Neurodevelopmental Assessment in Sligo: What to Expect and Why Your Child Might Need One

01/05/2026

What Is a Neurodevelopmental Assessment?

A neurodevelopmental assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of how a child's brain and nervous system are functioning. Unlike a single diagnostic test (like an ADOS for autism), a neurodevelopmental assessment looks at the underlying building blocks of development:

Primitive reflexes – Are the foundational reflexes integrated or retained?
Sensory processing – Does the child over-respond, under-respond, or seek sensory input?
Motor skills – Gross motor (balance, coordination) and fine motor (handwriting, manipulation)
Visual and auditory processing – How does the brain interpret what the eyes see and ears hear?
Attention and executive function – Can the child sustain focus, shift tasks, and manage impulses?
Functional neurology – Is there evidence of hemispheric imbalance?

The goal is not to label your child. The goal is to understand why they are struggling – and what will actually help.

Why Might Your Child Need a Neurodevelopmental Assessment?

Parents often seek an assessment when:

Concern What Parents Say
Global delay "My child seems behind in everything – walking, talking, playing. But no one can tell me why."
Uneven skills "She is brilliant at puzzles but cannot catch a ball. How can she be so advanced in one area and so behind in another?"
School struggles "He is bright but failing. The teachers say he is not trying. I know he is trying."
Behavioural concerns "She melts down every day. We thought it was just the 'terrible twos' – but she is 6."
Sensory issues "He screams at the vacuum. He refuses to wear socks. It is not normal."
Clumsiness "She trips over nothing. She cannot ride a bike. The GP said she would grow out of it – she hasn't."
No diagnosis despite obvious struggles "I know something is wrong. But the HSE waiting list is years long. I cannot wait that long."

If any of these sound familiar, a neurodevelopmental assessment is a good place to start.

What Happens During a Neurodevelopmental Assessment at CogniClinic

The assessment is spread over 2–3 sessions to avoid overwhelming the child.

Stage What Happens Duration
1. Initial consultation (parents only) Detailed developmental history: pregnancy, birth, milestones, medical history, school reports, previous assessments 45–60 minutes
2. Clinical assessment Your child plays while we observe. We assess primitive reflexes, motor skills, sensory responses, eye tracking, and attention. This is not a "test" – it is play-based. 60–90 minutes
3. Additional observation (if needed) May include school observation or additional standardised testing 30–60 minutes
4. Report writing We write a comprehensive report explaining findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and specific recommendations 2–3 weeks
5. Feedback session We meet (parents only, or with older child) to explain the report and recommend next steps 45–60 minutes

What we do not do:

Sedate or restrain your child
Use scary equipment
Give a diagnosis without evidence

What You Receive

Outcome What It Includes
A clear explanation No jargon. We tell you what we found and what it means for your child.
A written report Suitable for sharing with HSE, schools, GPs, and therapists.
Specific recommendations Not generic advice. We tell you exactly what to do next – therapy, school supports, home strategies.
A pathway forward Whether that is reflex integration, sensory therapy, feeding therapy, or referral to another service.

Real-World Example

Before assessment: Maya, age 7, was struggling in school. She could read well but could not write a sentence. She bumped into furniture. She was anxious and reluctant to try new things. Her parents had been told she had "anxiety" and "low confidence."

Assessment revealed: Retained ATNR and TLR reflexes affecting handwriting and balance; under-responsive vestibular system (leading to constant movement); mild auditory processing difficulties.

Recommendations: Reflex integration therapy (INPP programme); sensory integration therapy with a focus on vestibular input; classroom accommodations (movement breaks, slant board for writing).

Outcome (6 months later): Maya's handwriting improved from illegible to readable. She stopped bumping into furniture. Her anxiety reduced significantly. Her mother said: "We finally understood what was actually wrong. The assessment changed everything."

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is appropriate for a neurodevelopmental assessment?
From 18 months (if concerns are significant) through adulthood. Most assessments are for children aged 3–12.

Does my child need a referral?
No. You can self-refer. We also accept referrals from GPs, SENCOs, and therapists.

How long is the waiting list?
CogniClinic does not have years-long waiting lists. Typically, assessments are scheduled within 4–6 weeks of enquiry.

Will the HSE accept your report?
Yes. Our reports are comprehensive and evidence-based. Many families use them to access HSE services or school supports.

Does a neurodevelopmental assessment provide an autism or ADHD diagnosis?
It can identify indicators and support a diagnostic pathway. For a formal autism diagnosis, we offer ADOS-2 assessments (from June 2026). For ADHD, we provide comprehensive assessment and referral guidance for medical diagnosis.

Where can I get a neurodevelopmental assessment in Sligo?
CogniClinic offers INPP-informed neurodevelopmental assessments. We are based in Sligo and serve the Northwest region.

Next Steps

If you are worried about your child's development but do not know where to start, a neurodevelopmental assessment provides answers – and a path forward.

📞 Contact CogniClinic: +353 87 7919020
✉️ Email: hello@cogniclinic.ie
📍 Sligo, Ireland