Terms of Service 

The All Kinds of Minds Practice Company Registration Number or C.R.O. No. is 732887. The C.R.O. Number is assigned by the Companies Registration Office (C.R.O.) and serves as an official recognition of the company's registration and existence within the Irish business framework. It is a critical number for legal and administrative purposes, and it also adds a layer of transparency and credibility for businesses. 

All psychological services provided by the All Kinds of Minds Psychological Assessment Service are conducted by Shaun Frandsen, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist (C.Clin.Psychol, Ps.S.I.). Professional membership is with the Psychological Society of Ireland (P.S.I.) as a Chartered Member (Member Number: M5560C), as well as a Full Member of the Clinical Division.

After studying and training as a Clinical Psychologist at accredited American universities (i.e., the University of Georgia for undergraduate education and the Pacific University Psy.D. Program for post-graduate education), a Statement of Equivalency was sought and awarded by the Department of Health Validation Unit after relocating to Ireland. Sixteen-years of experience working in the Irish public sector has been accumulated—inclusive of six-years working as a Clinical Psychologist with the Mater C.A.M.H.S. and 10-years working as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the Health Service Executive (H.S.E.) C.H.O. 1.

NOTE: Statutory registration with CORU (i.e., Ireland’s multi-professional health regulator) to regulate Clinical Psychologists as a profession is underway and expected to commence in 2025; this will result in a Register and protect who can call themselves a Clinical Psychologist in Ireland. 

Any legal disputes will be settled under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland in accordance with Irish laws.

The All Kinds of Minds Practice adheres to applicable ethical guidelines set forth by the P.S.I., including the Psychological Society of Ireland Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

This private clinical psychology practice, herein referred to as the "All Kinds of Minds Practice" provides a defined range of psychological assessments and diagnostic opinions for children, adolescents, and young adults aged 6-years-to-25-years (7-18-years for Dyslexia assessments). All available assessments are listed and described in the website. If a service is not specified on the website as being available, then it is not available at this time by the All Kinds of Minds Practice.

All Kinds of Minds provides diagnostic assessments for autism, social communication disorder (i.e., as a differential consideration when assessing autism), all subtypes of A.D.H.D., dyslexia, and dyscalculia. At times, as part of the differential diagnostic process, other diagnoses and psycho-social factors will be explored if and as needed—this is within the scope of practice of a Clinical Psychologist.

For children and young people, if there are indicators of a Moderate, Severe, or Profound Intellectual Disability (I.D.), the Children’s Disability Network Team (C.D.N.T.) is best placed to assess and provide support.

If there are indicators of a moderate-to-severe mental health presentation and/or risk of harm to self, this takes precedence, and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (C.A.M.H.S.) or the Adult Community Mental Health Team is best placed to assess the child or young adult, as well as provide support if indicated.

All Kinds of Minds will explored and describe indicators (i.e., not a formal diagnosis—indicators suggest additional assessment is required by the appropriate service) for the following presentations: Developmental Coordination Disorder (D.C.D.) or dyspraxia, certain mental health presentations, Speech Sound Disorder, Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (Stuttering), Tic Disorders (including Tourette's Disorder), Selective Mutism, etc. If indicators for the above presentations are identified during the assessment, it will be recommended that the G.P. consider and monitor an onward referral to the appropriate H.S.E. service(s).

All Kinds of Minds does not provide screening, diagnostic assessments, or diagnostic statements for the following “profiles” or presentations: Auditory Processing Disorder (A.P.D.), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (A.R.F.I.D.), Gender Dysphoria, a “Pathological Demand Avoidance (P.D.A.) profile” (i.e., P.D.A. is not a recognised “subtype” in the D.S.M.-5), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), Conduct Disorder (C.D.), Reactive Attachment Disorder (R.A.D.), Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (D.S.E.D.), Personality Disorders, Dysgraphia, Apraxia, “Sensory Processing Disorder (S.P.D.)” (i.e., S.P.D. is not included in the D.S.M.-5 as a standalone diagnosis), Stereotypic Movement Disorder, certain mental health presentations, etc. Also, please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

By entering into a contract with the All Kinds of Minds Practice, you are paying for a psychological assessment and opinion (i.e., formulation), but not necessarily a diagnosis. No guarantees can or will be made regarding any specific diagnostic outcome. A diagnosis will only be made if there is sufficient evidence to support it.

Research supports the idea that neurodiversity exists on a broad continuum (Milton, 2012; Armstrong, 2010). Therefore, it is not uncommon for children and young people to exhibit neurodivergent traits, such as unique ways of processing and responding to social and sensory information, executive functioning differences, etc.

