Diagnosis

Assessments prepared for the court are often concerned with questions of likely cause, intent, the extent of impairment, and future care and capacity. 

These assessments require a close examination of relevant documents, a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological examination, and a statistically defensible analysis of the results. Opinions are then provided based on the most up-to-date, accepted knowledge within relevant literature and research.

These are often requested when there is a trigger for doubting someone's capacity to manage financial, lifestyle, accommodation or health decisions on account of brain impairment or suspected brain impairment. These assessments form part of the evidence that can often be provided to entities such as the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) for a wider consideration of someone's capacity to make their own decisions.

Improvement in functioning after brain injury starts from a thorough understanding of your life and aspirations. The formal assessment gives some ideas about strengths and weaknesses and which specific approaches might be tried. Techniques draw on a blend of education, learning theory, motivational interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Sometimes one or two sessions will be indicated and on occasion more extensive work is required.