ADHD & Autism Assessments
Have you been searching for services related to getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis? Look no further!
Our efficient online assessment process ensures we save you both time and money on your diagnosis.
See more information about our program below!
What Makes This Program Different?
We are completely online! This allows us to see anyone living in New Zealand with an internet connection. The flow-on effect has meant we have eliminated the cost of renting commercial space with all our professionals working online from home. This savings has been passed on to you in our sliding scale fees.
You are sent all your questionnaires and observer reports prior to your appointment. This allows us, in the background, to organise and start on your report before seeing the Psychologist. It gives the Psychologist a better understanding of you before they meet you and they can ask tailored questions as a result. We find with all the information we gather ahead of time, this appointment only needs to be about an hour.
Once the appointment is completed, the team email your report and any referral information within approximately 3-4 weeks.
Is This An Official Diagnosis?
Yes, we are qualified to conduct psychological evaluations and grant official diagnoses when a client meets the diagnostic criteria. With the appropriate release, we can forward your assessment to others on your treatment team (counsellors, prescribers, et cetera), and we are happy to answer any questions they have about our team’s qualifications as well.
Please understand that if your goal in getting an assessment is medication, you will still need to have this verified by a licensed Psychiatrist prior to being prescribed meds for ADHD outside of Canterbury.
We do not have a private in-house Psychiatrist at this time. If you are a Psychiatrist offering this kind of service and want to be part of The ACFB Fund, please email us at: info@acfbfund.org.nz to organise a meeting to talk more.
Psychological Assessment Team
Dr. Natalie Peart
Clinical Psychologist
Natalie holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Auckland. She has many years of experience working with ADHD and autism in the community and private organisation, working across all age ranges. Natalie is also a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland and enjoys performing in theatre and playing netball.
Kiia Naidoo
Educational Psychologist
Kiia comes with a wealth of experience running ADHD and autism assessments at her role with the Ministry of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psych), Masters of Applied Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology, and Post Graduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology.
Kate Nitschke
Educational Psychologist
Kate has nearly ten years experience as an Educational Psychologist working with the Ministry of Education and within a girls’ secondary school. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Education), a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology, a Masters in Educational Psychology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice.
Sarah Harrison
Psychologist
Sarah has 4 years experience in special education, providing behaviour support and psychological services to children and youth with existing diagnoses. Sarah is joining our team as an Intern Psychologist to develop her skills in conducting initial assessments for our neurodivergent population.
Amber Stapleton
Psychologist
Amber is a General Psychologist registered in NZ and Australia, and is located in the Bay of Plenty. She has extensively worked in Paediatrics and Private Practice, undertaking comprehensive ADHD, ASD, Education and Cognitive Assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
For more information about our Clinical Director, Amy Marschall:
Can I Get A Prescription for my ADHD?
We employ psychologists, not medical doctors or psychiatrists. As such we are unable to prescribe medication for ADHD or any other diagnosis. We can provide information about whether or not you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Many people with ADHD benefit from medication intervention for their symptoms. However, a psychologist does not determine which medication (if any) is appropriate for an individual. With your consent, we can forward your diagnosis to your GP, psychiatrist, our preferred referrer, The Nelson Clinic, or other healthcare provider. However, we cannot and would not tell a prescriber what they should or should not prescribe.
In other words, we cannot guarantee what options your prescriber will or will not offer you based on our diagnosis (stimulant-wise), however, we can refer you successfully with this official diagnosis to the appropriate medical provider.
If you have questions about your medication options, we strongly encourage you to talk to your GP first about who would prescribe medication if you were diagnosed with ADHD and if they have special requirements for a psychological report to access medication options.
What is the fee scale?
Making Mental Health Support Accessible
At The ACFB Fund, we believe that everyone deserves access to mental health support and resources, regardless of their circumstances. Our mission is to break down barriers and foster a society that embraces inclusivity, resilience, and well-being.
