Acquired Brain Injury Assessments

What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

An Acquired Brain Injury, or ABI for short, refers to damage to the brain that has occurred after birth. The damage can occur in differing ways and cause different problems for the person affected.

What causes an ABI?

ABIs can result from a variety of factors, for example:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Stroke
• Lack of oxygen to the brain (i.e. heart attack)
• Infection and disease
• Brain tumour
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Neurosurgery

What are the effects of ABI?

The effects of ABI will differ dependent on various factors. Some effects of ABIs can include:

• Weakness, shaking, stiffness or poor balance
• Impaired vision, smell, or touch
• Problems with memory
• Impaired ability to communicate (e.g., slow or slurred speech)
• Altered behaviour and personality

What is the assessment process?

At Bowyer Psychology, our experienced Clinical Neuropsychologists can conduct a comprehensive and holistic assessment to help understand brain-related injury changes, and social and emotional functioning. We accept both self-referrals and referrals from medical practitioners.

The first step in the process is a pre-assessment consultation. This session involves discussing related concerns and for the clinician to obtain relevant information. From here, the assessment is booked in based on the consultation.

The assessment is a comprehensive process that typically involves 2 to 4 hours of psychometric testing. Further questionnaires are sent to relevant personnel that may know the person well. Other collateral information is obtained as needed including imaging results, hospital records, or specialist letters.

Once the assessment is complete, the Neuropsychologist will compile a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the assessment. The findings will be discussed in a feedback session conducted approximately 4 weeks after the assessment.

Our clinicians within their report provide individualised recommendations including relevant accommodations to best support the individual. As our clinicians are clinically trained, our reports are approved by the NDIS.

How much does an assessment cost?

Please contact our friendly admin team on (08) 6317 6000 or email to enquiries@bowyerpsychology.com.au for details on pricing. Our fee is inclusive of all testing required; questionnaires; review of collateral information; a comprehensive report; and a 1-hour feedback session.

Are the diagnosis and comprehensive report accepted by NDIS?

Yes, our reports are accepted by the NDIS as our clinicians have the appropriate clinical training recognised by the NDIS.

Further supports available:

We can provide further support after the assessment process to continue care. This can include:

• Neuropsychologically informed strategies and tailored interventions with our Clinical Neuropsychologists.
• Individual evidence-based interventions with our Child/Adolescent or Adult Clinical Psychologists.