However, it's important to note that not all individuals who have neurodivergent traits meet the strict diagnostic criteria outlined in the D.S.M.-5 for presentations like autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), or Specific Learning Disorders. The DSM-5 criteria are specific and designed to identify individuals who may benefit from particular support structures and accommodations.

For example, for a diagnosis of dyslexia to be made, a child’s reading attainment needs to be sufficiently discrepant from their cognitive ability. To meet diagnostic criteria for autism or A.D.H.D., certain characteristics must be consistent from a young age (i.e., these differences do not suddenly manifest in adolescence—while these traits can become more clear for some in adolescence, they should have always been present). Neurodivergent traits must also be present across environments (i.e., at home, in school, etc.), as well as sufficiently divergent when compared to neurotypical peers on multi-informant standardised assessment measures to the extent that more than one adult close to the child or young person (e.g., a parent and a teacher) would respond to items in a manner suggestive of sufficient neurodivergent traits. Additionally, to confirm a diagnosis using the D.S.M.-5, there must be a level of impairment present.

Additionally, many parents, students, and employees seek an assessment because they suspect a neurodivergent presentation is associated with difficulties within neurotypical environments (e.g., schools and work environments); therefore, they are seeking important accommodations and supports following formal identification. It is important to note that the Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice is responsible for assessing and making recommendations for accommodations when criteria are met. However, the authority to approve and implement any recommendations ultimately rests with the principal and/or the S.E.N.O. within schools or mangers within work. Once the report has been completed and submitted, the Clinical Psychologist's contracted remit is fulfilled, and it cannot be guaranteed that recommendations will be fulfilled.

Professional boundaries will be maintained at all times: The relationship between the client and the Clinical Psychologist is strictly professional. Dual relationships or conflicts of interest between the Clinical Psychologist and the client will be avoided to ensure that the client's best interests are always prioritised; this stance adheres to the P.S.I. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Dual relationships are multiple relationships with the Clinical Psychologist—for example, a friend, neighbour, colleague, relative, etc., should not also be a client. There are many reasons that dual relationships are problematic, including concerns regarding confidentiality, difficulties maintaining objectivity, boundary issues, conflicts of interest, etc. Clients may also be hesitant to disclose important information relevant to the assessment or provide service-related feedback if they are concerned that it might affect their personal relationship with the Clinical Psychologist. For these reasons and many others, dual relationship will be strictly avoided.

Fees for services rendered are transparent and published on this website. Payment for the first appointment is required at the time of booking to secure the appointment slot online in the client portal. Credit/debit card payments are made online via Stripe.

All subsequent appointments can be scheduled and paid for in-person or online. Accepted in-person payment methods include cash and credit/debit cards via SumUp. Invoices and receipts will be provided upon request.

NOTE: SumUp Limited is an authorised Electronic Money Institution regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (reference number: No C195030) and is EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) and PCI-DSS certified. Stripe Technology Europe Limited is authorised as an electronic money institution by the Central Bank of Ireland (reference number: No C187865) to issue electronic money, execute payment transactions, make money remittances, issue payment instruments and acquire payment transactions, and provide payment initiation services and account information services.

The refund policy is designed to ensure fairness and transparency in our business practices.

Services not yet Rendered: If you have paid for assessment services that have not yet been rendered by the Clinical Psychologist, you are eligible for a full refund.

To request a refund for services not yet rendered, please make Contact to initiate the refund process as soon as possible.

Refund requests for services not yet rendered must be made before the scheduled assessment appointment has taken place. Once the appointment or assessment has taken place, no refunds will be issued, as this constitutes services rendered.

Refunds for services not yet rendered will be processed promptly, and you can expect the refund to be issued via the original payment method within five business days.

Services Rendered: The All Kinds of Minds Practice does not offer refunds for appointments or assessment services that have already taken place by the Clinical Psychologist.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the refund policy or wish to initiate a refund request for services not yet rendered, please make Contact.

Potential clients will be waitlisted if needed based on when contact was initiated and it was agreed an assessment would be appropriate. Potential clients will then be contacted for an assessment appointment once a slot becomes available based on their position on the waitlist. If requested, an update on the status of the waitlist and estimated timing of availability will be provided; please Contact the All Kinds of Minds Practice to request this information, if and when needed.

Please make Contact as soon as possible to request certain accommodations, if needed, and all reasonable efforts will be taken (if and when possible) to make these accommodations on your behalf. If accommodations cannot be reasonably made, you will be informed of this and reimbursed for any services not rendered.

