Assessments are often requested to assist with concerns related to school, but assessments can also be used to shed light on behavioural, emotional or relational problems that are impacting the person in the home environment or in other settings such as clubs, sports, or other settings. To ensure accuracy in diagnosis, lots of information is gathered during the assessment and may include (depending on the assessment plan and purpose of the assessment): standardized test results, clinical observations, questionnaires completed by various people from various contexts in the individual\u2019s life, and interviews with people who know the person well.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” min_height=”395″ full_width=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ visibility=”visible-sm” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false” column_padding=”3″][vc_column_inner][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”50″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” animation=”fade-in”]Psychology Assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1606339652227{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]At RMPS, we offer a wide variety of psychological assessments, such as learning assessments, attention and emotional assessments, behavioural assessments and developmental assessments. Regardless of the type of assessment, the goal is always to better understand the individual, and then to use that information to develop a plan for improved functioning.<\/p>\n Assessments are a formal way of measuring how well a child is functioning compared to other children their age. It can zero-in on how a child\u2019s brain is functioning and how this may be affecting their overall functioning. Families often look for assessments to help address concerns related to school, but assessments can also be used to shed light on behavioural, emotional, or relational problems that are impacting the child in the home environment or in other settings such as clubs, sports, or daycare. To be accurate, information about the child is gathered from various people and settings. We combine information from parents\/guardians with clinical testing, input from teachers, and clinical observation to create a complete picture of the child.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2.mobile-psychologyassessment-section-1.jpg” bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” min_height=”353″ full_width=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ visibility=”hidden-dt” animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false” column_padding=”3″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#008aad” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”50″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Common Referral Issues[\/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_list align=”left”]\n Teachers will sometimes recommend a psychological assessment (also referred to as a psycho-educational assessment) when they have noticed that a child seems to be demonstrating different behaviour than other children in the class. This could be:<\/span> A psychological assessment will usually include the following components:<\/span> Sometimes school have put strategies and supports in place to help a child but they are finding that the child is still struggling and they don\u2019t know what else might help. Other times schools may recommend an assessment because having a child\u2019s issues formally identified may mean that the school has the opportunity to access additional supports and resources. Psychological assessment can also help to direct what treatment services and specialists are likely to help the child both at home and at school.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”50″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Components of Assessments[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1616955902880{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In developing an assessment plan, we consider which components are appropriate. Your assessment may include any or all of the following three components:<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_box min_height=”420″ bg_color=”#008aad”][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-02.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Cognitive Abilities[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1616955953255{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]How a person reasons, their memory, problem-solving, thinking with words or visual information, their vocabulary and processing efficiency.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_box min_height=”420″ bg_color=”#8ebb3a”][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-03.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Academic Skills[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1616956026196{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Reading, writing, math, and oral language skills. These measures are part of identifying learning challenges or exceptionalities.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_box min_height=”420″ bg_color=”#fb4615″][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-04.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Social\/Emotional\/Behavioural Functioning[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1616956056729{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]How emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, or other issues such as attention regulation or difficulties with social interaction or independence can impact school, work, or daily life.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/rmps-gifted.jpg” bg_color=”#98b950″ bg_stretch=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”50″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” animation=”fade-in”]Gifted Assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1606340632858{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]When a student is designated as a student who is \u201cgifted and talented\u201d by Alberta Learning, they qualify for individualized program plan (IPP) and are said to have a \u201ccode\u201d (Code 80). Alberta Learning uses codes to identify students who require individualized program plans in order to meet their needs. In order to identify students who are intellectually gifted and talented, standardized testing can be completed by a psychologist. This includes intelligence tests and some programs also require individualized academic achievement tests.<\/span><\/p>\n At RMPS, we are fully aware of the Alberta Learning requirements for students who may be applying for Code 80 (Gifted and Talented) and we also ensure that our assessments will meet requirements for applications to programs such as GATE and Westmount Charter School.