About Us
The Lumos Difference
At Lumos Developmental Clinic, we understand that accessing timely assessments for autism and ADHD has long been a challenge for many individuals. Whether due to geographical barriers, such as residing in rural areas without nearby specialists, or the dauntingly long waitlists in local communities, these obstacles can significantly impede the path to getting the proper diagnosis and subsequent support. Recognizing these critical gaps in healthcare accessibility, our team has innovatively crafted a unique approach to extend our reach to those in need – no matter where they are. By leveraging the power of videoconferencing technology, we offer thorough and comprehensive assessments entirely remotely.
Our ability to conduct remote assessments is bolstered by our unique agreements with top-tier Universities and Research Institutes across Canada and the United States. These agreements have equipped us with access to pioneering methods and technologies, enabling the full scope of our assessments to be carried out during remote sessions. This is a significant deviation from the more conventional remote assessments offered by many clinics, which typically rely solely on interviews and checklists. At Lumos Developmental Clinic, we recognize that the complex neurological differences inherent in conditions like autism and ADHD necessitate a far more intricate and research-backed assessment approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Most neurodiverse adults and adolescents have developed coping mechanisms to mask their divergences, often leading to their conditions going unnoticed and undiagnosed with the use of inadequate assessment methods that were not designed to compensate for this reality. Our clinic, however, uses validated, comprehensive, and, in some cases, groundbreaking research-backed methods to ensure that our clients receive the most thorough and precise assessments possible.
It’s also worth noting that many assessment instruments widely used today for diagnosing autism and ADHD were initially designed with young children in mind. When adapted for use on adults and adolescents by some clinics, the effectiveness of these instruments drastically diminishes, frequently resulting in missed or incorrect diagnoses. At Lumos Developmental Clinic, we steadfastly avoid this pitfall by exclusively employing methods and instruments specifically designed for the age group of our clients. Our commitment is to ensure that each assessment accurately reflects the unique needs and characteristics of our clients, providing a solid foundation for support and understanding.
Dr. Hein Swanepoel, Psy.D.
Founder & Clinical Psychologist
Possessing a rich background in clinical psychology, Dr. Hein has honed his expertise through years of working with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. These experiences have not only shaped him into a compassionate caregiver but also a visionary in the field. His particular interest lies in leveraging technology to bridge gaps in access to specialized mental health services, a commitment that underpins the innovative approaches Lumos Developmental Clinic is known for.
Dr. Hein’s role transcends his duties as a clinician; as the Clinical Director, he is deeply involved in overseeing all clinical services at Lumos, ensuring that the care delivered not only meets but exceeds professional standards. His vision for the clinic is a beacon of hope and progress in the realm of developmental psychology, guiding his team towards realizing the goal of accessible, high-quality mental health care for all.
