Standardised psychological assessments are used to gain a better understanding of a child’s thinking, learning, and behaviour. They help professionals assess various aspects such as cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social skills. By using specialised psychological tests and tools designed for children, we can assess your child’s strengths and areas where they may need additional support. These assessments are crucial not only for identifying needs but also for highlighting your child’s strengths and assets. This information is essential for tailoring interventions and support to meet your child’s unique needs.

Step 1- Parental Intake:

This initial meeting between the parents and the psychologist is a vital step. Here, parents have the opportunity to share detailed information about the child’s developmental, medical, educational, and psychological history. This background information is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of your child’s needs.

Step 2 – Test Administration:

The testing phase involves a variety of activities that may include paper-and-pencil tasks, hands-on activities, answering questions, and sometimes using a computer. These activities are designed to be engaging and child-friendly, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment for your child.

Step 3 – Feedback:

Following the test administration, an extensive feedback session is scheduled with the parent(s). During this session, we will discuss the findings of the evaluation and the recommended next steps. This is an important time for parents to ask questions, gain insights, and understand the implications of the assessment results.

– Flexible Scheduling: The assessment is typically completed in one morning session when children are most alert, but it can be split into multiple sessions if needed to ensure the child is at their best.
– Warm Welcome: On the day of testing, children are brought to the office where they are greeted warmly, setting a positive tone for the day.
– Comfortable Environment: Testing is conducted in a calm, comfortable setting to help the child feel at ease.
– Parental Presence: Parents usually do not stay in the room during testing, but may be present if they feel their child may engage better with them nearby. It’s helpful to let the child know that their parent will be nearby while they work with the psychologist.
– Engaging Activities: The session includes a variety of activities, such as working with blocks, looking at pictures, answering questions, and engaging in play-based tasks, chosen based on the child’s age and the specific needs of the assessment.
– Duration: Testing usually takes between 2 to 5 hours, varying based on the child’s age and the type of assessment. Breaks are included to keep the child comfortable and focused.
– Duration: Testing usually takes between 2 to 5 hours, varying based on the child’s age and the type of assessment. Breaks are included to keep the child comfortable and focused.
– Child-Centred Approach: The entire process is designed to be child-friendly, ensuring the child remains engaged and performs optimally.

What To Say?

– Communicate the purpose of the visit, such as understanding and supporting the child’s specific challenges (e.g., “trouble paying attention”, “school difficulties”). – Emphasize that the assessment will help uncover the child’s hidden potentials and talents. – Reassure your child that “nobody gets every question right,” and that the important thing is to “try your best.” – For preschool children, you can describe the psychological assessment as playing games involving listening, talking and remembering. Let the child know that the neuropsychologist will have toys like blocks and puzzles that they will get to use. – For school-aged children, you can tell your child that they will be doing many different activities. Some activities involve listening and talking while other activities involve looking at things, building things and drawing. – Assure them that there will be breaks for rest, bathroom use, and snacks.

What Not to Say?

– We want to create a positive and stress-free atmosphere. – Avoid terms that might associate the experience with school or exams, particularly for children who may have school-related difficulties. – Do not use language that might remind them of a doctor’s visit, clinic, or hospital.

– A Good Night’s Sleep:It’s important for the child to have a good night’s sleep before the testing day. Being well-rested helps them stay focused and alert during the session.
– Healthy Breakfast:Providing a nutritious breakfast on the morning of the test will give the child the necessary energy to engage in the session’s activities.
– Essential Items:If your child uses eye glasses or a hearing aid make sure to bring them along to the testing session
– Medication:For children who are on medication, including ADHD medication, it’s advised to administer their medication as prescribed on the day of the testing.
– Comfort Items: If the child has a favourite toy or comfort item, they are welcome to bring it to the session to help them feel more at ease.
– Punctuality: It is recommended to arrive on time for the testing session to avoid rush or additional stress on the child.

It’s not uncommon for some children to feel anxious or reluctant about attending a testing session, even after parents have tried to reassure and motivate them. – If a child still feels uneasy despite all explanations, a short pre-visit to the office can be arranged. – During this pre-visit, the child will have the opportunity to see the office, familiarise themselves with the assessment material, and meet the psychologist a few days before the actual testing day. – This approach has been found to be very effective in easing children’s worries and making them more comfortable with the idea of the testing session.