The arbias Acquired Brain Impairment Assessment Unit (ABIAU) has a special interest in the assessment of individuals with alcohol or substance related brain injury. We also accept referrals for clients with other causes of acquired brain impairment.

Adult & Adolescent Services:
ABIAU assessments are primarily provided to adults within the age range of 18 to 65. However, arbias has a “whole of life” service approach. This means that we do offer services to older adults with a known or suspected alcohol or substance related brain injury. Older adults who are current or past clients of arbias will also be considered for assessment.

In addition, the ABIAU provides adolescent neuropsychological assessments down to the age of twelve years. Adolescents should have a documented or suspected history of acquired brain injury. Again a special focus of this service is on adolescents with an injury that is related to alcohol or other substance abuse.

A neuropsychological assessment may be considered when there is:

1. A history of alcohol or other substance abuse (e.g. opiates, marijuana, solvents – glue or petrol sniffing)
2. An identified brain injury, for example following a motor vehicle accident, fall, sports injury, or industrial accident
3. A known neurological disorder – stroke, meningitis, brain tumour, epilepsy
4. A history of exposure to toxic chemicals e.g. paint, solvents
5. A history of hypoxic brain injury due to an interruption of oxygen supply to the brain. Hypoxia can occur in overdoses, hanging/asphyxiation or following severe blood loss.
6. No reported previous brain impairment, but the person’s behaviour is suggestive of some degree of cognitive impairment – memory problems, difficulty following a series of instructions, problems with planning and organizing.

Some common reasons to consider referring a client to the ABIAU for a neuropsychological opinion (NB this is not an exhaustive list):

• Does the person have an acquired brain injury?
• What are the person’s cognitive strengths & weaknesses?
• Is an acquired brain injury causing a client’s maladaptive or challenging behaviours?
• Guidance regarding management of day-to-day cognitive problems (e.g. memory failures)
• Advice for management of individuals who present with challenging behaviours following or possibly caused by an ABI
• Decision Making Capacity Assessments where applications to the VCAT Guardianship List for appointment of a Guardian or Financial Administrator are being considered.
• Does the person have the necessary cognitive capacity to make or revoke an Enduring Power of Attorney?
• Testamentary Capacity
• Assessment and recommendations for person’s with a known or suspected ABI who are involved in the justice system

Please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  if you have any queries about the referral process or wish to discuss whether your client will meet the eligibility criteria.

Download: ABI Identification Checklist