Telephone: 705.640.0668
Email: info@aspirespeech.ca
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
All children develop at different rates. Every brain is unique and not all children learn the same way. A psychological assessment is used to understand more about an individual's functioning, behaviour, learning, strengths, and needs. Areas assessed include intelligence, memory, academic abilities, attention, concentration, executive functions, behaviours, functional life skills, visual-motor skills, and social-emotional functioning.
Understanding your child’s strengths and needs through a psychological assessment is an important step to determining which accommodations and supports will help them be successful at any age.
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In school-aged children and adolescents, teachers may recommend a psychological assessment, which they often refer to as a psychoeducational assessment, for students who are struggling at school. Young people with an undiagnosed condition that is negatively impacting their success often display the following:
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​Have trouble recognizing letter names, letter sounds, and numbers.
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Have difficulty spelling, reading, or transferring thoughts to written form.
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Struggle to stay on task, get organized, or manage their time effectively.
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Are disruptive in class and have difficulty self-regulating their behaviour.
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Become hyper-focused on one thing and are unable to focus on anything else.
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Have difficulty learning basic intellectual, social, or behavioural skills.
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Become frustrated when trying to learn basic new skills.
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Have difficulty following instructions or directions.
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Are anxious about school, tests, speaking up in class, and social settings.
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Struggle with self esteem and engage in negative self-talk.
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to better understand a child’s unique learning profile, cognitive abilities, and academic performance.
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Why do parents seek a psychoeducational assessment?
Parents often seek an assessment when their child is struggling in school, appears to be underperforming relative to their potential, or is having ongoing difficulties with attention, memory, or regulation.
Teachers may also recommend an assessment when they notice a student consistently facing challenges with reading, writing, math, focus, organization, or classroom behaviour that aren’t explained by other factors.
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What can I expect from a psychological assessment?
The outcome of a psychological assessment will help with the following:
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Determine the presence of learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia), intellectual disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), giftedness, mental health disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or Mild Intellectual Disability (MID).
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Identify individualized learning styles, needs, and strengths.
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Provide programming recommendations for an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and, if necessary, for the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) to better support the child’s strengths and needs at school.
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Provide recommendations and referrals to community partners to help gain access to resources and funding possibilities.
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What does a psychological assessment look like?
Every assessment starts with us getting to know you and your child through an intake interview and relevant questionnaires. We will then recommend testing according to your child’s presentation.
We complete the in-person part of the assessment over multiple appointments, consisting of data collection via interviews, behavioural observations, questionnaires, standardized tests, document reviews, and consultations. Finally, we provide you with a full report and schedule a feedback appointment to discuss the report and recommend next steps.
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How do the results help children and families?
By clarifying a child’s cognitive strengths, learning needs, and areas for support, the results guide personalized recommendations for both home and school.
This allows families and educators to implement strategies and accommodations that help the child reach their full potential.
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What does the psychoeducational assessment process include?
The psychoeducational assessment process follows a standardized, evidence-based protocol to ensure accurate and reliable results.
It typically includes several components.
Cognitive and academic testing with the child, completed one-on-one with a trained clinician using standardized tools.
During testing, the child completes tasks that measure:
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Problem-solving
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Memory
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Attention
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Language
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Processing speed
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Academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics
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What is included in the clinical interview & Questionnaires?
A clinical interview with parents or guardians, completed virtually or by phone, is used to gather developmental, medical, educational, and family background information.
Background information forms and standardized questionnaires are completed by parents/caregivers and teachers to provide insight into the child’s day-to-day functioning, learning habits, and behaviour.
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How long does testing take?
Testing typically takes place in a single day. While some parents may feel that a full day of testing sounds long, it is generally shorter than a typical school day.
However, if a child becomes fatigued or dysregulated, the assessor may stop and finish testing on another day. Short breaks are offered as needed throughout the day.
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Do parents stay at the clinic during testing?
Parents are expected to remain at the clinic during the assessment.
If this isn’t possible, they must stay within a 30-minute radius so they can be contacted if needed.
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Is there a lunch break during testing?
Yes, a lunch break is provided. Parents may take their child out or send a packed lunch. It’s also encouraged to send water and preferred snacks to help the child stay comfortable and focused.
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What happens after testing is complete?
Once the assessment testing is complete, standardized questionnaires are sent to parents/caregivers and teachers for completion.
After all testing and forms have been returned, the assessor begins integrating the data and preparing the written report.
How long does the report take?
The expected timeline for report completion is approximately 6–8 weeks after all components are received.
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What does the final report include?
The final report includes any relevant diagnoses (if applicable), as well as detailed, practical recommendations for home and school to best support the child’s learning and well-being.
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What is the debrief appointment?
Once the report is complete, parents are scheduled for a debrief appointment, during which the assessor reviews the findings, explains the results, and answers any questions.
A final copy of the report is then provided to the parents a few days following the debrief session.
What is the goal of the psychoeducational assessment process?
This supportive and structured process ensures that families leave with a clear understanding of their child’s learning profile and actionable steps to promote success both at school and at home.