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”large” letter_spacing=”3″ url=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/gifted-assessment\/” button_custom_width=”282″ margin_top=”20″ animation=”fade-in” bg_color=”#ffffff” btn_hover_bg=”#ffffff” text_color=”dark” btn_hover_txt_color=”#000000″]Read More[\/mk_button][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/rmps-learning.jpg” bg_color=”#e9552f” bg_stretch=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”40″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” animation=”fade-in”]Comprehensive Learning Assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1606340724601{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]A comprehensive learning assessment (also called a psycho-educational assessment) focuses on understanding the whole child and investigating areas of strength and challenge that are affecting your child\u2019s learning.<\/span><\/p>\n Understanding your child\u2019s cognitive profile helps you and teachers to better understand how a child learns. When a child is struggling or is demonstrating behaviour problems, it is important to \u201cdig down\u201d to understand the underlying reasons for the challenges. A child may receive a poor grade on a test for a variety of reasons: not understanding the material, difficulties with writing the answers, difficulties with understanding the question, challenges with paying attention to what the question is asking, or losing track of what the question was while attempting to create an answer. A Comprehensive Learning Assessment will help to determine the underlying reasons for a child\u2019s struggles and provide specific recommendations for parents and teachers.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/3.psychologyassessment-section-2.jpg” bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” min_height=”395″ js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ visibility=”hidden-sm” animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false” column_padding=”4″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][mk_custom_box bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)”][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”40″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” animation=”fade-in”]Developmental Assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1616956854106{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Sometimes parents, teachers, medical doctors or others may suspect that a child or is not developing at the same rate as his or her peers. Or, for adults, it may be suspected that the person is struggling with social interactions or relationships, having difficulties with managing adult responsibilities such as job or finances to the same extent as other adults. A developmental assessment is designed to help understand how a person is progressing with respect to cognitive, social\/emotional, and behavioural functioning.<\/span> Therefore, it is not a child\u2019s age that determines whether an assessment is appropriate. Instead, it is whether the information from completing an assessment would be helpful and beneficial to the child\u2019s life and functioning. If you are unsure whether your child may benefit from an assessment, you could book a consultation with one of our psychologists to discuss your concerns and determine whether an assessment would meet your child\u2019s needs.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How often can assessments be done and why do they need to be updated?”]Typically, it is recommended that assessments be updated every 3-5 years (or sooner for younger children). Updates to assessments are recommended as individual\u2019s progress through different phases of life as their strengths and weaknesses may change or shift. Old treatment strategies may no longer be relevant and the individual may have different needs and priorities. Updated assessments help parents\/guardians, schools, and the individual client with determining next steps in treatment planning.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How much does an assessment cost?”]\n\n
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Why is my Child\u2019s School Recommending a Psychology Assessment?<\/h2>\n
\n\u2022 difficulties with focus and attention<\/span>
\n\u2022 learning challenges (e.g., struggling with learning to read or write or do math)<\/span>
\n\u2022 difficulties understanding and following instructions<\/span>
\n\u2022 finding work too easy and not being challenged by the curriculum<\/span>
\n\u2022 difficulties working as quickly as the other students<\/span>
\n\u2022 behavioural concerns (e.g., not listening to the teacher, high activity levels, disruptive in class)<\/span>
\n\u2022 emotional concerns such as anxiety<\/span>
\n\u2022 social interaction difficulties<\/span>
\n\u2022 printing challenges<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 gathering background information via clinical interview<\/span>
\n\u2022 completion of standardized assessment measures to address the reason for referral<\/span>
\n\u2022 observations and input from parents, teachers (or others who know the client well) and the client<\/span>
\n\u2022 review of the data and writing of a report by the psychologist<\/span>
\n\u2022 sharing of the results with the client (older teens and adults) and\/or parents<\/span>
\n\u2022 Recommendations to help the child at home and at school<\/span><\/p>\nHow does an assessment help my child and their education?<\/h2>\n
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\nDevelopmental Assessments can identify:
\n*Autism or social interaction challenges
\n*Intellectual challenges
\n*Difficulties with managing adult responsibilities (ability to financially support oneself, decision-making capacity, or independent living).<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/3.mobile-psychologyassessment-section-2.jpg” bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” min_height=”395″ js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ visibility=”visible-sm” animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” min_height=”395″ full_width=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ visibility=”visible-sm” animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false” column_padding=”4″][vc_column_inner][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”40″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” animation=”fade-in”]Developmental Assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1606341034955{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Sometimes parents, teachers, or medical doctors may suspect that a child is not developing at the same rates as his or her peers. The RMPS developmental assessment is designed to help understand how a child is progressing with respect to cognitive, social\/emotional, and behavioural functioning. This type of assessment can be appropriate when a child is struggling to meet developmental milestones at the same rate as his or her peers, when a child is struggling to socialize with others, or when a child has difficulties with learning skills for independence (e.g., toileting, dressing, feeding) compared to others.
