Psycho-educational Assessment
for Children & Adolescents
Read below for the purpose and process/elements of a psychoeducational assessment, or schedule a free consultation with our psychologist to learn more.
Purpose of a Psychoeducational Assessment: A psychoeducational assessment is designed to identify the presence of a variety of conditions including (but not limited to) Specific Learning Disorders/Learning Disability, Intellectual Disorder, and attentional problems such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Specific Learning Disorders can be identified in the areas of writing, mathematics, and reading (often referred to as dyslexia). In addition, the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be added to the psychoeducational assessment. Assessment findings reveal each student's profile of strengths and weaknesses in cognitive abilities, academic skills and processing abilities related to learning. Based on the assessment results, the psychologist makes recommendations to help improve the student's functioning in the home and school environment.
Elements and Process of a Psychoeducational Assessment: A psychoeducational assessment involves the administration of measures/tests which support the psychologist in determining the psychological factors that are contributing to the student's learning, behavioural and/or interpersonal problems, as well as the extent of impact on the student's daily functioning. A psychoeducational assessment involves the evaluation of intellectual functioning, academic skills, and other cognitive processes related to learning (e.g., fine motor control, memory). The assessment also screens for some other psychological factors (e.g., mood or anxiety) that may interfere with functioning. The measures administered are selected by the psychologist based on each student's unique needs.
The assessment is completed through interviewing, direct testing (about 6 to 8 hours total), and review of collateral information. Prior to your initial meeting, you will be sent a background questionnaire to complete. The assessment involves the following process:
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An initial intake meeting will be held (virtually) in order to collect information such as developmental and school history as well as current concerns
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In-person meetings (i.e., direct testing sessions) will be schedule with the psychologist to evaluate the student; the length of each session will depend on various factors such as the student's age
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Norm-referenced questionnaires will also be completed by parents and teachers
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Collateral information (e.g., current and past report cards, prior assessment reports) are also provided to the psychologist for review
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Approximately 2-weeks after all testing and questionnaires are completed, a feedback session will be held with the psychologist (virtually) to review the results of the assessment and recommendations going forward
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Results from the full assessment are written as a comprehensive report that is provided following the feedback session
The evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can also be included in the psychoeducational assessment for an additional fee. At your initial appointment, the psychologist can help determine if adding the ASD evaluation would be ideal depending on the difficulties your child is experiencing. The addition of the ASD evaluation would require additional measures and assessment time.
If you would like to add the ASD evaluation to the psychoeducational assessment there would be an additional fee.