Please be aware that the office is located on the first floor, and there is not an accessible lift. There may be limitations in providing certain accommodations due to physical space constraints. If there are concerns regarding access for in-person appointment due to mobility needs, remote options are available for some appointments, as standard, and reasonable alternatives for in-person appointment locations can be considered when needed. However, by engaging in services at the All Kinds of Minds Practice, you agree not hold the Clinical Psychologist responsible for any claims, liabilities, costs, or damages related to accessibility limitations.

The All Kinds of Minds Clinical Psychologist conducts all sessions and provides information in English. The All Kinds of Minds Practice does not provide translation services. If a client requires translation assistance to understand and communicate during appointments, it is the client’s responsibility to arrange for and provide a qualified interpreter or translator. The interpreter or translator should be proficient in both English and your primary language or mode of communication to ensure accurate communication. However, by engaging in services at the All Kinds of Minds Practice, you agree not hold the Clinical Psychologist responsible for any claims, liabilities, costs, or damages related to inaccurate information arising from translation issues.

It is the client's responsibility to verify coverage and eligibility for insurance reimbursement following payment. Please check with your individual provider regarding what benefits and cover your specific policy provides you with in terms of psychological assessment.

Most of the major providers offer some degree of coverage when the assessment is carried out by a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. Shaun Frandsen of the All Kinds of Minds Practice is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (P.S.I.)., as well as a Full Member of the Clinical Division. Her membership number is M5560C.

All Kinds of Minds can issue invoices and receipts for assessment on request in order for you to claim back a percentage of your costs, if possible.

It is understood that parents must balance many competing demands—and unforeseen events do occur that necessitate a change of plans, sometimes at the last minute.

Clients are required to schedule appointments that suit them and pay in advance of the appointment via the Client Portal. If a client wishes to cancel or reschedule an appointment, they can do so easily online in the Client Portal or make Contact with as much notice as possible. 

At times, the Clinical Psychologist will also have to cancel and reschedule an appointment for personal reasons—sometimes with short notice. In this event, the Clinical Psychologist will give you as much notice as possible. If an appointment is cancelled, you will be prioritised for the next available appointment that suits you. The Clinical Psychologist will change the appointment to a similar day of the week and time in Client Portal online calendar. You will be notified of the cancellation via text message and/or e-mail. You will then be notified of the rescheduled appointment via text and/or e-mail as well. If this rescheduled appointment does not suit you, you are free to change the appointment at anytime in the Client Portal.

To ensure safety during your child's direct assessment appointments, one parent or caregiver should plan to stay in the adjacent waiting room and be accessible throughout the duration of the appointment. Also, the clinic is on the first floor—please ensure the safety of yourself and your child when ascending and descending the stairs.

It is very important to be clear that the All Kinds of Minds Practice does not provide an emergency or urgent service response. If you are your child are experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, such as suicidal intent, etc., or if immediate assistance is required, please present to your nearest emergency department. Then contact your child’s G.P. for follow-up care and onward referral tp the appropriate H.S.E. Service. The information on this website is not a substitute for emergency or urgent care.

Legal Disclaimer

It is important to emphasise that neurodevelopmental assessments are complex and multi-dimensional. It is also important to acknowledge that the field of psychology involves a level of subjectivity, as there are no objective bio-markers.

The Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice is committed to conducting assessments with diligence, an adherence to best practice standards, and a focus on accuracy. A combination of standardised multi-informant assessments, clinical observation, a detailed developmental history, and clinical interviews will be used to establish a diagnostic opinion. The diagnostic conclusions reached is a clinical judgement based on all information available, and it is rendered with the best interests of the child or young person at the fore.

However, despite all mitigating efforts, there are times when diagnostic opinions can result in a false-positive (i.e., where the child or young person is identified or diagnosed as neurodivergent, but the individual is not neurodivergent) or a false-negative (i.e., where the child or young person is not identified as neurodivergent, but the individual is neurodivergent).

The rates of false positives and false negatives in neurodevelopmental assessments can vary depending on several factors, including the specific assessment tools used (or not used in some cases), the experience and expertise of the professionals involved, the quality and accuracy of the information provided by parents and teachers, as well as the characteristics and self-perception of the child or young person being assessed. Some of these factors introduce an inherent potential for error into this process, despite efforts to mitigate error. Here are some considerations regarding false positives and false negatives in neurodevelopmental assessments:

Assessment Tools: The choice of assessment tools and diagnostic criteria can impact the rates of false positives and false negatives. Some tools and criteria may be more conservative, leading to fewer false positives but potentially more false negatives. Other tools and criteria may have a broader scope, which could result in more false positives but fewer false negatives.

Clinical Judgment: The experience and expertise of the Clinical Psychologist conducting the assessment play a significant role in minimising false positives and false negatives. Experienced Clinical Psychologists with expertise in neurological-developmental assessments have a better understanding of the nuances, as well as differential and co-occurring presentations, and can reach more accurate conclusions.

