Psycho Educational Assessment

A Psychological (mental health) assessment can help to identify specific difficulties with mental health and behavioural issues. This assessment is typically completed when:

• There are multiple issues to consider and understand to create a proper clinical formulation 
• To determine appropriate treatment recommendations for psychotherapy/counselling
• To identify the correct diagnosis if medication is being considered as a component of treatment
• To establish proper recommendations and accommodations for the school that will help the child and the school support staff

A psychoeducational assessment can help identify difficulties in cognition and learning. This assessment can help to:

• Determine if there are cognitive difficulties in all areas of learning
• Identify learning difficulties in specific areas (e.g., math, reading, spelling, etc.)
• Establish appropriate recommendations and accommodations for an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) at school
• Identify when supports such as an Educational Assistant (E.A.) could be helpful
• Provide recommendations for assistive technology (i.e., use of a laptop, etc.) to assist with learning

An assessment for attention can be completed as a stand-alone assessment or as part of a psychoeducational assessment. This assessment can help to identify difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and executive functioning (i.e., organization, regulation). This assessment is typically completed to provide:

• Recommendations for treatment planning for psychotherapy/counselling
• Strategies to assist parents with helping their child manage their symptoms, as well as dealing with challenging behaviours at home
• Recommendations and accommodations for school through an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.)
• Recommendations for additional support at school, such as an Educational Assistant (E.A.) 
• A definitive diagnosis if medication is being considered as a treatment option
• Recommendations for the use of assistive technology (i.e., use of a laptop) that can help to improve attention and focus

An assessment for autism can be helpful when there is concern about a child’s development, in areas such as language, social skills, and communication skills. An Autism assessment can help to:

• Identify repetitive and restricted interests
• Identify stereotyped patterns of behaviour
• provide understanding for parents about confusing and isolating behaviour
• Provide information for services that will benefit their child
• Apply for funding to facilitate treatment and access appropriate community services

A neuropsychological assessment for children can help identify difficulties in brain function, such as cognition, learning, executive functioning, language, and other cognitive abilities. This assessment can help to:

• Determine if there are deficits in learning and functioning related to neurological or birth conditions, such as a seizure disorder, epilepsy, premature birth, alcohol or substance use during pregnancy, brain tumour, acquired or congenital hydrocephalus, etc.
• Examine brain functioning after an impact to the head resulting in a concussion (e.g., motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, sports injury, etc.)
• Determine if there are cognitive difficulties in all areas of learning
• Identify learning difficulties in specific areas (e.g., math, spelling, reading, writing, etc.)
• Create recommendations for home and school functioning when there is difficulty in an identified area of brain functioning
• Help establish appropriate recommendations and accommodations for an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) at school.
• Provide recommendations for assistive technology (e.g., use of a laptop, etc.) to assist with learning at school