Play and Observational Assessment
A developmentally appropriate and engaging way to better understand your young child.
“Play is the natural language of children. Through structured and organic play observations, we gain profound insights into their world, strengths, and unique pathways to flourishing.”
Would you like to learn about your young child’s strengths and challenges? Do you have some queries about your child’s progress but you don’t want to engage in diagnostic testing at this stage?
Our Play and Observational Assessments are designed for children between approximately 2 and 6 years of age. At this age children are most comfortable expressing themselves through play. We aim to step into the child’s world of play and be guided by them, to better understand their stage of development.
Using toys and games familiar to your child, our experienced psychologists will engage your child in a fun and interactive way. Following the play and observation session, and interviews with you and your child’s educator, you will receive a report which details your child’s developmental progress in several specific areas, including early learning skills, communication and interaction, social and emotional wellbeing, and physical and sensory development. Your psychologist will provide recommendations to assist you and your child’s educators to best support your child.
INDICATORS & MILESTONESCommon reasons for a Play and Observational Assessment
I would like to know if my child is achieving their developmental milestones.
My child’s behaviour seems to be different between home and their education setting.
My child’s educator has flagged a concern around my child’s communication skills.
My child seems to have some difficulty during social interactions.
I would like to know whether my child is ready for the transition to school, and understand what support might be required for starting school.
OUR CLINICAL APPROACHA strengths-focused, supportive environment
At Berry Collective Psychology, our Play and Observational Assessments allow young children to show their strengths and challenges in a natural way. Using familiar toys and games, our psychologist will engage your child in a fun and interactive way. Following the play session, our psychologist will provide recommendations to support your child at home and in their learning environment.
THE PROCESSHow it Works
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Intake call – 15 minutes
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Parent Interview – Up to 1 hour
Your psychologist will seek your insights into your child’s wellbeing and development, and collect all necessary clinical information.
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Educator Interview – 30 minutes
Your psychologist will speak with your child’s lead educator, someone who knows your child well in their learning setting, to seek their insights and queries.
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Play and Observation session – 120 minutes
Your psychologist will gently engage your child in play while observing their skills, interactions, and emotional responses – either at their early education setting or their school.
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Feedback session – Up to 1 hour
You will receive information about your child’s level of development, and a comprehensive written report which includes practical evidence-based strategies to support your child’s development.
Have questions about our process? Talk to our friendly team on 02 9997 6246 or email admin@berrycollective.com.au
FAQs
This assessment is designed for children aged 2–6 years, when play is the most natural way for them to express themselves.
The process involves several steps, including interviews and a 2 hour play/observation session. You’ll also receive a written report during a feedback session, approximately three weeks after the play session.
For children in both early education and at school, our psychologists attend the education setting.
Yes absolutely. We would conduct the play session in our Play Studio at our practice.
No preparation is required. We use familiar toys and games so your child feels comfortable and at ease.
You’ll receive a detailed summary of your child’s developmental progress across several domains including early learning skills, communication and interaction, social and emotional wellbeing, and physical and sensory development. The report will also include recommendations for practical strategies to support your child.
The Play and Observational Assessment is not a diagnostic assessment. Instead, it provides developmental insights and recommendations. If diagnostic testing is required, we may suggest a Diagnostic Assessment.
The report can guide educators with evidence-based strategies to better support your child’s learning and social development in the classroom.
Our Admin team can provide current fees and available rebates when you enquire.
Yes, we encourage both parents or caregivers to attend where possible, so everyone understands the findings and recommendations.
You can request an appointment directly through our website or by calling our Admin team.
A Diagnostic Assessment can be conducted for a child over 6 years of age. A Diagnostic Assessment will answer a specific question about whether your child meets criteria for a particular diagnosis, such as a specific learning disorder (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia), Intellectual Disability, or ADHD. If you have had ongoing concerns about your child’s progress, and you have received guidance from some professionals that a diagnosis may be indicated, then a Diagnostic Assessment may be the best option.
If you are specifically querying a diagnosis of Autism, then an Autism Assessment is likely to be the best option.
If you have more broad and general questions about your child’s developmental progress, you’re curious about how they are doing in several areas, and you are not focused on investigating a diagnosis at this stage, then a Play and Observational Assessment may be the best option.
Our Intake team can provide more information during your intake call, which you can book when you request an appointment.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICESOther Assessments We Offer
Diagnostic Assessments, including Children's ADHD
Investigating ADHD in children, Specific Learning Disorders and Intellectual Disability, with a clear picture of strengths and challenges.
Adult ADHD Assessments
A thorough evaluation of attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, and strengths to guide practical support strategies.
Autism Assessments
Diagnostic and review assessments that honour each individual's unique strengths and support needs.