Age and Developmental Level: Assessments for autism can be particularly challenging in very young children or children with highly nuanced or idiosyncratic profiles or presentations. Diagnosis may be more accurate as children get older and develop more characteristic neurodivergent traits.

Co-occurring Presentations: The presence of co-occurring presentations, such as co-occurring intellectual disability, language delay, mental health presentations, etc., can complicate the diagnostic process and pictures and influence the rates of false positives and false negatives.

Updated Diagnostic Criteria: Changes in diagnostic criteria (e.g., changes from the fourth to fifth editions of the D.S.M.) can impact the rates of diagnosis. The broader criteria in some updated systems may lead to less false negatives but also a higher likelihood of false positives.

Cultural and Contextual Factors: Cultural and contextual factors can also influence the assessment process and outcomes. Cultural differences in social communication norms, for example, may affect the interpretation of assessment results. Additionally, there is increased complexity in the assessment process for children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (A.C.E.s), traumatic events, or highly acrimonious parental separations—in the case of the latter, the quality of the information presented by parents can be a factor.

Indemnity Relating to Diagnostic Outcome

Clients and their legal representatives acknowledge that false positives and false negatives may occur due to the inherent limitations of psychological assessments. 

Furthermore, clients are required to indicate whether they have read and accept the Terms of Service when requesting psychological assessments or seek clarification if needed. These Terms of Service clearly state the potential for false positive or false negative diagnostic outcomes and the associated inherent limitations of psychological assessments. 

Therefore, the individual agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the All Kinds of Minds Practice and affiliated practitioners from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with consequences arising from possible false positive or false negative outcomes in psychological assessments; this statement is governed by the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland in accordance with Irish laws.

In cases where a false positive or false negative outcome is suspected over time, please contact this service in line with the Feedback and Complaints Policy. Alternatively, the child or young person’s G.P. can consider making a referral to the appropriate public agency for review and reassessment with consent.

The H.S.E. Consent Policy has been interpreted to indicate that, before a direct psychological assessment can proceed for a child under the age of 16, consent from all legal guardian(s) must be obtained—not doing so may be a violation of a legal guardian’s constitutional rights. From the age of 16, young people can give their own consent for the types of psychological assessments available at the All Kinds of Minds Practice.

It is important that the consenting individual(s) have not been put under pressure to give consent by anyone else (i.e., including other legal guardians or parents in the case of a young person aged 16+). Consent is a reciprocal, proactive, and collaborative process: The client should ask questions, request more information as needed, and request to take more time to think before deciding if uncertain as to whether or not to proceed with a psychological assessment. 

 As per an interpretation of the Children and Family Relationships Act (2015), if the parents of a child are married, even after the birth of the child, both parents are joint legal guardians. If the parents were once married—even following a separation or divorce—both parents remain the child’s joint legal guardians unless otherwise directed by the courts.

As per the Children and Family Relationships Act (2015), which came into effect on the 18th of January, 2016, an unmarried father will automatically be granted legal guardianship status if the following applies: (a) the father lived with the child’s biological mother for at least 12-consecutive-months after the 18th of January 2016, and (b) the father lived with the biological mother and the child for least three-months after the child was born. (NOTE: The period of cohabitation can take place at any time before the child turns 18-years-old.)

If the parents have never been married and the conditions of the Children and Family Relationships Act (2015) are not fulfilled, then the biological mother is the only recognised legal guardian unless: (a) both parents jointly signed a Statutory Declaration or (b) any individual has made a successful application to court and obtained joint legal guardianship status.

The All Kinds of Minds Practice requires consent from all legal guardians to proceed with a direct assessment of a child (i.e., under the age of 16). If parents are separated or divorced, each legal guardian can be contacted separately when seeking consent.

At times, however, disagreement between legal guardians can occur as to whether or not a psychological assessment is in a child's best interest. The All Kinds of Minds Practice does not provide mediation when there is disagreement between legal guardians regarding consent. 

If one legal guardian gives consent for a child to participate in a psychological assessment, while the other legal guardian does not, the situation can be complex and may require professional mediation or legal intervention to resolve. Refusal of a service is legally differentiated from consent, and the Court can overturn a refusal in urgent circumstances (e.g., whereby a child may have a moderate-to-severe mental health presentation or is presenting with risk of harm to self or others). It is important to state clearly that All Kinds of Minds does not provide assessment or intervention of any kind whereby there is an emergency or urgent presentation or situation. 

