Children are seen for assessment for a variety of reasons. The ultimate goal of every assessment is the same, though: to assist parents in finding ways to bring out the best in their child. The assessment process recognizes that since no two children are exactly alike, useful recommendations must be customized to fit each child's unique personality, abilities, and needs. 

Psychological testing is also available to help understand an individual’s cognitive abilities and/or personality.  Specifically, testing can:

• Diagnose learning disabilities and attention problems
• Determine appropriate educational recommendations
• Assess for giftedness
• Help you to understand how emotional functioning may impact learning

Three General Categories of Assessment

Educational Assessment

Educational assessment is the evaluation of a child's level of mastery of academic skills and knowledge according to expectations for his or her age and grade level. An educational assessment can also include a determination of a child's learning style and ideal learning environment.

Psychological Assessment

Psychological assessment is the examination of a child's social and emotional adjustment. It can involve understanding a child's personality and temperament, determining symptoms and severity of emotional distress such as anxiety and depression, evaluating issues of self-esteem and relationships with others, and assessing the psychological impact of stress or trauma.

Neuropsychological Assessment

Neuropsychological assessment is the evaluation of a child's functioning in major areas of higher-level brain functioning including memory, attention, impulse control, speed and efficiency of mental processing, language, visual-spatial skills, visual-motor coordination, planning, and organization. 

Depending on the reason for referral, a combination of assessment techniques tailored to your child's age, developmental level, and specific needs will be used to arrive at a comprehensive and individualized picture of your child. Recommendations based on your child's personality, profile of natural abilities, and particular needs will then be made. 

What To Expect During Testing

The assessment itself usually consists of two to four sessions with the child lasting several hours each time.  Parents are asked to be flexible, since the duration of sessions will be determined by your child's individual levels of energy and tolerance.  These, of course, can vary from session to session.  Most sessions will be scheduled in the morning. 

At the first session, part of the time will be spent with the parents obtaining a full history.  Both parents are encouraged to attend.  Older children may be asked to contribute to this part of the process.  In most cases, the child is then seen individually for the assessment.  Parents may be asked to attend testing sessions, particularly when the child is very young, in order to increase comfort level and natural responding.  Input from the child's teacher(s) can often be extremely helpful in developing a complete picture of how he or she functions in different settings.  With the parent's permission, teachers may be consulted. Also with the parent's permission, onsite school observations are sometimes recommended.

When the assessment is complete, a feedback session will be scheduled with the parents during which findings will be discussed, recommendations provided, and questions answered.  A written report will also be provided summarizing the findings and recommendations.  Older children may benefit from an individual or joint feedback session with the parents. 

Preparing Your Child

Preparing your child for the assessment is an important part of assuring that an accurate picture emerges of your child during the course of testing. The following general guidelines are intended to make the assessment experience as pleasant and successful as possible.

Children tend to be most at ease and to act most naturally when they know what to expect. At least several days before your child's first testing session, you should let your child know that he or she will be going for the assessment. Depending on the age of your child, you can let your child know what to expect by telling him or her that they will play games/do some different kinds of activities and be asked some questions.

Most children will want to know the reason for the assessment. With younger children, a general explanation will probably be sufficient. For example, you can tell them that the purpose is to figure out ways to help them feel better/do their best in school/ be the best they can be. Older children are more likely to be aware of particular difficulties they are having and will probably need a more specific and personalized explanation. Gauge your child's reactions carefully and try to address any questions they may have in an honest, positive, and uncritical way. 

To the best of your ability, you should try to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep and has had a good breakfast prior to each testing session. Your child should be dressed in comfortable clothing. Bring snacks and a lunch, and a book or other quiet activity for the waiting room. Younger children may want to bring a favorite stuffed animal or small toy.