Learning Disability

Parents/guardians or schools requesting a psychoeducational assessment are typically wondering if a Learning Disability can explain problems in reading, writing or math. Every assessment is comprehensive and will often include measures of attention, learning and mental health — because science has shown that these challenges often go together. Our psychologist will conduct clinical interviews, review report cards and provide direct testing. The outcome of the assessment may include a diagnosis based on the findings. We value your input and collaboration to ensure we are providing the most valuable assessment possible. Your official report will include recommendations and may be used to obtain school accommodations.

ADHD

We offer a comprehensive ADHD assessment for children, teens, and adults. Attention deficit disorders are complicated and other challenges often go along with them. As such, we always explore more than just attention, even when this is the main referral question. Our ADHD assessments include measures of executive functioning, memory and related cognitive skills. We often look at other issues too, like anxiety, mood, self-concept, and social and emotional functioning. Once the assessment is complete, our psychologist will match your needs to the right coaching, interventions and treatment options.

Autism

Autism is complex and diagnosing it cannot be done quickly. Our psychological service professionals offer a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. We understand that the assessment process can seem overwhelming for the caregivers of a child who is experiencing significant social, behavioural and communication difficulties and we are committed to helping your child get the support they need to thrive. Direct testing for autism is completed using the ADOS-2 and/or MIGDAS, which are considered the gold standard assessment measures for Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD evaluations are part of a full comprehensive evaluation which will also look at language skills, attention, mental health, motor functioning and sensory processing.

Intellectual Disability

An Intellectual Disability involves global impairment in general cognitive functioning or reasoning skills that impact adaptive functioning. Various types of standardized psychological tests are used and may include a measure of intelligence, learning ability, and adaptive functioning (life skills) across three domains of everyday functioning (practical, social and conceptual skills). Developmental and medical history will also be gathered to provide a context for presenting symptoms. Oftentimes, a specific diagnosis might be needed for income support services (e.g., for federal or provincial disability supports or tax credits). This assessment will also provide caregivers with more information on how to better understand and support their child.

Giftedness

Giftedness testing is used to determine whether a person's intellectual ability is in the range that would allow them to qualify for access to educational programs dedicated to students who are considered gifted. Testing for giftedness is typically completed with the administration of a standardized intelligence test. In some situations, there may also be concern about a Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or emotional difficulties that may be hindering your child’s academic progress. As such, we may complete more in-depth psychological testing to clarify and make recommendations about your child’s full scope of needs as well as provide information to support an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Social-Emotional & Behavioural

Social-emotional assessments are completed when a child has problems with anxiety, anger, sadness, difficulty interacting with others or challenges regulating their emotions. These assessments typically assess for social-emotional concerns such as anxiety, depression, poor self-concept and troubling behaviours. This type of psychological assessment is used to determine a child's personality, as well as their perception of themselves, their family and other people in their world. Social-emotional assessments often complement psychological and/or giftedness testing to provide a more comprehensive picture of a child's functioning.