Psychoeducational and Psychological Assessments
At Bay Psychology, we offer both comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents. Our assessments are conducted in-person by a psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. For convenience and safety, some aspects of the assessment may take place virtually, such as the parent interview and feedback meeting.
Psychoeducational Assessments
Psychoeducational assessments are a type of psychological assessment that are completed for educational purposes. They are helpful if your child is experiencing attention or learning problems. Psychoeducational assessments provide information about how your child’s attention and learning across various domains, including how they:
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Use and understand language
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Reason and solve problems without language
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Detect patterns in information they see
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Coordinate what they see with what they do with their hands (visual-motor skills)
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Focus and sustain their attention
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Remember what they see and hear
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Execute tasks (plan, set goals, organize, and adapt)
Psychoeducational assessments also provide standardized information about your child’s reading, writing, and math skills. The use of standardized testing allows us to give you information about your child’s abilities and skills in comparison to those of other children their age. By making these comparisons, we are able to determine what a child’s learning strengths and challenges are, and the type of supports that would help them be successful at school and in everyday life.
Examples of common diagnoses that can be investigated as part of a psychoeducational assessment at Bay Psychology include:
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Learning Disabilities
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Intellectual Disabilities.
Comprehensive Psychological Assessment
Comprehensive psychological assessments are helpful to clarify your child’s strengths and challenges across multiple areas, including learning, behaviour, and social-emotional functioning. These assessments often include the same components of a psychoeducational assessment (above), and provide additional information about your child’s behaviour, social skills, personality, and/or mental health symptoms.
Examples of common diagnoses that can be investigated as part of a comprehensive psychological assessment at Bay Psychology include:
· ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities (as noted above)
· Autism Spectrum Disorder
· Anxiety Disorders
· Depressive Disorders
· Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
· Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders.
What do assessments involve? What should I expect?
All assessments involve a brief child interview, a parent/caregiver interview, direct in-person observation and standardized testing, rating scales for parents/caregivers and teachers, and review of relevant documents (e.g., past assessment reports, report cards). Comprehensive psychological assessments may include additional interviewing, testing, and rating scales, as well as some informal methods such as drawings and play.
Psychoeducational testing can be completed in one day, although 2 to 3 shorter assessment sessions are preferred. This allows multiple opportunities to get to know your child and helps to ensure that they are able to put forth their best attention and performance. Comprehensive psychological assessments typically require 2 to 4 assessment sessions with your child or adolescent.
Once the assessment is completed, tests are scored, interpreted, and integrated with other sources of information. Findings, including clinical impressions and diagnoses, are summarized in a report, along with recommendations that are individualized to the child’s particular strengths and needs. Assessment results and recommendations are also discussed verbally in the feedback session.
Why Bay Psychology?
We believe in thorough, comprehensive assessments that are done right. We recognize that these assessments are an important investment in your child’s well-being and future, and therefore not something to be rushed. We will take the necessary time to get to know your child, listen to your questions and concerns, and provide assessment feedback in a sensitive manner. Child-focused feedback sessions are also offered.
We understand that every child is different and that one size does not fit all. If your child requires a different approach to our typical assessment process, we are happy to discuss this with you and make a plan that feels comfortable for all involved.
We also believe that children, adolescents, and their families are usually doing the best they can, even if things seem like they could be better. We strive to provide a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere that helps to foster open communication and collaborative problem solving.
Finally, we also believe in cooperation and collaboration with community partners. This means that with your consent, we are happy to communicate with your child’s doctor, school, or other professional involved in their care, as needed, to help inform the assessment or to ensure appropriate follow-up.
What if I have more questions?
When you contact Bay Psychology to inquire about a Psychoeducational or Psychological assessment for your child or adolescent, you will be offered a free 15-minute scheduled phone consultation. This phone consultation will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the assessment services that may be best suited for your current situation.
Please note that we do not currently offer neuropsychological assessments, custody and access assessments, or forensic assessments for children and adolescents.