Psychoeducational Assessment

As parents, it’s natural to want the best for your child. But when your child is struggling in school, whether academically, socially, or emotionally, it can be challenging to know where to turn. A psychoeducational assessment from a registered Calgary psychologist can offer clarity, helping you understand your child’s unique strengths and areas where they may need extra support.

Dr. Lisa, a trusted Calgary psychologist, specializes in thorough psychoeducational assessments designed to give you the answers and guidance you need to support your child’s development.

What is a Psychoeducational Assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment is an in-depth evaluation that looks at how your child learns, thinks, and processes information. The goal is to identify any learning differences, developmental challenges, or emotional factors that may be impacting your child’s performance at school or in everyday life.

Assessments typically evaluate several key areas, such as:

• Cognitive Abilities: How your child learns, solves problems, processes information, and uses memory and attention.
• Academic Skills: Dr. Lisa assesses reading, writing, math, and other core academic areas to see if your child is meeting grade-level expectations.
• Emotional and Social Functioning: Understanding your child’s emotional health and social interactions helps to identify any challenges that may affect their learning or behaviour.

How Can a Psychoeducational Assessment Help Your Child?

Many children experience struggles in school, but not all struggles have the same cause. Whether your child has trouble focusing, feels frustrated with schoolwork, or is having emotional challenges, a psychoeducational assessment can help uncover the underlying issues. It’s particularly useful for children who:

• Have difficulty with reading, writing, or math
• Seem inattentive, distracted, or disorganized (potential signs of ADHD)
• Experience emotional or social challenges that impact school performance
• Are suspected to have a learning disability like dyslexia
• Display signs of giftedness or advanced abilities
• Struggle with time management or planning (executive functioning difficulties)
• Are facing developmental delays

By identifying these challenges early, you can get your child the help they need to succeed.

What to Expect in the Assessment Process

Dr. Lisa understands that the idea of an assessment might feel overwhelming for both you and your child. That’s why Dr. Lisa takes a warm, personalized approach, ensuring that your child feels comfortable every step of the way at her Calgary office.

1. Initial Parent-Only Meeting: Dr. Lisa starts by discussing your concerns, and learning about your child’s developmental and academic history, as well as their current functioning. Parents will also be asked to provide collateral information such as school report cards and other assessment reports if available.
2. Comprehensive Testing: Dr. Lisa will meet with your child one-on-one to get to know them and to complete assessment measures. These assessment measures are age-appropriate and standardized tools that include different tasks, puzzles, and questionnaires.. These sessions are designed to make your child feel comfortable and supported throughout. Parents and teachers will also often be asked to complete questionnaires as required.
3. Report and Detailed Feedback: Following completion of the assessment measures, Dr. Lisa will review all the information, score and interpret any measures completed, and write a report. Parents, and sometimes the child (depending on the age), will then return to review the results of the assessment. Diagnoses (if applicable) and recommendations will also be discussed. You will be provided with a comprehensive report outlining your child’s strengths and areas where they may need additional support. Dr. Lisa also provides recommendations for next steps, whether that’s school accommodations, learning strategies, or emotional support. The report can also be used to access supports (if recommended and needed).

How Does This Help You as a Parent?

A psychoeducational assessment empowers you with a deep understanding of your child’s unique learning profile. You’ll know exactly where your child excels, where they need help, and what you can do to support them. With this information, you can:

• Advocate for appropriate school accommodations, like extended time on tests or tailored instruction.
• Get access to specialized learning resources and programs.
• Help your child manage emotional or behavioural challenges that may be impacting their learning.
• Feel confident that you’re taking the right steps to help your child succeed both academically and emotionally.

Why Choose Dr. Lisa?

• Child-Focused Approach: Dr. Lisa specializes in working with children/teens and understands the nuances of child development, learning styles, and emotional needs. Dr. Lisa’s strong background in mental health helps ensure your whole child is being assessed and not just assessing learning disorders.
• Personalized Care: No two children are alike. Dr. Lisa provides tailored assessments and recommendations specific to your child’s needs.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Our reports are thorough, offering not just test scores but thorough explanation of your child’s presentation along with practical, actionable recommendations for home and school.

Take the First Step Towards Understanding and Supporting Your Child

If you're concerned about your child's academic progress or emotional well-being, contact Dr. Lisa, registered Calgary psychologist, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how she can help. A psychoeducational assessment is an investment in your child’s future, offering key insights into their learning style and emotional needs. With the right understanding and support, every child has the potential to succeed.