Child Psychological Assessments

Child Psychometric & diagnostic Testing

Think Kids (Singapore) child psychologists are experienced in psychometric & diagnostic testing, such as, Autism assessment and ADHD assessment.

Think Kids (Singapore), in collaboration with Think Psychological Services, offers a wide range of diagnostic and psychometric assessments for both children and young adults.

Think psychologists are professionally trained, externally certified and experienced in interpreting test results for the assessment tools they administer. All assessments reports are vetted by another member of the Think team before being finalised for quality control. We strictly enforce this policy to ensure all our assessments reports are of the highest standard.

Our assessment reports are recognised by the Singapore Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, international schools and local schools across Singapore and internationally.

Examples of areas where we regularly complete assessment and testing include:

All testing and assessments tools used at Think Kids (Singapore) are the latest versions available. 

Please contact us to find out more details about our assessment capabilities at Think Kids Singapore.

Our Process

Our assessment process is comprehensive with no shortcuts.

At Think Kids, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach towards diagnostic assessments of children.

Depending on the type of assessment or intervention needed, the approach to diagnosis may differ.

Below is an example of a typical diagnosis process for a child with behaviour issues:

Initial Intake:

Comprises an interview between the Think psychologist and parent(s) to gather background on the child (development, medical, educational), family history and specific areas of concern. Depending on the situation, additional interviews may be needed with other family members (e.g. siblings, grandparents) and relevant people (e.g. caregivers, teachers).

Observations:

The Think psychologist or therapist will visit your child’s school and/or come to your home to observe how your child functions/behaves in environments where your child is most exposed.

Assessment:

Based on the findings from the initial intake and observation, a Think psychologist will determine if diagnostic assessment testing is needed for the child. In the event testing is determined to be necessary, we will administer a series of internationally recognised standardised tools appropriate for the child’s situation. This testing may be completed over a number of days depending on the specific tests which are administered to ensure the child remains engaged and meaningful responses are achieved.

Report and Feedback:

A formal feedback session will be arranged between the parents and Think psychologist. At this meeting, the Think psychologist will provide a written report on the results of the assessment, diagnosis (if any) and suggested recommendations for the child.

For Schools

Our recommendations are highly valued by educators.

Think is a preferred provider of assessments for a number of international and local schools in Singapore given the comprehensiveness and integrity of our reports.

Think Kids are very familiar with the requirements of the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) and various schools in assessing applications for special accommodations, such as Autism assessment.

Think assessment reports are also accepted by the Education Department in Australia, which has been helpful for expatriates returning home or Singaporeans migrating to Australia.

Our reports have also been accepted in other countries around the world, helping many of our international clients when they relocate overseas.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism?

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is called a “spectrum” disorder because it affects individuals in different ways and to different degrees, ranging from mild to severe.

Autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, although some individuals may not be diagnosed until later in life. Some common signs and symptoms of autism include:

  • Difficulty with social interaction: Individuals with autism may struggle with social interaction, including difficulty with making eye contact, responding to social cues, and engaging in reciprocal conversation.
  • Communication difficulties: Individuals with autism may have delayed or impaired language development, difficulty with understanding and using nonverbal communication, and repetitive or inflexible speech patterns.
  • Repetitive behaviors: Individuals with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping or rocking, and may have difficulty with changes to their routines or environments.
  • Sensory sensitivities: Individuals with autism may have sensitivities to sensory input, such as sound, light, or touch.

The causes of autism are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. There is no cure for autism, but early intervention can help individuals with autism develop skills and improve their quality of life. Therapy may include behavioral interventions, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and medication for co-occurring conditions.

Autism Assessment Process:

The process for autism assessment in Singapore typically involves several steps, which may vary depending on the individual’s age, symptoms, and other factors. Autism assessment process is carried out by a child psychologist at Think Kids clinic in Singapore and may include the following steps:

1. Referral

The child is referred for assessment by a doctor, teacher, parent, or other healthcare professional.

2. Screening

The child is screened for autism using a standardized screening tool, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) or the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) or other appropriate child psychological tool.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation

If the screening indicates the possibility of autism, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted. This evaluation involves a detailed assessment of the individual’s developmental history, behavior, communication skills, social skills, and other relevant factors. This may include clinical observations, interviews with parents and caregivers, and standardized assessments.

4. Diagnosis

Based on the results of the comprehensive evaluation, a diagnosis of autism may be made. The diagnosis is made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a manual used by child psychologists at Think Kids Singapore to diagnose and classify Autism Spectrum Disorder.

5. Therapy and Support

Once a diagnosis of autism is made, management and support options are discussed with the individual and their family. This may include behavioral interventions (such as ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and other supports, depending on the child’s needs.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals’ ability to sustain attention, control impulses, and regulate their activity level. ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning and development. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it can also be diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood.

The symptoms of ADHD can be categorized into three main types:

  1. Inattention: This type of symptom includes difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, distractibility, and difficulty completing tasks.

  2. Hyperactivity: This type of symptom includes excessive restlessness, fidgeting, and difficulty staying still or seated.

  3. Impulsivity: This type of symptom includes difficulty controlling impulses, interrupting others, and acting without thinking about the consequences.

ADHD can have a significant impact on an individual’s academic, social, and emotional functioning, and it can lead to difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, and daily life tasks. While the exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, research suggests that genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors may play a role.

Therapy for ADHD typically includes a combination of medication and behavioral interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, and organizational skills training. These therapies can help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their overall functioning.

ADHD Assessment Process:

The process for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) assessment in Singapore typically involves several steps, which may vary depending on the child’s age, symptoms, and other factors.

The assessment is usually carried out by a child psychologist at Think Kids Singapore clinic.

ADHD assessment process may include the following steps:

1. Referral

The child s referred for assessment by a doctor, teacher, parent, or other healthcare professional.

2. Evaluation

The child undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a clinical interview, medical history, behavioral and developmental assessments, and standardized rating scales relevant to ADHD.

3. Diagnosis

Based on the results of the evaluation, a diagnosis of ADHD may be made. The diagnosis is made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used by child psychologists at Think Kids to diagnose and classify ADHD.

4. Therapy and Support

Once a diagnosis of ADHD is made, therapy and support options are discussed with the individual and their family. This may include behavioral interventions (such as ABA), educational accommodations, and other supports, depending on the child’s needs.