In Ireland, the Family Law Courts can provide guidance in cases where there is a dispute between legal guardians regarding consent for certain services. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional who specialises in family law to understand your specific rights, responsibilities, and legal options in these situations. Family law legal professionals can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information based on the current laws and regulations.

It is the position of the All Kinds of Minds Practice that if there is a dispute between legal guardians regarding the appropriate course of action and consent cannot be readily obtained by all legal guardians, then an assessment by this particular service should be deferred until a consensus is reached without coercive action. Alternatively, an assessment with the H.S.E. could be considered instead while the legalities are being decided upon, as the complexity of a legal dispute in the context of a psychological assessment exceeds the scope of practice at All Kinds of Minds.

Refer to the H.S.E National Consent Policy for more information regarding consent.

It is understood that private psychological assessments are expensive and time-consuming. The purpose of a Consultation Appointment is to determine if there are sufficient neurodivergent traits to proceed with a more in-depth assessment.

Please note that if there are insufficient indicators of a neurodivergent presentation following the a Consultation Appointment and a in-depth assessment is not indicated, you will not be reimbursed the €200 fee—in this case, the service has been rendered.

However, if there are sufficient indicators of a neurodivergent presentation and additional assessment is indicated, this fee will be deducted from the published fees for specific assessments.

Please note that, following a Consultation, if a specific assessment is agreed, further assessment appointments will be prioritised and offered as soon as possible.

The child should not attend the Parent Consultation Appointment, the Parent Interview Appointment, or the Parent Feedback Appointment—nor should the child or young person be present if parent(s) choose a remote appointment. These appointments will not proceed if the child or young person is present, and the client will be liable for 50% of the appointment fee in this event.

The reasons that the child or young person should not attend these appointments are manifold—the concepts discussed, at times, are not appropriate for children. Additionally, discussions that include parental concerns in relation to their child should be done in private—this is thought to be in the best interest of the child. Space and boundaries are needed for some parents to begin the process of grappling with societal and personal bias, stereotypes, and stigma associated with neurodivergent presentations; the child or young person should not be present when this important “unpacking” is facilitated..

All information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional psychological advice. The content of this website, including text, graphics, images, links, and other material, is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide psychological recommendations for any individual.

Visiting this website, contacting the All Kinds of Minds Practice through this website, or e-mailing the practice does not establish a professional relationship, duty of care, or constitute formal contracting of psychological services with the Clinical Psychologist. 

This website contain links to external websites for informational and purposes. The All Kinds of Minds Practice is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or accuracy of the information available in the linked external websites. The All Kind of Minds Practice does not guarantee or explicitly endorse the information found on these sites.

Regarding e-mail, the Clinical Psychologist reserves the right not to respond to emails or website contact form submissions that contain inappropriate (i.e., content that does not conform to the Terms of Service, etc.) or offensive content, as determined by our sole discretion. Such content may include, but is not limited to, offensive language, requests for crisis intervention, requests for assessments in the context of a forensic or legal matter (i.e., this practice does not provide those assessments), attempts to obtain a psychological consultation prior to formal contracting. (NOTE: If you or your child requires urgent assistance or if you or your child are in crisis, please seek immediate help from local emergency services and contact your G.P.)

While the Clinical Psychologist will make reasonable efforts to respond to email or website contact form submission in a timely manner, responses cannot be guaranteed in all cases.

The individual agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the All Kinds of Minds Practice represented by Shaun Frandsen from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with the individual’s access to or use of the All Kinds of Minds website.

Additionally, by using the All Kinds of Minds website and clicking on external links therein or by further engaging with external organisations referenced, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shaun Frandsen from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising out of the use of external links and named organisations.

Furthermore, by using email or the contact page on our website to communicate with the All Kinds of Minds Practice, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless any associated practitioner from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising out of the use of email or website contact forms for communication; this includes any claims related to the content of your e-mail or submission, the timing or perceived adequacy of our response, and/or any consequences resulting from our response or lack thereof.

Your privacy and confidentiality are of paramount importance. The All Kinds of Minds Practice adheres to strict guidelines and legal requirements regarding client confidentiality outlined by the Psychological Society of Ireland (P.S.I.) and relevant legislation in Ireland, such as General Data Protection Regulation (G.D.P.R.). All information shared during assessments or consultations is treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Limits to Confidentiality

There are certain legal and ethical limits to confidentiality that you should be aware of:

(a.) Child Protection and/or Welfare Concerns: If there are reasonable grounds to believe that a child is at risk of harm, the Clinical Psychologist is obligated by Irish law (i.e., the Children First Legislation) to report such concerns to the child protection authorities (i.e., the Child and Family Agency or Tusla) without seeking consent. This applies to situations involving child abuse, neglect, or other serious welfare issues.

