Call us: 07 3290 4218 | Email: admin@capabilitypsychology.com.au
Educational & Developmental Psychologists — Springwood, Browns Plains & Logan
Whether you’re a parent who’s been told your child might benefit from seeing an Educational and Developmental Psychologist, or an adult trying to understand why learning, focus or development has always felt harder than it should — you’re in the right place. It’s a genuine area of specialisation, and one we’re proud to offer here at Capability.
Educational and Developmental Psychology is one of the areas of practice recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia — but the name can be a little misleading. It’s often assumed to be “child psychology,” and while much of our work is with children and young people, the “developmental” part actually refers to how people grow, learn and change across the whole of life — from infancy and childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood and later life. Just as importantly, the specialisation looks at a person in context — not only as an individual, but within their relationships, family, school or workplace and life experiences. We work with adults just as we do with children, and it’s a level of specialisation many clinics across Logan and Brisbane South simply don’t have on their team. We do.
You don’t need a referral to book. You can contact us directly at any time. Private, Medicare (with a GP Mental Health Care Plan) and NDIS (plan- and self-managed) pathways are all welcome, and we’ll talk you through your options before you book.
What an Educational & Developmental Psychologist Does
Educational and Developmental Psychologists look at the whole picture of how a person is developing, learning and functioning — not just how they’re feeling, but how they think, process information, communicate, regulate, and take part in everyday life at home, school or work. That combination makes them especially helpful when something about learning or development doesn’t quite add up, and you want to understand why and what would help.
They commonly support:
- Learning difficulties (reading, writing, maths)
- Developmental delays and differences
- Attention, focus and ADHD
- Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences
- Difficulty coping or keeping up at school
- Giftedness and twice-exceptional learners
- School refusal and school transitions
- Emotional regulation and behaviour
- Understanding a child’s strengths and support needs
- Guidance for parents, carers and schools
And it’s not just for children. The same developmental lens is just as powerful for adults — and it’s an area we increasingly love working in. Adults come to us to understand a lifelong learning or thinking difference, to seek a cognitive, learning or autism assessment, to make sense of why school, study or work has always felt harder than it seemed it should, or simply to understand themselves more fully. Whatever’s brought you here, and whatever your age, you’re just as welcome.
Assessments Are a Core Strength
High-quality assessment is one of the things Educational and Developmental Psychologists are specifically trained for. Comprehensive assessment — of cognition, learning and development — is a genuine and substantial part of their specialist Masters training, over and above general psychology registration. It’s why, if you want to really understand how someone learns, thinks and processes the world, this is often where it starts. Our team provides cognitive, learning, ADHD and autism assessments for children, teens and adults, each with a written report and recommendations you can actually use.
And because assessment and ongoing support sit side by side here, the insights from an assessment can flow straight into practical strategies, therapy or school liaison — rather than leaving you with a report and no next step.
How It’s Different From Other Psychologists
All registered psychologists share core training, and there’s real overlap between them. The difference is emphasis. A child psychologist focuses on the emotional, social and behavioural side of growing up. An Educational and Developmental Psychologist brings an added specialist lens on learning, development and school — which is why they’re often the right choice when learning or development is at the heart of what’s going on.
The good news is you don’t have to work this out on your own. Tell us what you’ve noticed, and we’ll help you find the right clinician for your child.
Our Approach
We work from a warm, strengths-based and neuro-affirming approach. That means we’re not looking for what’s “wrong” with a child — we’re working to understand how they learn and experience the world, and building support around their strengths. We involve parents and carers throughout, and, with your consent, can liaise with your child’s school so everyone is working towards the same goals.
Because our training takes a developmental and contextual view, we’re always looking at the person within their whole context — their relationships, their family, and the settings they learn, live and work in. And while many of the families we see are seeking support for a child, this way of working applies right across the lifespan — and a growing part of what we do is with adults. Whether you’re a parent with concerns about your child, a teenager, or an adult seeking assessment or support in your own right, you’re in the right place.
Fees & Funding
No referral is needed to book. If your child has a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on eligible sessions, and we welcome private and NDIS (plan- and self-managed) families. Assessment fees differ from standard sessions, so we’ll always confirm costs and inclusions with you before we begin. See our Pricing page or get in touch and we’ll walk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist?
It’s a psychologist with specialist training in how people learn, develop and grow across the lifespan — recognised as an area of practice by the Psychology Board of Australia. Despite the name, it isn’t only about children or school: the “developmental” part spans infancy right through to later adulthood, and the approach looks at a person within the context of their relationships, environment and life experiences. Assessment is a particular area of expertise.
Do Educational & Developmental Psychologists only work with children?
No — this is a common misconception. While a lot of our work is with children and young people, the “developmental” in Educational and Developmental Psychology refers to human development across the entire lifespan. We see plenty of adults too, particularly for cognitive, learning and autism assessments, or where someone wants to understand a lifelong learning or developmental difference. You’re welcome to get in touch whatever your age.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly and book at any time. If you have a GP Mental Health Care Plan you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate on eligible sessions, and we’re glad to work with your GP, paediatrician or school where that helps.
Should my child see an Educational & Developmental Psychologist or a child psychologist?
If the main concern is learning, development, or how your child is going at school, an Educational and Developmental Psychologist is often the right fit. If it’s more about emotions, worries, behaviour or friendships, a child psychologist may suit better. There’s plenty of overlap, so if you’re unsure, we’ll help you decide.
Do you do assessments and reports?
Yes. Cognitive, learning, ADHD and autism assessments are a core part of what we offer, each with a clear written report and practical recommendations. See our Psychology Assessments page for details.
Where are you located?
We see families at our Springwood and Browns Plains clinics, with telehealth available across Logan and Brisbane South. We’ll help you find the option and clinician that suits your family.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re after an assessment, ongoing support, or just some guidance on what would help your child, we’re here — no referral needed.