Psychoeducational & Psychological Assessment

Specializing in Complex Developmental & Behavioural Profiles

Assessments take up to 5-8 weeks to complete

Learning Disability & Early Childhood/Pre-School Assessments typically require approx. 12-17 hours

ADHD, Gifted, and Intellectual Disability Assessments typically require approx. 7-9 hours

Mental Health Assessments typically require between approx. 4-6 hours

Autism Assessments typically require between approx. 15-20 hours

Direct billing available with many insurance providers

Psychoeducational Assessment - Learning or Processing Disabilities, Gifted Abilities

When a person is having trouble making progress in school, is struggling with academic skills (e.g., reading, writing, math), attention problems, or anxiety, or is demonstrating exceptional skills and may need more of a challenge, an assessment helps gain more information as to what supports are needed. The process is very thorough, comprehensive, and explores all possible psychological factors that may be impacting learning (e.g., learning disabilities, intellectual differences, social-emotional challenges, problems with attention, and so on). This type of assessment requires a specialized psychologist.

ADHD Assessment

ADHD rarely occurs on its own. Often other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities are also present. It is important to get a complete picture when being assessed. However, if attention problems are the primary concern and it is very clear that academic skills are not impacted, there may not be a need for a full psychoeducational assessment. In this case, a thorough ADHD assessment would be recommended, which rules out cognitive, medical, or mental health reasons for attention concerns. Reading, writing, and math skills would not be assessed in this type of assessment, which reduces the time and cost of the process, while still offering the most informative and clear diagnostic picture. 

Autism Spectrum Assessment (All Ages)

We provide thorough and comprehensive assessment of complex neurodevelopmental concerns and ensure specific goal-oriented recommendations to support an individuals growth and development. By examining social, behavioural, cognitive, motor, speech, and developmental features we are able to clearly differentiate the picture of Autism/ Asperger’s using the gold standards of evidence-based assessment practices. We work carefully and thoroughly to provide diagnosis for complex neurodevelopmental conditions in children, youth, and adults, as well as providing individualised strategies and supports in house.

This process is unique to each person. It begins with a screening interview and questionnaires to confirm whether this type of assessment is appropriate. If the professional determines it is appropriate to proceed with the assessment, we will schedule testing, comprehensive interviewing, and structured observations to follow.

Early Childhood Assessment

Early childhood is defined at Little Oaks as children ages 3-5. While a young child’s brain is still growing and developing rapidly and stable test results or concrete diagnoses are more difficult to obtain, it is not too early to start understanding your child’s developmental strengths and weaknesses. An Early Childhood assessment can be incredibly powerful and meaningful in helping parents understand their child’s abilities. It can also be extremely beneficial for early education planning, early intervention, and support. In most cases Early Childhood assessments do not provide a diagnosis or “label”, but will always include direction and recommendations for what next steps and supports would be most beneficial. Early Childhood assessments provide a comprehensive report outlining your child’s strengths and areas of need, along with many suggestions about support planning, programming, and nurturing your child’s strengths.

Mental Health Assessment

When children, youth, or adults are struggling with mood, worries, social relationships, work or school stress, or a variety of other presenting concerns, a mental health assessment may be recommended as a good place to start. This process typically consists of a couple of hours of interviewing and questionnaires to form a clear diagnostic picture or direction for treatment. This type of assessment will be written into a short report that provides clear guidelines and next steps for support. This process may or may not result in a diagnosis, as with any assessment, but will certainly provide insights and direction to the client and psychologist to make treatment and supports the most direct and applicable as possible. This type of assessment can be completed by any of our psychologists; you will most likely work with a counselling psychologist who can continue with treatment after the assessment, if appropriate.

What to expect from the assessment process:

1. First Appointment - the adult will meet with the psychologist and the psychologist will listen to the reasons for coming in. You will be asked a series of questions to gain insight into the main concerns. By the end of the appointment you will make a plan together about how to proceed. Several questionnaires may be requested to be completed before or during the assessment process.

2. Teacher/Caregiver Interview - depending on the age of the individual, your psychologist may request a brief phone interview with a teacher or other caregiver. Having various perspectives helps shed light on the challenges across settings.

3. File Review - a very important part of any assessment is a strong understanding of the individuals history, including educational and assessment history, and other background information. This includes reviewing report cards, previous reports, and assessments.

4. Testing Activities - the client will come to our office for several appointments over a few weeks. The testing activities are often fun and engaging. Most enjoy the activities and it is a highly positive experience. Mental health assessments focus more on clinical interviews with the individual and family, if applicable.

5. Interpretation and Report Writing - your psychologist spends time interpreting the results of testing, history, and questionnaires, consulting with the team, and reviewing the information collected. It is then written it into a comprehensive report with thorough recommendations and guidance for next steps. This complex process aims to provide the answers you are seeking and offers a formal document with which to access supports and services.

6. Results Meeting - at this appointment you learn all about the results and conclusions. Upon leaving this appointment you and your psychologist will set goals and next steps for supports at home, school, or elsewhere, based on the unique profile and diagnostic picture.

7. Next Steps - recommendations will be made so that you and your family have a plan and some clear guides on what supports would be best. Parenting sessions and follow up counselling may be suggested and can be scheduled within Little Oaks Psychology if desired.