If your child has been struggling at school, you may have been asked to take them to a psychologist in Calgary for a psychoeducational assessment.
What does this assessment involve, and how can it help your child? Read more to find out.
What is a Psychoeducational Assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment determines if your child has issues that negatively impact their ability to successfully learn, such as a learning disability. The assessment evaluates your child’s cognitive abilities, information processing abilities, emotional and behavioral problems, and academic achievement levels. Typically, the assessment measures emotional and behavioral functions and how they impact your child’s learning.
A psychoeducational assessment usually involves:
• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (to test cognitive abilities)
• Testing of information processing abilities, including phonological processing and visual-motor integration
• Interviews with the child
• Interviews with the parents and other caregivers or important individuals in the child’s life
• Review of records
• The Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement to assess academic levels
Who Performs Psychoeducational Assessments?
Psychoeducational assessments should only be performed by a licensed psychologist who has the proper experience and training in doing these specialized tests. At Pinnacle Psych, we are happy to provide psychoeducational assessments to children who need them.
How Do I Find a Psychologist?
If your child’s school has asked you to get a psychoeducational assessment done, you may be struggling to find a psychologist you can trust. A great way to find a good psychologist is to ask for recommendations from your therapist, other parents, your pediatrician, or your child’s school. Often, parenting support groups also have a list of resources. Our team at Pinnacle Psych is happy to offer psychoeducational assessments in Calgary.
How Long Does the Assessment Take?
Usually, a comprehensive evaluation will take at least 6 hours or more. It can be done in one day, but it is better to have it split into a couple of days, depending on the unique child.
Should You Share a Copy of the Assessment with Your Child’s School?
This depends on why your school is asking for the assessment. Are they asking so that they can assist you in helping your child succeed? Or are they asking so they can be critical? If you feel that the school is trying to collaborate with you for your child’s best interest, it is good to give the report to them. Our team at Pinnacle Psych can provide parents with an abridged copy of the report that includes recommendations relevant to the child’s learning, which parents can share with the school.
Will the Assessment Include Specific Behavioural and Educational Recommendations?
Different psychologists have different methods. Some psychologists are very specific with their recommendations, and others are more general. It is important that you first speak with the psychologist so that you are on the same page about how specific recommendations will be. You can also use this time to let them know what questions you need answered so that they can tailor their report to meet your needs.
Visit Pinnacle Psych
If your child needs a psychoeducational assessment, visit Pinnacle Psych. When a child is struggling in school, it can be difficult for the entire family. Our team is here to help your child succeed, and we are happy to work with you and your child to ensure that everyone feels supported and understood. If you feel that Pinnacle Psych is the right place for you, please contact us to book a consultation today. We provide psychologist counseling in Calgary.