Psychoeducational Assessments
A psychoeducational assessment provides a detailed summary of a child’s strengths and weaknesses and offers information about how a child learns and solves problems. The child’s functioning in several domains is assessed using a combination of standardized measures (direct testing and rating scales), parent and teacher interviews, and child observation. This information is useful in determining whether a diagnosis of a learning disorder, intellectual impairment, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is appropriate, and can also identify behavioral, social or emotional problems that the child may be experiencing. Psychoeducational assessments are critical in helping determine an appropriate treatment plan for the child and includes comprehensive recommendations for home and school settings.
Comprehensive psychoeducational assessments are completed by a psychologist and typically consists of the following:
- Initial intake interview with the parents to gain an understanding of the child’s difficulties, gather relevant background information, and determine the nature and scope of the assessment.
- File review of previous assessments and treatments (e.g. psychological, speech, occupational), report cards, and medical records.
- Standardized testing with the child to assess his cognitive skills (memory, attention, reasoning, processing speed, problem solving) and academic skills.
- Assessment of the child’s behavioural and social-emotional functioning through rating scales and clinical interviews with parents, teachers and the child. A play-based assessment and observation will also be completed for children suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder.
- School observation to see how the child interacts with peers and functions in a classroom setting.
- Summary of the findings and recommendation will be presented in a written report and shared with parents.
- Feedback session with parents to discuss the results of the assessment and review recommendations.
The following areas may be assessed in a psychoeducational assessment. Specific assessment instruments used will be determined by the psychologist and may include the following:
Cognitive Functioning
Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale- Fifth Edition (SB-5)
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Third Edition (WPPSI-III).
Academic Functioning
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test- Third Edition (WIAT-III)
Adaptive Functioning
Adaptive Behavior Assessment System- Third Edition (ABAS-3)
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales – Third Edition (Vineland-3)
Behavioural and Emotional Functioning
Behavior Assessment System for Children- Third Edition (BASC-3)
Conners – Third Edition (Conners-3)
Social Functioning
Social-Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers – Revised (M-CHAT-R)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- Second Edition (ADOS-2)