What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment is a process that involves a variety of tests, observations, interviews, and questionnaires, that help paint a picture of you (or your child) as a learner. It is meant to provide an extensive overview on how you think, reason, store information, problem-solve, and do educational tasks (e.g., reading, writing, and math). This information is helpful in learning more about your strengths and challenges, which can help illustrate how you best learn. It can also provide context if accommodations and adaptations are necessary throughout you or your child’s educational journey. Also, it may bring to light the existence of a learning disorder or attention/executive function difficulties.
How do I decide if a psychoeducational assessment is appropriate for me or my child?
It could be that you have noticed some aspects of learning are quite a bit more challenging for you or for your child when compared to peers. It could be that you have tried tutoring or additional support, and nothing seems to be sticking. Maybe you have noticed that reading is extremely effortful for your child. Maybe it’s math that is the big challenge, or writing, or studying, or listening in class. If you have tried working with school teams and teachers to address some of these concerns, and you are still feeling like learning is a struggle, perhaps a psychoeducational assessment is the next step.
What should I expect when I go in for a psychoeducational assessment?
At Simply Counselling Services, there are a few psychologists trained in the administration of psychoeducational assessments. When you have been booked in for an assessment, the first step is an intake. This typically involves meeting with a psychologist who will ask you questions about your developmental and academic history. This is an opportunity to discuss you or your child’s struggles in detail. You may also be asked to provide report cards or other information from your child’s school. After the initial intake, you’ll be scheduled for 2 appointments at the clinic, each 2 hours, for the testing portion of the assessment. This testing will include solving puzzles and answering questions. The tasks you complete are designed to assess the different ways your brain takes in and puts out information. You may also be asked to take additional questionnaires home for you or your child’s teacher to fill out.
What happens when the psychoeducational assessment is finished?
After the intake and testing have been completed, and your psychologist deems they have enough information to conclude the assessment, the next step is a debrief where the psychologist will go over the results. You’ll discuss the different tasks that were completed and what it all means in relation to how you learn. If you have questions, you are encouraged to ask along the way. The assessment is meant for you, your family, perhaps your child’s school team, and anyone else you invite into the process. The ultimate goal is that you leave with a better understanding of yourself or your child. Also, the debrief may include a diagnosis, and likely some recommendations and strategies to address any challenges. Finally, your psychologist will provide an in-depth psychoeducational assessment report that will outline all that is discussed in the debrief.
If you have any additional questions or are interested in inquiring further about the process, reach out to Simply Counselling Services (587-226-7584) and arrange a consultation with one of our psychologists trained in assessment.
Maggie
Simply Counselling Services