A psychoeducational assessment are sets of tests and observations that provide insight into an individual's learning ability and how they process information. With a proper and thorough psychoeducational assessment, specific academic problems can be identified as well as their causes. An assessment can identify a child's strengths and weaknesses in regards to their problem solving and academic abilities as well as their potential level of functioning. Above all, a person's learning style can be identified.
Who is it for?
Typically, psychoeducational assessments are completed when an individual is struggling with learning in certain areas, whether it be reading, writing or mathematics. In some cases, a learning disability may be suspected. Learning disabilities (LDs) are specific neurological disorders that affect the way a person stores, understands, retrieves and/or communicates information. People with learning disabilities are intelligent and have the ability to learn despite difficulties in processing information and a pattern of uneven abilities. They can succeed when solid coping skills and strategies are developed and implemented. Learning disabilities can affect a person's ability in the areas of:
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Intellectually gifted children can also struggle with school, due to boredom. Proper modifications and school placements can reduce boredom and provide these children with the intellectual stimulation they need. Both children and adults can be assessed. Psychoeducational assessments for learning disabilities and giftedness can be done for children as young as 6 and adults of all ages.
What can a Psychoeducational Assessment offer?
Through a psychoeducational assessment, specific causes of a learning disability can be identified. Once these causes are identified, they can be detoured around with accommodations. Other sources of learning disabilities can be completely fixed once they are identified.
During the assessment, our psychologist will look at many areas of assessment:
Learning style
Memory
Attention
Level of achievement in areas of mathematics, reading, problem solving, written language and oral language
Visual-motor integration
Overall cognitive abilities
Once the assessment is completed, individualized learning strategies or other recommendations are provided in a detailed psychoeducational report. This report provides a template for teachers and parents on how to work with the child's strengths and weaknesses to bring out their full potential.
What is the process like?
A typically psychoeducational assessment with us consists of:
Review of previous assessments, documents or other tests (if applicable)
Initial Interview
Testing hours
Debriefing interview
Scoring tests, analyzing and interpreting results
An extensive psychoeducational assessment report
The client and parent/parents only need to be present for the initial interview, testing hours and the debriefing interview. Outside of appointment hours, a significant component of the assessment is an extensive report which can take a number of hours to complete. This extensive report includes a breakdown and explanation of results. The report also provides many teachers and parents on how to accommodate and modify instruction and exams to meet the child's needs.
When booking a psychoeducational assessment, it is advised to book at least a month ahead in order to get a time that works for you.