What should I expect from my assessment?

• Initial contact
• After we receive the Grow Neuro referral form, we’ll begin with a brief phone call to understand your needs and what you are hoping to gain from our services.
• Your key contact person
• You will have a dedicated team member who will be your main point of contact throughout the process.
• Complete optional screening questionnaire
• If you feel they would be helpful. These can give us a clearer starting point and help gude your child/ young persons support, but they are completely optional.
• Meeting in a place that feels comfortable
• We typically meet you in your home or another space where you feel at ease for the initial interview. Office spaces are also available if preferred.
• Initial interview
• During this conversation, we’ll begin to learn about your family’s story — your child’s strengths, interests, and the challenges you’re currently experiencing.
• Observations in key environments
• Where possible, we aim to see your child or young person in the places they spend time, such as home and school, and speak with important people in their life such as their teacher. This helps us build a full and meaningful picture of their everyday experiences.
• Questionnaires
• We have a range of questionnaires available. We will select the ones most relevant to your situation to help us understand your child’s strengths, needs, and support context.
• Time with your young person
• We will spend time getting to know your child or young person through play, conversation, or other activities that feel natural and comfortable for them.
• Sharing previous reports
• We may ask for any previous assessments or reports that are relevant, so we can ensure our understanding is as complete as possible.
• Written report and discussion
• You will receive a written report outlining the assessment findings, along with an opportunity to meet with us to discuss the results, ask questions, and plan next steps together.

We have been given a diagnosis – Now what?

• Your assessment report will include practical, easy‑to‑use ideas and strategies that you can start using straight away to continue building on your child’s strengths.
• It will also offer guidance on neurodivergent‑affirming agencies, services, and supports that align with your child’s needs and what you are hoping for as a family.
• We can also help you understand your child’s diagnosis (if one is given) in a clear and supportive way, and talk through what it may mean for them moving forward.
• Alongside this, our team can provide Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech‑Language Therapy (SLT) support where helpful, so you have access to a range of professionals who can walk alongside you.
• Where relevant, we can also support you to connect with your local Needs Assessor and Autism Coordinator, ensuring you know what community and funding supports may be available.

We didn’t get a diagnosis – What next?

• Your report will provide a comprehensive and thoughtful overview of your child’s strengths, alongside any areas where they may need extra support. This is provided regardless of the diagnostic outcome. It will include practical, meaningful suggestions to help you support your young person in daily life, and will guide you toward services and agencies that may be helpful for your whānau.

How much does an assessment cost?

• Our fees vary depending on the type of assessment, your child’s unique needs, and the location of the assessment. We also recognise that families come in many different forms, and sometimes it’s important for us to spend time with several caregivers or key people in your child’s life. When this is needed, it may influence the overall cost, and we will talk this through with you so everything is clear from the outset.
• Autism assessments: typically $2000
• ADHD assessments: typically $2000
• Combined Autism and ADHD: typically $2400
• Sensory and communication assessments (OT and SLT): costs can vary depending on your child’s needs.
  Please contact us so we can understand what you’re looking for and provide an accurate estimate.
• Travel outside Christchurch city boundaries: may include an additional charge based on distance and time
• Optional screening questionnaires: If helpful, we can also offer screening questionnaires before the assessment begins. Screening questionnaires cost $50. If you decide to continue with the full assessment, this amount will be deducted from your total fee.
• Attendance at any follow up meetings not included in the diagnostic assessment process– such as meetings with school staff or other involved professionals- is charged seperately at a rate of $200 per meeting.
• Payment of fees: half payment is due prior to the assessment commencing and the remaining half prior to receiving the diagnostic report.

What if I’m not based in CHCH?

• We will need to meet with you and your child in person for the key parts of the assessment. This helps us develop an accurate and meaningful understanding of their strengths, needs, and everyday experiences.
• Seeing your child in a natural, familiar setting—such as at home, school, or another place they regularly spend time—can be especially helpful. These settings give us a clearer picture of how they interact, communicate, and engage in their day‑to‑day world.
• We also have comfortable rooms available in the city if you prefer to come to us for your assessment sessions.
• Some later or follow‑up sessions may be able to be completed online, depending on what works best for your family and the nature of the assessment.
• As mentioned earlier, travel outside Christchurch city boundaries may involve a small additional cost based on distance and time. We will always talk this through with you ahead of time so there are no surprises.

Do I need a referral?

• We welcome self-referrals as well as referrals from GPs, schools and other healthcare providers.Grow Neuro referral form.

What happens if we feel medication is needed?

• Medication is a personal choice. We are unable to provide medication, however we can guide you through the process of accessing a health professional who can support you with this if desired.