(b.) Harm to Self or Others: If there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others, the Clinical Psychologist will need to take appropriate actions to ensure safety. This may involve sharing information with relevant authorities or individuals.

(c.) Legal Obligations: Certain legal proceedings or investigations, court orders, subpoenas, or other legal mandates may require the disclosure of client information.

There are additional situations where Psychologists may need to share information, such as during multi-disciplinary assessment work, when you consent to a report being sent, etc. In the case of professional supervision, which occurs to ensure the provision of high-quality services, if there is a need to discuss an assessment, all client information discussed will be fully anonymised and strictly confidential.

Mandated reporters are individuals who are legally required to report suspicions or concerns about child abuse or neglect to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) or the Garda Síochána (Irish police). Psychologists working with children are Mandated Reporters under the Children First Legislation. Suspected concerns relating to child protection and child welfare will be reported to the Child and Family Agency in accordance with the Children First Act (2015). While parent(s) are usually informed of this, it is not necessary to do so, especially if doing so might put the child or another individual at an increased risk of harm.

Duty to Report: Mandated reporters in Ireland have a legal duty to report any reasonable concerns they have regarding child abuse or neglect.

Good Faith Reporting: Reports must be made in "good faith." This means that the report is made honestly and with a genuine concern regarding child protection and child welfare.

Immunity from Legal Liability: When a mandated reporter makes a report in good faith, they are protected from legal liability for doing so; this means that they cannot be sued or face legal repercussions, such as defamation claims, for reporting their concerns to Tusla or the Gardaí.

Cooperation with Authorities: Mandated reporters are expected to cooperate with Tusla, the Gardaí, or other relevant authorities during any subsequent investigations by these agencies. Cooperation may include providing additional information.

It is important to know that the protection provided to mandated reporters is designed to prioritise the safety and well-being of children in Ireland and encourage individuals to report concerns promptly and honestly so that appropriate action can be taken to safeguard the child's welfare.

Clients may request access to their records or have them released to authorised third parties (e.g., the child’s G.P., allied health professionals, etc.) in accordance with legal and ethical requirements. Formal psychological assessment record forms (e.g., the W.I.S.C. record form or the A.D.O.S. record form, etc.), however, cannot be copied or released—this is due to copyright laws.

The All Kinds of Minds Practice maintains accurate and confidential records of client information using a practice management system. When there is availability for an appointment, the Clinical Psychologist will send the client an e-mail invitation to create a profile in the secure and private Client Portal. The electronic practice management system is G.D.P.R. compliant and has numerous layers of AES-256 encryption that will protect your data when it is being electronically transmitted or stored—this is bank-level encryption, which ensures your data is secure. Additionally, All Kinds of Minds also uses end-to-end encrypted links to send certain standardised assessment measures to parents, young people (if old enough), and teachers. These assessments are easily completed in your own time on your smart phone, tablet, or computer.

Please be aware that e-mail and mail delivered by post are not completely secure or confidential means of communication: While every effort is made to protect your privacy, the confidentiality of information shared via e-mail or post cannot ever be guaranteed. If an error ever occurs when communicating by e-mail or post, you will be informed of the matter as soon as it is discovered and in keeping with G.D.P.R. guidelines. Please note, however, that the Clinical Psychologist cannot be held responsible for any unauthorized use or handling of email by others and disclaims any liability for any resulting losses.

Why All Kinds of Minds uses an E.H.R., as well as certain online standardised assessment measures, as opposed to paper files and measures:

Access Control: E.H.R. systems and online assessments allow for strict access control measures, ensuring that only those with a legitimate need can access a patient's records. Paper records can be accessed by anyone with physical access to the files.

Encryption: E.H.R. systems and online assessments employ encryption to protect client data. This means that even if unauthorised users gain access to the system, the data they obtain is unreadable without the encryption keys. Paper records lack this level of protection.

Authentication: E.H.R. systems and online assessments require authentication through usernames and passwords or other secure methods. This adds an additional layer of security to ensure that only authorised users can log in and access patient data. With paper records, authentication is often limited to physical locks and keys.

Backup and Recovery: Electronic records can be regularly backed up and stored securely, reducing the risk of data loss due to physical damage, such as fires or floods. In contrast, paper records are vulnerable to these events.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (G.D.P.R.) Data Minimisation Principle, personal data should be kept "for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed" (Article 5[1][e]). However, G.D.P.R. does not specify exact retention periods for specific types of data or professions, including Clinical Psychologists. The retention period will often depend on various factors, such as national legislation, professional guidelines, etc. In the context of Clinical Psychology, the following considerations apply:

Professional Guidelines: Often, the guidelines provided by national psychological associations, such as the Psychological Society of Ireland, or regulatory bodies will provide recommendations on retention periods. For example, it is recommended in the Psychological Society of Ireland Guidelines for Confidentiality and Record Keeping in Practice that records for adult clients should be kept for seven-years after the last substantive contact.

