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Psychological Assessements

Assessments

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More about "Dr.A." here

School-related assessments (also known as psychoeducational assessments) – are conducted when students are performing differently from what might be expected in preschool, school, community college, or university. Autism Unplugged Learning Centre is pleased to provide assessments for child developmental, psycho-educational, vocational, & autism spectrum screening with Dr. Amanda Morgan (Azarbehi), Phd. With our on site psychometrist, we are able to maintain flexible appointment times without a wait-list for assessments.

 

A Psychoeducational Assessment, also known as an Educational Assessment, Learning Assessment, Education Assessment or an Academic Assessment — is considered the best means of gaining an in-depth understanding a student’s learning style and better still, their potential to learn in future.  It can also identify Giftedness, IQ Level, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disabilities, reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) and mathematic (dyscalculia) challenges and other mental health issues that can interfere with learning. Poor grades on report cards can be a sign that hidden learning challenges are present.

How do I know if my child has hidden challenges?

Students of all ages can face challenges inside the classroom. A psychoeducational assessment diagnoses the root cause of a student’s academic and behavioural issues, and identifies a plan for solving the problem. 

Common signs of hidden challenges include:

  • Anxiety when performing homwork tasks

  • Low grades on report cards

  • Disruptive behaviour or difficulty focusing during class

  • Difficulty completing schoolwork on-time

  • Feeling overwhelmed or anxious at school or during exams

  • Not achieving results at full potential

  • Bullying or rejection at school

 

What we do.

Assessment

We identify cognitive (thinking and reasoning), academic and behavioural strengths and needs in order to understand an individual’s learning and behavioural profile. Through the assessment process we are better able to identify the individual’s overall strengths and needs:

  • Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning

  • Working Memory

  • Processing Speed

  • Phonological Processing

  • Receptive and Expressive Language

  • Reading Decoding, Fluency
    and Comprehension

  • Handwriting, Spelling and Written Expression

  • Mathematics Calculations and Reasoning

  • Visual-Spatial Abilities

  • Verbal and Nonverbal Memory

  • Executive Functioning & Attention

  • Social Skills and Awareness

  • IQ Level

Education

Once we identify strengths and needs, our job is to inform and educate. When a diagnosis is made we strive to ensure that clients, their families and individuals working closely with the client are educated about it. We explain why the diagnosis has been provided, the criteria associated with it and resources that may be helpful when seeking additional information. We provide education and resources including:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Reading Disabilities/Dyslexia

  • Mathematics Disabilities

  • Written Expression Disabilities

  • Non-verbal Learning Disorder

  • Language Disorders

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Mood Disorders

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Memory Problems

  • Executive Dysfunction

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

Advocacy

We emphasize the importance of advocacy. Advocacy is speaking up for, or acting on behalf of, yourself or another person. An effective advocate is able to recognize skills and strengths and obtain help in required areas. We promote advocacy by providing information about your possible next steps and help in the decision making process. We can help you consider next steps such as:

  • Remediation

  • Tutoring and study Skills

  • Coaching/Therapy

  • Individualized Program Plans

  • Adaptations/Accommodations

  • Tuition Support Plan

  • Disability Tax Credit

  • Canada Study Grant

  • Disability Resource Facilitator

  • Vocational Goals

  • Central Auditory Processing Disorder

  • Speech Language Services

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Social Skills Training

What does the assessment consist of?

  • One-on-one testing with the client and the psychologist or psychometrist, usually for one full-day

  • Interview with parent/guardian if child/teenager assessment, or client if an adult assessment

  • Consultation with educators and other professionals, for example, referring professionals, other involved service providers, as appropriate

  • Comprehensive written report that includes test results, diagnostic findings, and recommendations

  • Client and/or parent feedback, as appropriate

  • Assistance with “next steps,” for example, completing paperwork relevant to accessing supports and funding.

The Hidden Challenges Checklist

Students facing one or more of these issues may have an un-diagnosed learning disability or other hidden challenges. The signs of a learning disability often become apparent at an early age, but change as students progress through school.

 

Preschool

 

  • Speaks later than classmates

  • Often unable to find the right word to express themselves

  • Has trouble learning numbers, alphabet, days of the week, colours

  • Easily distracted, has difficulty following directions or a routine

 

Grades K – 4

  • Confuses basic words (run, eat, want)

  • Makes consistent reading and spelling errors

  • Confuses arithmetic signs (+, -. X, /, =)

  • Slow to learn new skills, relies heavily on memorization

  • Unstable pencil grip

  • Trouble learning about time

 

Grades 5 – 8

  • Reverses letter sequences (soiled/solid, left/felt)

  • Hates to read aloud

  • Has difficulty making friends

  • Struggles in writing essays or stories

  • Learns at a slower pace than their classmates

 

Highschool, Post-Secondary and Mature Students

  • Difficulty completing homework and major assignments on-time

  • Difficulty organizing and writing longer essays

  • Poor understanding of basic math (multiplication, division)

  • High levels of stress and anxiety during and after school

 

Reading and writing form the foundation of a student’s academic aptitude. An un-diagnosed learning disability can have a long-term effect on a student’s future academic performance. 

You will get:

  • A clear understanding of you or your child’s academic strengths and challenges relating to learning aptitudes, information processing, and academic skills.

  • The diagnosis (if present) of a learning disability, ADHD or developmental disability.

  • An action plan for improving academic performance.

  • A list of recommended accommodations to seek from schools.

  • Common academic accommodations include:

    • More time to complete tests and exams.

    • Access to a laptop and specialized software, e.g. Word to Text.

    • Access to audiobooks for course texts or material.

    • Option of having multiple choice tests or exams.

    • Taking tests or exams in a quiet, supervised environment.

    • More frequent breaks from class.

    • Breaking up work or assignments into smaller components.

 

How it works:

Before the first session, we will send you a background questionnaire to complete prior to your assessment.

  • Cognitive and behavioural testing will examine how you or your child reasons and solves problems, and test their memory and organizational skills.

  • Examine signs of mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress or sadness.

  • Academic testing designed to discover academic abilities such as reading, writing and math compared to other students of the same age.

  • Your final report will be reviewed with you to explain the results and answer any further questions you may have.

 

Fees:

$2,950

To know if an Assessment is the right choice for you or your child, contact us. A short conversation with our staff will determine if an assessment is suitable for you. Bookings are made only after we’ve identified your needs and circumstances.

 

Contact Us to find our more about getting an Assessment for your child.

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