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DR SIMONE RILEY

Dr Simone Riley

Clinical Neuropsychologist
BSc (Hons), DPsych (Clin Neuropsych)

Simone has a Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology and has 20 years’ experience working with children and adults with a variety of cognitive and behavioural issues impacting on their life due to acquired brain injury (ABI; including traumatic brain injury or TBI) due to stroke, dementia, car accident, falls etc., or neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD.

Simone previously worked in the Learning Difficulties Centre of the Royal Children’s Hospital in the early 2000s providing cognitive and academic assessments and reports on school aged children, including detailed strategies for parents and teachers to address areas of weakness. Simone has worked in private practice since 2005 providing neuropsychological services (assessment, counselling, and behaviour support) to children and adults in the community with acquired brain injuries, intellectual disability, and neurodevelopmental and learning conditions such as autism and dyslexia.

Simone values the role of assessment of cognition, behaviour, and academic/work functioning in determining the strengths and weaknesses of the people she works with. Following assessment, detailed strategies and recommendations are developed to support areas of weakness including behaviours of concern. Simone’s assessment reports clearly identify an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, how these impact on their daily functioning, and provide detailed strategies to support and improve functioning. A feedback session is held to explain the findings and their implications and answer any questions you may have. Simone’s approach to each client is highly individualised, neuroaffirming, and strengths-based, and she uses a cognitive behaviour therapy/acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach. She wants to support each client to develop a stronger and more compassionate understanding of themselves, and will work collaboratively with parents and families, teachers, therapists, and carers to ensure strategies and recommendations are implemented to improve the functioning and quality of life of her client.

 

Common referral questions for neuropsychological assessments:

  • Why is my child disliking/avoiding school and having trouble academically?
  • Does my child have a learning difficulty like dyslexia?
  • Why is my child having difficulty with friendships?
  • Are my child’s difficulties at school due to an attentional disorder like ADHD?
  • What can I do to support my child during their VCE years?
  • How can I improve/support my executive function?
  • Does the person have an acquired brain injury (ABI)?
  • Why is this person experiencing memory or other cognitive difficulties?
  • How can I support my autistic child to thrive at school and in life?
  • Does this person meet eligibility criteria for access to disability supports?
  • Assessment and advice regarding management of ABI-related behaviours of concern (e.g., aggression, disinhibition, reduced initiation).
  • Assessment and support for adults with suspected undiagnosed autism or ADHD.
  • Psychoeducation and support for clients and families about the brain, ABI, and cognitive strategies

 

Simone is available for neuropsychological assessment and counselling Monday to Thursday.