\n<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_stretch=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”47″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”15″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Reasons requiring developmental assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1606341419902{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Parents, educators, medical doctors, or other professionals may suggest a developmental assessment if there are concerns such as the ones listed below.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_box min_height=”300″ bg_color=”#008aad”][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-09.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)[\/mk_fancy_title][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_box min_height=”300″ bg_color=”#8ebb3a”][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-10.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Global Developmental Delay[\/mk_fancy_title][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][mk_custom_box min_height=”300″ bg_color=”#fb4615″][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-05.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Cognitive delays\/disabilities[\/mk_fancy_title][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false”][vc_column_inner width=”2\/12″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”4\/12″][mk_custom_box min_height=”300″ bg_color=”#e8a93b”][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-06.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Social interaction challenges[\/mk_fancy_title][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”4\/12″][mk_custom_box min_height=”300″ bg_color=”#9c1f4e”][mk_image src=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/svg-07.svg” image_size=”full” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”20″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]Difficulties with performing daily living skills[\/mk_fancy_title][\/mk_custom_box][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/12″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https:\/\/calgarychildpsychologist.com\/\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/rmps-autism.jpg” bg_color=”#902c4e” bg_stretch=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”50″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”5″ font_family=”none” animation=”fade-in”]Autism Assessment[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1616957004217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The assessment plan for evaluating for Autism is individualized based on the person\u2019s age, other information or assessments that have already been done, and the impact of the presenting concerns. For a young child, the assessment will include interviews with parents or caregivers, evaluation of the child\u2019s cognitive and language abilities, as well as evaluation of their social interaction skills using standardized assessment measures. For teens and adults, the process will include an interview, standardized assessment measures of social interaction, and interviews with spouse or partner and possibly others who would have known the client as a child.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” js_vertical_centered=”true” padding_top=”22″ animation=”fade-in” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#000000″ size=”60″ force_font_size=”true” size_phone=”50″ line_height=”95″ font_weight=”bolder” font_style=”normal” txt_transform=”capitalize” margin_bottom=”15″ font_family=”none” align=”center” animation=”fade-in”]FAQ[\/mk_fancy_title][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=”false”][vc_column_inner][vc_toggle title=”How are the results communicated?”]Results from assessments are communicated verbally during a meeting with parents\/guardians (feedback conference) and a report is provided. The report is confidential and parents\/guardians are encouraged to share the information with relevant professionals including medical doctors, schools, tutors, speech pathologists, etc.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How old does my child need to be for an assessment?”]The age at which it is appropriate for a child to complete an assessment varies by referral issue and the purpose of the assessment. For instance, some programs require assessments for entry (e.g., Westmount Charter School, Program Unit Funding, Family Supports for Children with Disabilities). Schools typically require assessments in order to create Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) when a child is needing additional support or enrichment.. If a child is struggling at school, an assessment can be appropriate at any time from preschool through high school or beyond.<\/p>\n