Psychological Assessements

Assessments

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.