What is a Psychoeducational Evaluation?
A psychoeducational evaluation is a thorough individual assessment that involves gathering developmental, family, school, social/emotional, personality, and health/medical histories and administering and interpreting norm-referenced tests. This information then helps to formulate a profile of one's pattern of strengths, challenges, behaviors, and emotional functioning in order to inform recommendations for treatment and interventions.
A psychoeducational assessment provides an estimate of one's intellectual, or cognitive, abilities and educational achievement levels. It also yields recommendations relevant for educational planning. Sources of assessment data include background information, educational history, and records and data from tests of intelligence and educational achievement, tests of attention, behavior/emotions, and adaptive behavior.
Why refer for a Psychoeducational or Neurodevelopmental Evaluation?
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To assess for and determine an individual's cognitive abilities, strengths, and challenges.
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To determine if the individual has a learning difference (Specific Learning Disorder in reading, writing, or math).
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To assess the individual's level(s) of academic achievement.
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Are there attentional problems and/or challenges in behavior such as hyperactivity and/or impulsivity (i.e, ADHD/ADD)?
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To assess for a visual-motor, visual perceptual, or auditory processing weakness that may be impacting learning or day-to-day functioning.
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To determine if there are emotional factors that may be impacting learning or day-to-day functioning (e.g., anxiety, depression).
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What are appropriate treatment and/or educational recommendations?
