PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

An examination of an individual’s everyday functioning, specifically in the areas of emotional, behavioural and social challenges. 

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To better understand why an individual may be experiencing social, behavioural or emotional challenges
• To determine whether there are possible diagnoses
• To consider possible treatment options and recommendations

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To develop a better understanding of oneself and possible diagnoses (if appropriate)
• To develop appropriate treatment plans using the assessment results as a guide
• To access recommendations to help with managing stress, mood changes or to improve relationships

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS A PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

A Psychoeducational Assessment determines a profile of an individual’s learning strengths and challenges based on a set of standardized tests.

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• If a learning disability is suspected or when someone is struggling academically (reading, spelling, writing, math)
• If an individual has difficulty understanding another person
• If an individual struggles to complete tasks and function within school or the workplace

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To develop a better understanding of an individual’s learning strengths and barriers
• To determine whether a diagnosis or identification is appropriate
• To provide recommendations for building on learning strengths and addressing learning difficulties
• To advocate for possible modifications/accommodations within the school or workplace environment
• To gain information about appropriate assistive technology considerations

GIFTED ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS A GIFTED ASSESSMENT?

A Gifted Assessment is an evaluation of an individual’s abilities compared to others at the same age/grade level

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• If an individual is a quick learner
• If an individual uses large vocabulary and complex sentences
• If an individual enjoys solving problems and puzzles
• If an individual finds school too easy or boring

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To determine whether identification is appropriate
• To ensure that programming/curriculum matches an individual’s abilities

ATTENTION/ADD/ADHD ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS AN ATTENTION ASSESSMENT?

An Attention Assessment examines an individual’s ability to focus on various tasks, ignore distractions, plan and organize, start and finish tasks, inhibit impulses and manage fidgetiness. Processing speed, executive functioning and working memory are also assessed.

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• When an individual is struggling with one or more of the following challenges:
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Missing out on details
  • Boredom
  • Taking on too many tasks and not accomplishing them
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Impulsivity
  • Disorganization
  • Procrastination
  • When an individual has difficulties keeping jobs or staying in relationships due to the above challenges

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To determine whether a diagnosis is appropriate
• To discuss treatment options
• To explore medication considerations

PSYCHOVOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS A PSYCHOVOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

A Psychovocational Assessment is an evaluation of an individual’s abilities, interests, personality and job skills.  The assessment also examines a person’s readiness, limitations and training requirements for a successful transition to a specific occupation.

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• If an individual is unsure of what he/she would like to pursue as a career
• If an individual is unhappy with their current job and would like to explore other career options 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To receive a list of possible vocational options based on the assessment results
• To identify possible workplace accommodations as appropriate
• To better understand any learning gaps and skills that require further advancement

AUTISM ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS AN AUTISM ASSESSMENT?

An Autism Assessment is an evaluation of social- communicative functioning, social interactions, and patterns of behaviour and interests.

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• If an individual is having difficulties initiating and maintaining friendships
• If an individual has problems with nonverbal language and pragmatic use of language
• If an individual has certain preoccupations and fixations
• If an individual has problems with sensory input
• If an individual is inflexible and not tolerant to change in routine

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To gain a better understanding of an individual’s difficulties adjusting to social situations
• To determine an appropriate diagnosis
• To develop treatment options
• To determine recommendations for the school or work environment and to understand areas of skill development

FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME ASSESSMENT (F.A.S.D)

WHAT IS AN F.A.S.D ASSESSMENT?

The assessment consists of a two-part process, which includes a medical examination of the physical features associated with the use of alcohol during pregnancy and a psychological assessment of an individual’s development, adaptive skills, social/ emotional functioning, abilities and learning.

WHY WOULD I ACCESS THIS ASSESSMENT?

• If there is reported or suspected use of alcohol during pregnancy and the following symptoms:

                    - Abnormal facial features

                    -  Below normal height and weight

                    -  Difficulties with attention and learning     

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS ASSESSMENT?

• To determine if a diagnosis is appropriate
• To develop an understanding of an individual’s mental and physical challenges and how these might affect their daily functioning and social relationships
• To determine treatment options
• To develop recommendations for building on learning strengths and to address learning challenges (including possible curriculum modifications/accommodations)
• To provide details about assistive technology considerations
• To determine eligibility for certain funding options