PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

• A Team of Caring and Highly Qualified Experts: Our team includes registered psychologists and educational specialists with years of experience in psychoeducational assessment. We stay current with the latest research and best practices in the field to provide you with the most accurate and effective evaluation.
• A Thorough and Individualized Assessment Process: We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our assessments are tailored to your child’s specific needs, concerns, and academic history. We combine standardized tests with detailed observations, interviews, and a review of relevant records to create a comprehensive picture of your child’s learning profile.
• Beyond the Scores: Actionable Insights and Personalized Recommendations: Our detailed assessment reports go beyond simply reporting test scores. We provide clear and understandable explanations of the results, along with specific and actionable recommendations for parents, educators, and other professionals to support your child’s learning.
• A Comfortable and Supportive Environment: We are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment for your child during the assessment process. We understand that testing can be stressful, and we take steps to minimize anxiety and maximize your child’s performance.
• A Collaborative Partnership: We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you and your child’s school to develop a coordinated plan for success.

• In-Depth Parent and Teacher Interviews: We gather detailed information from parents and teachers about your child’s developmental history, learning experiences, and specific areas of concern.
• Intellectual/Cognitive Assessment: We administer standardized cognitive tests to evaluate intellectual abilities such as:
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Visual-Spatial Reasoning
  • Working Memory
  • Processing Speed
  • Nonverbal Reasoning
• Academic Achievement Testing: We assess your child’s skills in core academic areas, including:
  • Reading (Decoding, Fluency, Comprehension)
  • Writing (Spelling, Grammar, Composition)
  • Mathematics (Calculation, Problem Solving)
  • Oral Language (Listening Comprehension, Expressive Language)
• Assessment of Learning Processes: We evaluate key cognitive processes that impact learning, such as:
  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Executive Functioning (Planning, Organization, Inhibition)
  • Sensory Processing
• Behavioral Observations: We carefully observe your child’s behavior during testing sessions to identify potential attention or behavioral challenges that may be impacting their learning.
• Comprehensive Written Report and Feedback Session: You will receive a comprehensive report detailing the assessment results, diagnoses (if applicable), and personalized recommendations. We will also schedule a feedback session to discuss the findings in detail and answer any questions you may have.

• A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment

  A thorough psychoeducational assessment may involve multiple steps to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the child’s abilities and challenges. The process typically includes:

  Initial Consultation

  A meeting with parents or guardians to discuss the specific concerns and issues the child is facing. This discussion helps determine whether a psychoeducational assessment is appropriate and necessary, ensuring that both parents and assessors are aligned on goals for the evaluation.

  Parent Interview

  Conduct a detailed interview with parents or guardians to gather information on the child’s developmental milestones, medical history, and current functioning. This includes discussing factors such as family dynamics, educational history, and any previous assessments or interventions that have been attempted. Understanding the child’s background and environment is critical for contextualizing assessment results.

  Observation in Natural Settings

  Observe the child in various natural settings, such as the classroom and home, to gain insights into their behavior, social interactions, and learning processes. Observations can reveal how the child interacts with peers and adults, which is essential for understanding their emotional and social functioning.

  Psychometric Testing

  Administer standardized tests designed to evaluate the child’s academic skills (reading, writing, and math), cognitive abilities (reasoning, problem-solving), and executive functioning (planning, organization, self-regulation). These tests provide quantifiable data that is fundamental to identifying strengths and areas of difficulty.

  Evaluation of Additional Areas

  Depending on the child’s specific needs, further assessments may be conducted in areas such as:

  • Memory: Assessing both short-term and long-term memory capabilities.
  • Attention: Evaluating attention span and the ability to focus on tasks.
  • Impulsivity: Measuring impulsive behaviors that may impact learning and social interactions.
  • Language Skills: Assessing both receptive and expressive language abilities to understand communication challenges.
  • Motor Skills: Evaluating fine and gross motor skills that can affect academic performance and daily activities.
  • Visual-Spatial Skills: Assessing the ability to process and interpret visual information.
    Assessment of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Functioning
  • Use validated rating scales and interviewing techniques to assess the child’s social interactions, emotional regulation, and behavioral patterns. This helps in understanding how these factors might be impacting their academic performance and overall well-being.

  Comprehensive Report Creation

  Prepare a detailed report combining the assessment results, analyses, and interpretations. The report will include recommendations for necessary school accommodations (such as individualized education plans) and at-home support strategies to help the child succeed. The report serves as a crucial tool for educators and parents, outlining actionable steps tailored to the child’s needs.

  Feedback Session with the Psychologist

  Arrange a feedback session to present and discuss the findings of the assessment with parents and, when appropriate, the child. During this session, the psychologist goes over the results, addresses any questions or concerns, and discusses the recommended strategies and accommodations in detail.

  Ongoing Monitoring and Reassessment

  According to best-practice guidelines, it is advised that psychoeducational assessments be updated every two to three years. This ensures continuous monitoring of the child’s progress, allowing for adjustments in educational strategies and support as needed over time. Regular updates help track developmental changes and the effectiveness of interventions implemented.

  This comprehensive assessment process not only aids in identifying current issues but also empowers parents and educators with the knowledge and tools to support the child’s academic and emotional growth effectively.

Dookies Psychological Services provides comprehensive psychoeducational assessments in Calgary, Alberta, to identify learning strengths, challenges, and tailored support strategies for academic success.

• Identifies Learning Needs: Uncovers specific learning disabilities and unique learning styles.
• Personalized Interventions: Guides tailored educational plans and effective support strategies.
• Empowers Students: Fosters self-understanding and builds confidence for academic success.
• Opens Doors to Support: Qualifies for accommodations and access to specialized educational services.