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ADHD, Psycho-educational, and Learning Disabilities Assessment

PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL
(PSYCH-ED) ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL

ASSESSMENT?

A psycho-educational assessment measures a student’s cognitive functioning and current level of academic skills related to reading, writing, and math. The effects of the student’s social, behavioural, and emotional functioning on their academic performance are also considered. The assessment typically yields information regarding areas of strength and weakness in the student’s leaning profile and their educational abilities. Assessments are typically done due to a recommendation by school to determine if a child may have a specific learning disorder, commonly referred to as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia.

FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Many young students undergo a psycho-educational assessment because they struggle with sounding out words accurately, comprehending written materials, spelling, and/or performing calculations. Students with academic challenges often have difficulty sustaining attention, as they are unable to keep up with their peers or are placed in an academic setting without adequate support. When students continue to struggle in one or multiple subject areas despite receiving tutoring or targeted support, an assessment can be helpful in gaining an understanding of their abilities and skills.

 

While not all students will receive a Specific Learning Disability diagnosis (commonly known as learning disabilities) at the end of an assessment, a psycho-educational assessment helps determine educational and intervention planning especially when a student is falling behind at school.

FOR POST SECONDARY STUDENTS AND ADULTS

Postsecondary students or adults whose learning difficulties were never assessed or diagnosed in their childhood may benefit from having a psycho-educational assessment if their difficulties with reading, writing, and/or math are affecting their academic or work performance. For postsecondary students who were previously diagnosed with learning disabilities and are hoping to receive academic accommodations at their postsecondary institution, they may need to provide current documentation in order to receive academic accommodations. Colleges and universities in BC usually require that a student submit an assessment report that is current and not more than 3 to 5 years old. Adults with learning disabilities may experience difficulties performing work tasks related to reading, writing, and math. For example, they may make spelling errors, misread information, make calculation errors, have difficulty interpreting information, or work slowly. A psycho-educational assessment can help clarify the nature of an individual’s cognitive challenges and identify appropriate supports and strategies to improve their success in their workplace.

ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism and Psycho-educational Assessment

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The psychologist evaluates an individual’s cognitive abilities and skills by conducting standardized testing, reviewing school records, and interviewing the individual and their parents (for young students). 

 

At Cognostic, fees for a psycho-educational assessment includes direct and indirect services. Direct services typically include scheduled in-person or virtual appointments. Indirect services include scoring time, interpretation or test results, and report preparation. A psycho-educational assessment usually takes between 14 hours to 16 hours to complete. On occasion, a student may require additional hours of testing. The assessment hours vary because some individuals may take longer to complete testing than others. Services provided by our psychologists are based on an hourly rate of $240.00.

Vancouver adhd psychoeducational assessment

Estimated hours needed for children/youth:

  • Parent Interview for a child client (Interview is done virtually or by phone: 1.5 to 2 hours)

  • Cognitive functioning testing (2 hours)

  • Academic functioning testing  (3 hours)

  • Additional testing, if applicable (1 to 2 hours )

  • Tests scoring and file review (1 to 2 hours )

  • Preparation of report (7 hours)

  • Feedback for parents (Feedback is done virtually or by phone: 1 hour)

Vancouver adhd psychoeducational assessment

Estimated assessment hours needed for an adult:

  • Client Interview (2 hours)

  • Testing (6 to 7 hours)

  • File Review, scoring, and preparation of assessment report (5 hours)

  • Feedback (0.5 to 1 hour)

ASSESSMENT OUTCOME

At the end of the assessment, the client’s parents or the adult client will be provided a feedback session and a final report. Developmental history, areas of concern, testing results, and recommendations are included in the report. If the client meets diagnostic criteria for learning disabilities, they may be able to receive accommodations in their school or workplace. We cannot guarantee the outcome of a psychological assessment.

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