All parents want their children to succeed. Parents’ guide them through different milestones from when they are born to being sent to school. While many kids can breeze through the new environment, social engagement, and learning various academics, equations, English, and school structure, others may struggle. Some children find school to be extremely stressful and challenging, and this influences not only the child but their peers and family at home and school. Educational and psychological assessments were created to measure and observe a client’s behavior to help provide a diagnosis and a guide to treatment. A psychological assessment is no different than when a child needs medical testing, such as an x-ray or blood work to understand what is causing the symptoms.
Psychological Assessments for children and youth were developed to help identify children that need extra help and support. Often children will be seen by a psychologist alone or with a psychometrist and possibly a multidisciplinary team depending on their needs. Trained professionals can identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses and which can lead to recommendations for support both behaviorally and academically. The earlier challenges can be identified, the better the support and needed resources can be acquired to help the child and the family with their development and academic achievement.
Psychological assessments evaluate thinking, learning, and behavior. The assessments may include observations, interviewing, testing, and consulting with other professionals that support the child. Testing often includes a pencil and paper, drawings, games, and puzzles. Each assessment covers several different skill areas such as general intellectual level, memory and learning, language, planning and organizing, fine motor skills, academic skills, and problem-solving.
Educational and psychological assessments are not based on a single test but a whole body of researched-backed tests and procedures that will help to assess different aspects of one’s psychological makeup. There is no one test that fits all children, just as not every child learns and thinks the same.
There are four primary types of psychological assessments your child may go through:
Clinical Interview:
A clinical interview is a core component of all psychological assessments. Sometimes this is referred to as an intake interview, diagnostic interview, or admission interview. This is an information-gathering session looking at one’s background, family, and anything else related to the person.
Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ):
An IQ, also known as an intellectual quotient, is a theoretical construct that measures general intelligence. This assessment measures a critical component of intelligence but not variations of intelligence. These assessments provide information about the student’s intellectual strengths and weaknesses and overall cognitive potential. These tests help predict how well a student will learn new information, but it’s important to consider that a high IQ does not always guarantee success and vice versa. Intelligent tests and supporting assessments help to determine eligibility for special education. These scores can be used to help develop interventions and learning plans based on the students’ unique learning styles and how they process information. A student’s motivation, attention level, and well-being can impact the scores. For information
on the history of the IQ test, visit our post on the History of IQ Tests.
Behavioral Assessment:
Often behavioral assessments are administered when a student’s behavioral or emotional problems are interfering with their educational progress along with those around them. A behavioral assessment identifies specific target behaviors, the purpose of the behavior, and the factors that maintain it. This comprehensive evaluation uses both a direct and indirect process of collecting information regarding the aspects that may influence the behavior. Both internal and external factors, including cognitive, socio-emotional, and learning data are collected. These assessments are key to the development of an intervention that will help the client overcome challenging behavior.
Mental Health Assessments: Different assessments can help to identify mental health concerns such as anxiety, trauma, eating and weight-related problems, substance use, mood problems, self-harm, risk of suicide, attention and hyperactivity/impulse problems. Once a mental health challenge has been identified, they can receive the appropriate treatment either in the school, community, or hospital. The earlier these challenges are identified, the faster treatment can be administered to help them gain a higher level of well-being so they can become successful in school and their social interactions.
Psychological testing and assessments are not about passing or failing but rather use the information collected to help reach a specific diagnosis to help develop a treatment plan. Psychological testing is not something to fear but an opportunity for a psychologist to determine the best way to help. When a child is experiencing academic challenges due to intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities, they can develop mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. This impacts their social relationships and the development of feelings of low self-worth, worry, confusion, and anger. Psychologists can help identify the unique challenges or a child and help develop a treatment plan and support to help them through it.