What is a psychological assessment?

A psychological or psychoeducational assessment is conducted to determine the nature of a client’s functioning in various domains. Psychologists will use standardized and empirically validated tools chosen based on the referral question. For example, in psychological assessments for children, the referral question is often related to their learning needs. In this case, the psychologist will likely administer (1) cognitive tests assessing the child’s verbal and visual reasoning and problem solving skills, memory, and attention, (2) academic tests assessing a child’s reading, writing, and mathematics skills, (3) they will have the client, their parent(s), and/or teacher complete questionnaires related to their social, emotional, behavioural, and adaptive functioning, and (4) clinical interviews will be conducted with the client, their parents, and possibly their teacher.

What is the purpose of a psychological assessment?

The purpose of these assessments is to describe areas of strength and weakness, identify underlying disorders that interfere with their functioning, and provide recommendations that would support their learning and functioning at home and at school.

What is typically diagnosed in psychological assessments?

Psychologists completing psychological assessments for the purpose of supporting school programming are often considering the following diagnoses in the interpretation of the results: Learning Disabilities in reading, written expression, and mathematics; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Language Disorder; Intellectual Disability; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Depression; and Anxiety. This is not an exhaustive list, simply the most common diagnoses that result from these assessments.

My child is enrolled in a French or French Immersion program. Do I need to complete the assessment with someone who can complete testing in French?

Typically, yes. Given that these children are exposed to early reading and writing instruction in French, it is best practice to assess these skills in French. For some, especially those in French Immersion programs, academic testing can be completed in both languages. In Windsor, most children’s primary language is English, and therefore cognitive testing is usually completed in English.

How long does it take to complete an assessment?

A typical assessment will require 3 or 4 appointments. It would begin with a clinical interview, followed by standardized testing, and a feedback meeting once the final report has been completed. The initial clinical interview and feedback appointments usually require 1-2 hours and the testing typically requires 6 to 9 hours. A full day is usually set aside to complete this testing and follow-up appointments may be required.

Will you share the results of the assessment or a copy of the report with my child’s school?

A copy of the report will never be shared with your child’s school without your written permission. Typically, the family is given a copy of the report and it is the family’s decision to share the report with the school.

What is the fee for a psychological assessment?

Fees are determined based on standard practices in Ontario. The fee for an assessment of cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning is $2700. Additional fees will be applied for Autism diagnostic assessments.