Child & Teen Psychology Support in Shellharbour, NSW

Anna Shewan provides specialist paediatric psychology services to children and adolescents. Our highly experienced clinical psychologist Anna Shewan specialises in child and adolescent mental health, offering personalised therapy to help young people overcome obstacles and flourish in emotional health and growth. Through comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, we support children and families with the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Assessment and Diagnostic Services

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anna has a particular interest and experience in autism spectrum disorder. She seeks to support families from the initial assessment and formal diagnosis through to ongoing therapeutic support when available. Assessment involves the use of "gold standard" tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2); a parent/carer interview that may involve the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) when deemed necessary; and questionnaires, including those relevant to girls.

Developmental Delay: Specialist Griffiths III Developmental Assessment

Anna is one of the very few psychologists qualified to administer the Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition (GSCD III) (Griffiths III). The Griffiths III is a specialist developmental assessment tool used to evaluate the abilities of children from birth to six years of age. This assessment provides detailed information across key developmental areas and is particularly useful for identifying early developmental concerns and therefore informing timely early interventions.

Cognitive/Intellectual Assessment (WPPSI-IV / WISC V)

Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC V). These assessments are used to assess overall intellectual level and potential cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Assessment helps determine learning capacity, identify intellectual disability when used along with current adaptive behaviour measures such as the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS 3), and assess giftedness. Intellectual Disability – WPPSI-IV or WISC V and current adaptive behaviour measures – Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS). Identification and diagnosis are important to determine access to supports, accommodations and increasing independence.

Giftedness

Anna provides intellectual assessments to assess for possible giftedness. Identification of giftedness helps to determine whether a child would benefit from more challenging or accelerated learning opportunities and builds on their strengths. A comprehensive assessment may also seek to determine whether the child is also on the autism spectrum or has ADHD or anxiety, often referred to as "twice exceptional". Therapy, upon availability, may be offered to assist with challenges.

Specific Learning Disorder

Assessment for Specific Learning Disorders, such as dyslexia, includes a cognitive assessment, such as the WISC-V, and an academic achievement assessment, such as the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT-III). To determine whether a child meets the criteria for a specific learning disorder, the child's IQ results are compared with their academic achievement results to identify any significant discrepancy.

Therapy Services

Depending on the child's age and developmental level, therapy services include neuroaffirming and evidence-based interventions such as the following:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Anna provides therapy for mental health conditions such as anxiety, low-level mild depression and neurodivergence. Services include developing social skills, emotional regulation, ADHD management, and strategies to assist with bullying.

A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

While operating as a sole practitioner, Anna's practice operates within a multidisciplinary team setting and approach, meaning that children can access a range of professionals under the one roof, resulting in more cohesive and effective support for families.

Support your child's wellbeing and call our psychology clinic on (02) 4295 1173 to book an appointment today.