PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS

This type of assessment is used to see if an individual might have a learning disability (reading, math, written expression, handwriting) and to determine if the individual might benefit from additional academic assistance and accommodation.  In its most basic form it may involve a review of records, completion of a background history questionnaire and interview, along with a measure of global intellectual functioning and achievement. Broader assessment would involve observations from the client’s teachers and additional cognitive (thinking) domains.  This service is available to children (6+), adolescents and adults.

(please click Learning Disabilities for more details on our Advanced Neuropsychology and Learning Disability Assessment Service)

WHY CHOOSE TO HAVE A COMBINED LEARNING DISABILITY AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

A psychoeducational evaluation may identify if an academic problem exists in reading, spelling, writing, or math but a neuropsychological evaluation will help a person understand why they are having problems and how to better focus learning strategies, accommodations, or other treatment. It involves the following:

  • More in-depth testing and tools
  • A deeper look at a person’s thinking and social skills in addition to their mental health and coping
  • A better understanding of strengths and weaknesses
  • It may help to figure out a diagnosis more accurately
  • It may lead to more detailed recommendations and accommodations for school, work, mental health, and medical interventions
  • It can be very important when trying to understand complex problems (e.g., neurodevelopmental disorder and a learning disability, ADHD and a brain injury, ADHD and a learning disability, are Grandpa’s memory problems due to depression or dementia?)
  • It can be used for educational and vocational planning

Please note that Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder Assessments are not offered at the clinic. However, we can provide you with a list of excellent diagnosticians and treatment providers in the central NB region.