Welcome to Aspire
Psychological Assessment
Psychological assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help arrive at some hypotheses about a person and their behaviour, personality, needs and strengths or capabilities.
Neuropsychological or Developmental Assessment
Neuropsychological assessment is carried out to assess the extent of impairment to a particular skill or cognitive function and to attempt to determine the area of the brain which is affected. We endeavour to ensure our practices are neurodiversity-affirming and focus on strengths and talents as well as difficulties.
Developmental assessment is carried out to determine a person's developmental level across all domains of development: cognitive, social, emotional, motor, speech and communication, adaptive behaviour, and independent living skills.
A combination of these assessment types as well as standardised clinical measures are used to diagnose specific learning disorders, autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, or current level of functioning in adults with intellectual disability, Down's Syndrome, or autism.
Trauma-Informed Mental Health Assessment
Trauma-informed mental health assessment offers a structured framework for (1) gathering information across several key domains of functioning, (2) identifying and addressing the needs of children and families exposed to traumatic events, and (3) coding and summarizing this information, so that it can be communicated to families and other providers.
We specialise in assessing and working with traumatised individuals who also have disabilities or are neurodivergent.
Found out why Trauma Informed mental health assessment is so important in this powerful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v13XamSYGBk
Found out more about Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and how the integrated core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, families, and the communities in which they live.
Post-stroke & Memory Clinic
Post-stroke or Memory Concerns assessment
We offer neuropsychological assessment for adults who have experienced a stroke or who are concerned about their memory.
This may be a baseline measure of memory and/or a dementia screening, or an assessment of areas commonly impacted by stroke, including adjustment & mental health.
Early diagnosis is crucial and leads to better adjustment, slowing of progression, and opportunity for forward planning. In order to ensure informed decision-making about undertaking assessment, we offer pre-assessment counselling to ensure the person has a full understanding of the reasons for referral; what assessment will involve; the possible outcomes of an assessment; and implications for other areas of life; and opportunity for the person and their family to discuss their experiences, concerns and fears.
All assessments are conducted in collaboration with your medical team.
Post-diagnostic intervention & support
Psychosocial interventions post-diagnosis are provided by psychologists and other qualified professionals and are essential for successful adjustment to stroke and/or dementia, particularly for those who do not respond to medication. It promotes psychological well-being by minimising and alleviating psychological distress and facilitating adjustment. Interventions can also enable people with dementia and families to improve self-management.
We aim to link clients with other community services providing post-diagnostic support and can provide psychological consultation to the rest of your network of care if required. For more information see:
Dementia Assessment for adults with Downs Syndrome
We offer both baseline dementia assessment for adults with Down's Syndrome as well as point of concern follow up assessments. People with DS are high risk due to their extra chromosome 21, which also carries the amyloid precursor protein gene and the gene for family history of Alzheimer’s. Evidence of plaques and tangles developing in the brain are seen over the age of 30 in people with DS, hence a baseline screening is recommended as standard practice at age 30. Studies show 80% of people with DS will have dementia by age 65.
Following baseline at age 30, assessment can then be repeated if and when the individual shows signs of decline.
NB. People with intellectual disabilities (without DS) are also high risk, although baseline screenings as standard are not recommended (only at point of concern).
For community support see:
(4) Down syndrome Cayman Islands | Facebook
Mental Capacity Assessment
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A mental capacity assessment should be undertaken when the capacity of an individual to consent to a particular treatment or decision is in doubt. Often this occurs informally with a clinical team, but sometimes a more formal assessment is required for decisions with significant implications or where there is disagreement about an individual's capacity.
One specific form of capacity assessment which we offer is around an individuals' capacity to consent to sex.