Psychoeducational Assessments
Is your child struggling in school? A Psychoeducational Assessment can help.
Everyone has areas of strength and areas of need. Sometimes, those areas of need get in the way of school success. Psychoeducational testing can help you understand why your child or teen is having academic difficulties or why they are displaying social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Knowing how your child learns will lead to tools and strategies that can help enhance success at school, at home, and in the community.
When to Get a Psychoeducational Assessment
Maybe your child has been complaining that school is too hard for them. Or, maybe you’ve noticed that they’re not where they should be academically. Maybe they are struggling emotionally, exhibiting challenging behaviours, or are demonstrating symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity.
A psychoeducational assessment can help you understand why your child has been struggling to learn or meet academic expectations in reading, writing, or math. It can also identify ADHD, giftedness, mood disorders, behavioural disorders, or provide you with their overall learning profile.
Psychoeducational assessments are appropriate for children ages 6+ and adults who are seeking post-secondary support or are curious about their learning profile.
The Psychoeducational Assessment Process + What to Expect
A psychoeducational assessment begins with a parent meeting to discuss your child's developmental, medical, and learning history. Your child’s report cards, relevant schoolwork, and any previous assessment reports will also be reviewed. Then, your child will come to the office for two separate one-on-one testing sessions to measure cognitive and academic skills. You and their teacher may also be asked to complete questionnaires.
Once all information is gathered, a meeting is scheduled to review results and discuss recommendations. You will receive a comprehensive written report and tailored recommendations on how you and your child's school can support their learning.
At the end of the assessment process, you’ll walk away with a greater understanding of how your child learns and what they need to succeed.
Common Questions about Psychoeducational Assessments
How much does a psychoeducational assessment cost?
Assessments are billed at a flat rate of $2,750. Payment can be made in full at the initial parent meeting or split over two half payments, with the first payment due at the intake meeting and the second payment due at the feedback meeting.
We provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
How do I know if my child needs a psychoeducational assessment?
Your child may benefit from an assessment if:
You, or their teacher, have noticed that they are struggling to meet academic expectations.
They are putting in considerable effort at school but progress in one or more areas is slow.
Their mood or behaviour is significantly impacting their daily lives.
They are struggling with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
They are complaining that schoolwork is too difficult.
They do not want to go to school or are disengaged from school.
You want to understand their learning profile and how to best support them.
What are the benefits of a psychoeducational assessment?
You will gain a deeper understanding of how your child learns, which will lead to strategies that help support their unique learning needs.
A diagnosis can also help to access additional support, accommodations, or program modifications at your child’s school.
Depending on the diagnosis, you may also share the report with your general practitioner, pediatrician, or other health professionals to help with treatment planning.
How do I prepare my child for the assessment?
Many parents find it helpful to tell their child that they will be doing a number of different brain games and some reading, writing, and math activities to see how they learn best.
On the day of testing, make sure your child has had a good meal beforehand, a good sleep, has taken any medication they need, and is wearing any required glasses or hearing aids.
Children are also welcome to bring snacks and water to enjoy during breaks in testing.
Can psychoeducational assessments be done online?
Parent intake meetings and feedback meetings can be done in person or virtually through confidential video-conferencing. Testing sessions are done in-person at the office.
Should my child attend the intake and feedback meeting?
It is recommended that children do not attend the parent meetings. These meetings are an opportunity to meet privately with the psychologist to discuss your concerns, receive results, and ask questions. If desired, an additional child-friendly feedback meeting can be arranged following the completion of the assessment.
Do you offer adult psychoeducational assessments?
Yes, adults often inquire about having a psychoeducational assessment done.
Adult psychoeducational assessments are often sought to help acquire post-secondary or GED supports and accommodations or for PDD/AISH applications.
Assessments can also be done for adults who are simply curious about their learning profile or wonder whether they have an undiagnosed learning disorder or ADHD.
If you would like more information about an adult psychoeducational assessment, contact us for more information.