A PARENT‘S GUIDE TO PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS, CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS

WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES INCLUDE?

• ASSESSMENT
  
• TREATMENT
  
• CONSULTATIONEDUCATION

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT WHEN SHOULD I CALL FOR HELP?

It can be difficult for parents to know when help is needed.

Ask yourself:

•  Are you feeling worried about your child?
•  Have other caregivers (family, teachers, babysitters, doctors) expressed concerns?
•  Has the problem seemed to last for a long time? Is it getting worse?
•  Have you been on a school/agency wait list for a long time?

Learning:

•  Is your child having trouble learning or keeping up at school?
•  Does your child forget things easily?
•  Does your child get distracted easily?
•  In reading, does your child struggle to decode or understand what is read?
•  Does your child have trouble getting ideas down on paper?
•  Is writing messy or poorly spaced?
•  Does homework result in daily battles?

Behaviour/Emotions:

•  Is your child getting in trouble at home or school?
•  Does your child have difficulty making or keeping friends?
•  Does your child worry excessively about things?
•  Does your child get anxious about learning, peers, or home events?
•  Are your child’s struggles creating stress for you and other family members?

WHAT DOES A PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PSYCHO EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?

•  The clinician will meet with you (the parents) to discuss your concerns and learn about your child from you.
•  He/she will have you and/or teachers fill in some questionnaires to describe your child’s behaviour and learning.
•  Your child will then visit for individual sessions to identify both strengths and difficulties.
•  An assessment includes: observing behaviour and interactions as well as completing a series of tests or activities which compare your child to age-based expectations.

Next Steps:

•  All this information is reviewed with you and a plan is designed, aimed at helping you and your child.
•  You should expect information on strengths and weakness; details on the nature and degree of difficulties; ideas to help your family and child cope better; ideas for school programming; and a plan to manage behaviour concerns. Your child may also get the information explained at their level, so that they understand their difficulties and take pride in strengths.
•  Next, with your permission a meeting with your child’s preschool or school may be arranged. Other referrals and resources could also be contacted with your informed consent.
•  Finally, a written report will be completed for you.

WHY COMPLETE A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION NOW?

•  Early identification means your child can get help sooner, family life will be less stressful and the preschool/school can be educated about how your child learns best.
•  Early intervention can improve long term outcome.
•  Access to certain community resources requires diagnosis and delay in evaluation limits access.
•  Formal Identification of difficulties at school can lead to an Individual Education Plan, and school-based accommodations right through to the college/university level.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

•  Typically, we can see your family fairly soon after the first call avoiding lengthy wait lists and worry.
•  We will involve you directly in the process and together decide the best approach for your child and family.
•  We will advocate for your child and family for resources in the community.
•  We provide a comprehensive approach to assessment/treatment so you get the most information with long term value for your child and family.

DID YOU KNOW?

•  Even very bright children can have specific learning problems and may need accommodations to help them learn best.
•  Parents are usually not the cause of difficulties, but worry that they are doing something wrong.
•  It is never too early or too late to get help.
•  Our practice is multi-disciplinary with qualified professionals in psychology, speech & language pathology, behavior consultation and education.
•  You may access one or more members of the team and we can consult with each other to best meet your child’s needs.
•  Many extended health insurance plans through your workplace will cover the services offered. Fees may also be tax deductible.