Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours are needed to complete an Autism assessment?
These assessments vary from one child to the next and included detailed investigations into the child's strengths, challenges, and diagnostic presentation. On average, direct testing time can take anywhere from 6 to 10+ hours, depending on the nature of the presenting problem. Non-direct time, which includes scoring, interpretation, and writing, typically ranges from 12-18 hours.
What do ADHD assessments involve?
We are always mindful of collecting only information necessary to inform any diagnostic question. In order to assess ADHD on its own, there are two main options. The first would be to discuss your concerns with your child's paediatrician. Depending on the situation, these professionals may be able to provide guidance around a possible diagnosis. If you are interested in better understanding your child's strengths, challenges, and areas for growth in the context of a possible ADHD diagnosis, a full psycho-educational assessment would likely be of more value. This may include intellectual, learning, behavioral, and emotion-based testing and interpretation.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Unfortunately we do not have capacity at this time to offer this option. You are encouraged to look into your personal health care coverage for psychology services. Alternatively, publicly funded services are available through Alberta Health Services and in some cases, local school boards for which your child is attending.
What options are available to families with an FSCD contract?
Dr. Jen is able to direct bill FSCD for services; however, most family's contracts only cover about $100 or less per hour of psychology services. FSCD offers various levels of financial support for psychology, both in term of the amount paid per hour and the number of hours allocated to this service per year. Dr. Jen is flexible and willing to talk with you about your family's needs and see how to best support the contract you have in combination with what you're looking for. In most cases, family's will pay out of pocket for the differential amount to what their contract allows per hour; however, there is room for discussion. Dr. Jen is also able to come to your home to work directly with you and your child (if suitable); however, she does not currently have the capacity to take on a full team lead role for family's with a full FSCD contract.
Why did you name the practice after the Azalea flower?
We actually get this question a lot! According to 'Google', the Azalea flower is very beautiful and unique, but requires quite a lot of TLC in order to see it grow and bloom to its full potential. Lots of attention, care, and knowledge is required, but the benefit in the end of such efforts is a gorgeous flower. We felt that many of the children we see in our practice are much like the Azalea flower - when given the full supports they need by caregivers and practitioners that understand them, they grow into balanced, healthy, (and beautiful) adults.