FAQ – What is the Assessment?

The aim of our assessment is to gather information that enables us to decide if a Cluas programme would be appropriate and of benefit to a young person. It also provides the initial information which we can use in order to create a young person’s individual programme at Cluas. We do not assess young people in order to give a formal diagnosis.

A developmental Questionnaire is completed in advance by the parents. The assessment itself generally takes about two hours, depending on the age of the client and the assessment procedures that they are able to complete.

Typically for a child aged five plus, the assessment in Dublin will start with Pascal Maher, Clinical Director Cluas or in Cork with Ronan Maher, Programme Director Cluas, meeting the family and explaining the assessment  procedure and reviewing the  developmental Questionnaire with the parents. The child will complete the assessment tests with Pascal or Ronan, supported by the Cluas Listening Therapists. Pascal or Ronan explains in detail the programme we offer, discusses the child’s developmental history and answers any questions the parent may have.

When the child has completed the assessment tests and the results are ready, these will be discussed with the parents and a recommendation will be made.

If we do not feel that a Programme at Cluas is the best option for a child we will advise the parents and make any relevant referrals that are appropriate.

Following the assessment, if a programme is recommeneded for the young person, it is then possible to arrange programme dates and times – this can be done later at the parents’ convenience.