Psychoeducational Assessments
Individuals may be referred for a psychoeducational assessment for several reasons. These may include difficulties in school, suspected learning difficulties, or behavioral problems. The cause of the difficulty is often not clear.
A comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessment evaluates thinking, learning and behaviour in children, adolescents and young adults. This type of evaluation focuses on factors that impact learning and helps to identify strengths and weaknesses. It can provide a diagnosis of a learning disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), developmental disability, and examines social/emotional/behavioural functioning to detect any significant mental health concerns.
This understanding can help improve academic performance and consequently quality of life.
The assessment is thorough and includes:
- The assessment of Social-Emotional and Behavioral Functioning. This focuses on gathering important information to better understand your child. A clinical interview is conducted with parents, observations are documented and relevant background records are reviewed. In addition, questionnaires may be provided for parents and teacher to complete.
- The administration of standardized testing. Various tests are administered to assess several skills, such as general intellectual level, memory, language, problem solving, fine motor skills, visual spatial skills, learning and academic skills (reading, writing, math). This part typically lasts approximately four hours, depending on the individual.
- Report and Recommendations. A comprehensive report is provided to the parent, which includes background information, scored tests results, interpretations and diagnostic information (if appropriate). A list of recommendations are provided, which can then be shared with the school and be used in planning programs to improve academic achievement. The assessment findings can also identify needs for special services in school and help access resources in the community.
- A feedback session in which a report is reviewed with the parents and findings are discussed. At this time, any further questions will be answered.
Psychoeducational Assessments are completed by Dr. Ryan Kneer (Registered Psychologist) and his team (see About section).