. Creating self-care routines, such as maintaining good sleep, nutrition, and hygiene habits, can also support your overall well-being.
  • Connect with Others in Ways That Feel Comfortable: Connecting with others who understand your experience can reduce feelings of isolation, though this may not always feel easy or natural. It’s important to find spaces where you feel comfortable, whether through support groups or online communities, to share experiences and learn from others at your own pace.
  • Seek Workplace/Educational Accommodations: Seek accommodations that cater to your needs, like flexible hours or quiet spaces, to ensure you can perform at your best without unnecessary stress.
  • Focus on Your Strengths and Interests: Lean into your personal interests and talents (things that come more easily to you). Doing so can help you find fulfilling career paths and activities that bring joy and a sense of purpose.

Online, Books, and Local Resources for Support

Engaging with other autistic individuals through online communities and sharing insights can foster a sense of connection, reduce feelings of isolation, and inspire new ways to thrive. Shifting the focus toward creating supportive environments, as opposed to adhering strictly to standard methods, can help individuals feel more understood and empowered.

Below is a list of websites and organizations, including Ontario-based and broader resources, that offer valuable information, community connections, and support for autistic individuals, particularly women.

Ontario-Based Resources

  • Autism Ontario
    A leading source of autism information in Ontario, offering support groups, webinars, and online events for individuals and families.
    Website: autismontario.com
  • Asperger's Society of Ontario (ASO)
    The only Ontario agency solely devoted to serving individuals with Level 1 ASD and their families, providing education and support.
    Website: asontario.org
  • Kerry's Place Autism Services
    Offers skill-building and support programs across Ontario, including social and life skills groups.
    Website: kerrysplace.org
  • Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
    Provides services and support for children and youth with autism, including access to resources and community programs.
    Website: ontario.ca
  • Toronto Central Autism Support Directory
    A directory of autism services in Toronto, including support groups and local organizations.
    Website: torontocentralhealthline.ca

General Resources

  • National Autistic Society Online Community
    A platform for autistic individuals and families to connect, share experiences, and find support.
    Website: autism.org.uk
  • Autism Speaks - Finding Your Community
    Lists national and online autism-friendly community groups and resources for connection and support.
    Website: autismspeaks.org
  • Autism Empowerment
    Provides resources, support groups, and community connections for women and girls on the autism spectrum.
    Website: autismempowerment.org
  • Autistic Women's Group
    An online support group offering a safe space for autistic women to share experiences and strategies.
    Website: autisticwomensgroup.com
  • Autistic Girls Network
    Aims to raise awareness and provide community support for autistic girls and women.
    Website: autisticgirlsnetwork.org 

Articles and Books for Individuals with Autism

  • Association for Autism and Neurodiversity offers a free downloadable e-book called “All About Being Autistic.”
  • Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett - This book provides a comprehensive understanding of autism in females, covering topics such as diagnosis, relationships, and mental health.
  • Autism and Masking: How and Why People Do It, and the Impact It Can Have by Barrie Gill and Emma Dunn - This book explores the concept of masking and its effects on individuals with autism, particularly women.
  • Unmasking Autism by Barrie Gill and Emma Dunn - This book delves into the experiences of autistic women, discussing topics such as diagnosis, relationships, and self-acceptance.
  • The Autistic State of Mind: The Chaotic Symphony of a Late-Diagnosed Woman’s Mind by Laura James - This memoir offers a personal and relatable account of the author’s experiences as an autistic woman, covering topics such as diagnosis, relationships, and self-acceptance.
  • Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism edited by Barb Cook and Tony Attwood - This anthology features personal stories and reflections from autistic women, providing a unique perspective on the experiences of women on the autism spectrum.
  • Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Autism Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O’Toole - This memoir offers a personal and engaging account of the author’s experiences as an autistic woman, covering topics such as diagnosis, relationships, and self-acceptance.
  • Women with Autism: Accepting and Embracing Autism Spectrum Disorder as You Move Towards an Authentic Life by Jack Ph.D. and Claire - This book provides a comprehensive guide for adult females with autism, covering topics such as self-acceptance, relationships, and personal growth.
  • Articles written by a psychologist with autism, Dr. Neff at Neurodivergentinsights.org provides insights, tips, and education for individuals diagnosed with autism and their families.
  • Looking After Your Autistic Self by Niamh Garvey
  • Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum by Sarah Hendrickx

Governmental Support

Services specific to individuals with disabilities could assist you with daily functioning as well as provide programs.

Depression

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder):

Depression is common but few seek help to fix it. People tend to feel ashamed about feeling “weak” which leads them to hide their emotional pain, deny the seriousness of the problem, and put off getting help.
Depression is treatable.

Depression is when you feel persistent, intense sadness and ongoing feelings of low motivation, and low energy. Depression can cause a disturbance in thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical health that can limit your quality of life, affect relationships, and limit your ability to get things done. Depression is more than being sad or feeling grief after a loss. There are subtypes of depression, like seasonal affective disorder (see below), dysthymia (a longer-lasting and sometimes less “intense” form of major depression) or postpartum depression (a mood disorder associated with becoming a new parent).

Your mental health care provider will identify the type of depression you have and explain how to treat it.

Treatment: CBT Group

10-week online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group therapy program to assist individuals with complaints of mild to moderate depression.

This group therapy program is structured like a course to provide psychoeducation and strategies about the cause and maintenance factors of depression and recommendations to practice skills promoted to help improve:

Mood

Energy

Motivation

Sleep

Concentration

Weekly content will cover:

  • Behavioural activation, goal setting, and activity scheduling
  • Link between emotions and behaviours
  • Common thinking errors
  • Reduce negative thinking
  • Thought modification skills and strategies
  • Sleep promoting behaviours
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Reengagement with important areas of life (e.g., work, family, friends, school)
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Exclusion criteria:

  • Need immediate psychiatric care (e.g., imminently suicidal patients)
  • Need immediate medical care
  • Meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorders
  • Meet criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Located outside Ontario.

Want to learn more information about our groups, start dates, fees and more?

Contact us today to join the next CBT group or book one-on-one treatment.

Treatment: CBT Individual Treatment

One-on-one CBT Treatment for Depression is available with Peakminds Psychology Services clinicians. Contact us for more information and start feeling better today.

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