Psychoeducational Assessments In Calgary

Psychoeducational assessments are comprehensive evaluations of a student’s academic, behavioural, and social functioning. The assessments measure the student’s strengths and weaknesses in areas such as intelligence, learning ability, attention span, memory skills, language abilities, problem-solving skills, and emotional/social development. Depending on the particular assessment used by the evaluator, the assessment may include cognitive assessment, academic assessment and Social/Emotional assessment. Cognitive assessment looks at general intellectual functioning such as memory skills, language abilities, problem-solving, and abstract reasoning. Academic Assessment measures academic achievement in specific subject areas like math and reading. And finally, Social/Emotional Assessment evaluates a person’s social and emotional functioning, including areas such as behaviour management, self-esteem, ability to interact with peers and adults, and overall sense of well-being.

A psychoeducational assessment is an important tool for understanding a student’s strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a tailored approach to learning. With this information, teachers and parents can help create learning plans that are tailored to the student’s individual needs. The results of a psychoeducational assessment may also be used to obtain services or accommodations such as extended time on tests, the use of special equipment or software, and other strategies to promote success. Ultimately, a psychoeducational assessment is an important step in helping students reach their full potential.

You should bring any relevant school records, such as IEPs or report cards, and any previous psychoeducational assessment reports and medical reports that are relevant. Please ensure you take any required medication and that you have slept well and eaten breakfast. Please dress comfortably as there will be extended times of sitting. If your appointment is booked for a half day, please bring snacks and water. If your appointment is booked for a full day we will break for lunch (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.). There is a waiting area that has a microwave, coffee and water available or lunch options are available within walking distance. 

If your child is being assessed we do have a waiting area where you may sit during the assessment. You may leave during the assessment time and come back at lunch. If your child is anxious about the assessment having a parent available to see during breaks are often a comfort. Please let us know if you will be staying for the assessment. If you are unable to return at lunch or are running late, please notify us.

It depends on the individual and what is being assessed, but typically it can take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours. This includes the actual testing sessions with lots of time for breaks. The length of time can vary depending on the person. We always try our best to ensure our client’s comfort by providing breaks when necessary. When we assess children we will have movement breaks but will also have some board games for them to play. If your child has a book, or favourite toy to engage with during breaks please feel free to bring it.

Time to report the assessment report can vary based on what is being assessed, the number of files that are required to review and the number of interviews required (how many teachers, doctors, co-workers, spouse etc.) we may need to contact. While we aim to have the quickest turnaround, we strive to have your report and feedback available no later than four weeks after testing has been completed. If a report is needed for an application with a deadline, please let us know so that we can accommodate it.

This depends on the reason for the assessment, but typically you would provide them to your child’s school and physician. Reports are often necessary to apply for funding through Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Please let us know if you have questions about this and we can address them in your feedback meeting.

A psychoeducational assessment can diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can provide information about how well a child learns and thinks. This information can be helpful if you suspect your child has ADHD. It can also help identify other conditions that may be affecting his or her behaviour and/or ability to learn.

The results of a psychoeducational evaluation give you detailed information about how your child learns, thinks, understands language, solves problems, and communicates with others. This information helps teachers understand what methods will work best for teaching your child and potentially provide access to accommodations (ex. more time for tests) so he or she can succeed in school.