Getting Assessed for Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)

Understanding Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Intellectual development disorders can impact various aspects of daily life, including learning, communication, and independence. At Psychological Assessments, we offer comprehensive evaluations to identify intellectual disabilities and help individuals access the support they need to thrive.

What is an Intellectual Development Disorder?

Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD, formerly Intellectual Disability) means someone learns and manages daily tasks like communication, managing time and money, and self-care at their own pace, which may be slower than typically expected. It impacts how the person thinks and understands, solves problems, and makes decisions. These challenges appear before the age of 18 and can vary in severity.

What are the Signs Someone has an Intellectual Development Disorder?

What Causes IDD?

Intellectual Development Disorders can result from genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome), complications during pregnancy or birth, or environmental factors such as exposure to toxins or severe malnutrition.

Self-Assessment: Take the quiz

The questions below offer a starting point for helping you identify if you may have ADHD and whether an assessment would be helpful. It is essential to realise that this test is not diagnostic and will not deliver a diagnosis. It is a tool to help you start your investigative journey by helping you identify possible symptoms. As other conditions can sometimes resemble ADHD, it is important to get properly assessed by a professional.

Welcome to your Self-Assessment: Take the quiz

Do you (or your loved one) struggle to pay attention to tasks or activities?

Do you often forget daily activities or things you need to do?

Is being on time consistently a problem?

Is there trouble thinking things through before making decisions?

Is there a lot of fidgeting or difficulty staying still?

Is talking a lot or being unable to do quiet activities an issue?

Are organising tasks and planning activities difficult? Does it become too overwhelming when too much is going on, and you don’t know where to even start?

Do small, overlooked details often lead to mistakes?

Is sitting still for expected periods a challenge? Does moving around, pacing, or fidgeting with things make it easier?

Are you or your loved one easily sidetracked?

Why Get Assessed for Intelectual Development Disorders?

Our comprehensive Intellectual Disability assessments help identify the specific intellectual or developmental disorders affecting you, leading to a better understanding of your condition. Understanding your condition allows for better coordination of support services, including therapy, educational interventions, and community resources. With a clear diagnosis and tailored support, you can manage challenges more effectively, leading to improved daily functioning and overall well-being.

Understand the underlying challenges and how they impact daily functioning.
Use the assessment to access tailored interventions, support services, and funding, such as the NDIS.
Gain practical strategies to support learning, social engagement, and independence.

Making Assessments As Easy As 1-2-3

We believe in making the assessment process as straightforward and supportive as possible. We’ve been on your side, either for ourselves, a loved one, or through work, and we want to make sure this part of the journey is as easy as possible and that the information you receive along the way is easy to understand and implement—as easy as 1-2-3!

01
Let’s chat about whether an assessment is right for you and, if so, which one(s).
02
We’ll gather your information and complete the relevant assessments.
03
We’ll help you understand the assessment’s outcome, what it/they mean, what strategies and supports are recommended, and what needs to happen next.

Who Should Consider an IDD Assessment?

If your child experiences significant developmental delays or struggles with learning and independence, an assessment can clarify their needs.
If daily functioning or independence challenges persist, an assessment can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Intellectual development disorder assessments are often required to access or renew NDIS funding.

How to Prepare for an Assessment

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the assessment process.

We know an assessment can feel intimidating for children, so we do our best to make them feel at ease. You can help by explaining that they will be participating in different activities, all designed to help us understand how they learn and think—and that there are no right or wrong answers. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item can also help your child feel more relaxed. Our goal is to make this process as positive as possible, and we are here to answer any questions before the visit.
Preparing in advance is helpful to get the most out of your assessment. Gather relevant documents, such as previous assessments, medical records, or school reports. Reflect on your current concerns and questions—you’ll have the opportunity to discuss these during your appointment. If you need any accommodations or prefer to bring a support person, please let us know in advance to ensure a comfortable experience.

What to Expect During the Assessment Process

Our assessments are designed to be comfortable, supportive, and thorough. We aim to create a calm and comfy atmosphere to make the experience as stress-free as possible. We hope children and adults find a safe, welcoming space to express themselves freely.

During the assessment, we’ll participate in various activities to help our team understand cognitive, behavioural, and emotional characteristics. These might include reading and writing tasks, phonological awareness exercises, and cognitive testing in a calm, supportive setting.

Intellectual disability assessments typically take 3–4 hours, depending on complexity.

Why Choose Psychological Assessments?

Client-Centered, Flexible Approach

At Psychological Assessments, we understand that every person’s needs are different. We adapt to your schedule and requirements, offering assessments in-clinic, in-home, or online.

Empathy and Expertise

Our highly qualified psychologists combine professional expertise with a real-life understanding of our clients' challenges. We take pride in creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where everyone feels respected and supported.

Clear and Practical Insights

Our assessments go beyond reports—they provide actionable steps that make a real difference. We write in plain English so that everyone involved—from parents to teachers—can understand the recommendations and effectively put them into practice.

Community Engagement

We believe in giving back to our community, advocating for vulnerable groups, and providing accessible services. We also support other professionals through supervision and specialised training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your top questions about our assessments answered.

An intellectual disability assessment evaluates cognitive and adaptive functioning to identify developmental challenges and guide support.

An assessment may provide clarity if there are persistent challenges with learning, independence, or social interactions.

Medicare may cover certain components of an assessment if they are deemed medically necessary and conducted by a qualified healthcare professional. However, the extent of coverage can vary, and it’s best to consult with Medicare or your healthcare provider for specific details.

Private health insurance may cover part of the cost of an Intellectual Developmental Disorder assessment, depending on your policy and whether it includes coverage for psychological or developmental assessments. Check directly with your insurance provider to confirm your level of coverage and any applicable rebates.

Yes, intellectual disability assessments are often covered by NDIS funding. Contact us to learn more.

Intellectual disability assessments typically take 3–4 hours, including testing and reporting.

How Can We Help?

At Psychological Assessments, we go beyond delivering a report—we provide practical tools, clear guidance, and compassionate support tailored to your unique situation. Whether it’s helping you access funding, creating learning strategies, or fostering independence, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Contact our experienced team today to book an intellectual disability assessment or discuss your needs.