Caveats for Minors: Records for minors have different retention recommendations. The Psychological Society of Ireland Guidelines for Confidentiality and Record Keeping in Practice recommends that records for children be maintained for a minimum of seven years post majority (3.4.6., pg. 14) unless there are reasons to retain the records for longer. The age of majority is 18 in Ireland; therefore, records for a minor should be retained until the individual turns 25 unless there are reasons to retain the records for a longer duration. The All Kinds of Minds Practice will adhere to this recommendation and retain information for children and adolescents until the individual is 25-years-old unless there are reasons to retain the records for a longer period of time.

Potential Legal Claims: Records might be retained longer if there is a possibility or expectation that they could be relevant to a future legal claim or defense.

Ongoing Support: In cases where the individual needs long-term or continuous support, records might be kept for the duration that support is required.

The All Kinds of Minds Clinical Psychologist is engaged in an assessment-only practice for neuro-developmental differences, such as autism, A.D.H.D., and specific learning disabilities (S.L.D.) primarily focuses on identifying the individual's psychological profile, neurotype, and cognitive functions. Their role does not extend to offering educational or career guidance or teacher consultation.

The reports generated can be instrumental in advocating for accommodations in educational and occupational settings by delineating clear recommendations to support the individual's needs. However, the clinical psychologist does not participate directly in the decision-making processes, implementation, or review of the recommended accommodations. There is also no certainty or garuntee that the recommendations provided will be adopted wholly or partially by educational institutions or employers, as these entities have their own protocols and discretion in facilitating such adjustments.

Not all dyslexic children are entitled to be exempt from the study of Irish and other languages. Certain criteria must be met (i.e., scoring at or below the 10th percentile in word reading or reading comprehension or spelling on a standardised attainment test) to apply for an exemption on these grounds. Additionally, in order to apply for an assistive technology grant for a dyslexic child, scores need to be at or below the 2nd percentile.

The Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice is responsible for assessing and making recommendations for these and other accommodations when criteria are met. However, the authority to approve and implement any recommendations ultimately rests with the principal and/or the S.E.N.O. Once the report has been completed and submitted, the Clinical Psychologist's contracted remit is fulfilled.

A formal psychological assessment remains a valid means by which to apply for exemption from the study of Irish and other languages or when applying for R.A.C.E. or D.A.R.E. However, it is important to note that Irish exemption, as well as R.A.C.E. and D.A.R.E. applications, can be granted without a formal diagnosis of dyslexia being made by a Psychologist if certain D.E.S. criteria are met. A formal psychological assessment and diagnosis is no longer the only way to access these important accommodations.

It is your responsibility to discuss your options with educators at your child’s school before requesting a dyslexia assessment with the All Kinds of Minds Practice in order to make an informed decision that is best for you and your child. If you request a dyslexia assessment with the All Kinds of Minds Practice, it will be assumed that you have read and familiarised yourself with your options in this regard—as clearly stated in these Terms of Service—and have decided to proceed with a formal psychological assessment.

Both Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists can diagnose A.D.H.D. However, only Psychiatrists can prescribe medication for A.D.H.D. A diagnosis made by a Clinical Psychologist does not constitute access to a Psychiatry-led service (e.g., C.A.M.H.S.) or a prescription for medication.

If attending, awaiting, or seeking a psychiatric consultation to consider medication, any diagnosis made by a Clinical Psychologist will be reviewed by the Psychiatrist on the team. The Psychiatrist will then reach an independent diagnosis, which may or may not be the same diagnostic conclusion reached by a Clinical Psychologist. Therefore, if you or a child is attending or awaiting C.A.M.H.S. or the Adult A.D.H.D. Team, then a private assessment with a Clinical Psychologist is not likely to be helpful.

An A.D.H.D. assessment with a Clinical Psychologist is most likely to be helpful for individuals with mild difficulties whereby educational accommodations are the primary support that is being sought.

However, for those experiencing moderate-to-severe difficulties, or if a medication consultation is thought to be indicated, then a G.P.-led referral to C.A.M.H.S. (i.e., for children and adolescents) or to the Adult A.D.H.D. Team (i.e., for those 18 and older) should be considered instead: An assessment by the All Kinds of Minds Practice will not suffice in these circumstances.

The Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice can assess and diagnose A.D.H.D., autism, and dyslexia, etc.—and children and young people meeting criteria for these neurodivergent presentations often need additional support and accommodations within the school environment. Clinical Psychologists will often make recommendations in reports for accommodations based on a child’s specific needs. However, the Clinical Psychologist at All Kinds of Minds does not have a direct or indirect role in allocating additional supports or accommodations for a child within the school milieu.

Ultimately, the Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice is responsible for assessing and making recommendations for accommodations when criteria are met. However, the authority to approve and implement any recommendations ultimately rests with the principal and/or the S.E.N.O. Once the report has been completed and submitted, the Clinical Psychologist's contracted remit is fulfilled.

To find out up-to-date information about the allocation of additional supports to students who need accommodations in school, please see the Citizen’s Information Page.

Regarding additional teaching support, you can find more information in the Department of Education’s Circular 0013/2017. Additionally, educators use this guideline to help them identify pupils who require additional teaching support and individualised learning programmes. The Department of Education also provides information for parents about accessing additional teaching support in the education system.

Special needs assistants (S.N.A.) are allocated to schools to work with children who need additional support in school. They provide non-teaching care support for students with “care needs” associated with a disability or medical issue; this might include additional support to maintain a child’s safety, etc. The D.E.S. provides more information in the Circular 0030/2014. The National Council for Special Education (N.C.S.E.) has also published an information booklet for parents.     

Domicillary Care Allowance:

If you are caring for a child under the age of 16 with high support needs, you may qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance. To find out more about this and learn how to apply, see the Citizen’s Information Page on the topic.

To apply, fill in a Domiciliary Care Allowance Form. Parents must complete Parts 1 to 5 of the form. You then ask your child’s G.P. to fill in parts 6 and 7 (i.e., the medical section) of the form. You should also attach any reports you have—including the report completed by the All Kinds of Minds Clinical Psychologist if your child met criteria for a diagnosis and has support needs that meet the threshold.

The form needs to be signed by parents and the child’s G.P. because a medical license number is needed on the application form. Clinical Psychologists are not medics; therefore, the Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice does not complete any part of the DOM CARE 1 application form.

Disability Alloawance:

If you are a young person aged 16+ with high support needs, you may qualify for Disability Allowance. To find out more about this and learn how to apply, see the Citizen’s Information Page on the topic. When filling out the DA1 Form, the form needs to be signed your G.P. because a medical license number is needed on the application form. Clinical Psychologists are not medics; therefore, the Clinical Psychologist at the All Kinds of Minds Practice does not complete any part of the DA1 application form.

Either the client or the Clinical Psychologist can discontinue services. The client can choose to discontinue the assessment process at any stage and for any reason. If this occurs, they will be reimbursed for services not rendered, but they will not be reimbursed for services rendered.

Additionally, the Clinical Psychologist reserves the right to discontinue any and all services if there is a violation of the Terms of Service or Policies outlined herein, a personal safety issue is suspected or evidenced, a dual relationship or conflict of interest is identified, or in the case of non-payment. If the Clinical Psychologist discontinues service and payment has been received, the client will be promptly reimbursed for services not rendered, but they will not be reimbursed for services rendered. 

Both positive feedback and complaints contribute towards continuous improvements. If you have any feedback or complaints regarding the services provided by the All Kinds of Minds Practice, they will be managed in accordance with the Feedback & Complaints Policy.

At the All Kinds of Minds Practice, the Chartered Clinical Psychologist does not accommodate students or trainees due to the size and scope of the practice. All Kinds of Minds is a compact practice catering to a select number of clients at any given time. Therefore, the Chartered Clinical Psychologist does not have the capacity to offer the necessary supervision to trainees or students. Additionally, the All Kinds of Minds Practice is highly specialised, offering a specific range of assessments. Therefore, the breadth of experience that trainees typically require is not available here. The practice is dedicated to maintaining a focused approach, which does not align with the additional resources and structures needed to support the broader educational and professional development of students or trainees in the field.

All content, including written materials, on the All Kinds of Minds website is the intellectual property of Shaun Frandsen and may not be used, copied, or reproduced without written consent—to do so represents a copyright infringement. Content should not be copied and used elsewhere without the express permission of Shaun Frandsen being given. Whereby the work of other individuals has been cited or referenced on this website, these individuals or organisations have been credited, referenced, and/or linked explicitly. 

The All Kinds of Minds Practice reserves the right to modify or update the Terms of Service, fees, service scope, service limitations, or website content without prior notice. It is the clients’ responsibility to review the Terms of Service and/or website periodically to stay informed of any changes.

Prior to formal contracting, should you have queries regarding the Terms of Service, please seek clarification or additional information. To do so, please contact the All Kinds of Minds Practice via the Contact page of this website or by e-mail.