What to Expect from an Assessment - Information for Parents

What is the purpose of an assessment?
A thorough assessment will help to identify your child’s strengths and areas for further development. This information will assist teachers, you and other professionals to make more informed choices about where to focus support and apply additional activities to promote his or her learning.

How long will the assessment take?
Assessments generally take about 2 hours to complete.

Can I stay with my child during the assessment?
This is not recommended, as it can be distracting for your child and impact their results. If your child is especially anxious the psychologist may suggest you stay for a while until they are more settled. Your assessor will be experienced in working with children. We find that children settle down very quickly once their parents have left the room even if they are nervous to start with.

How can I prepare my child for the assessment?
Tell your child that they are going to see someone who will get them to do some puzzles and ask them questions to find out what special talents they have. Let them know that this is likely to be fun and enjoyable. If possible ensure your child has a good night’s sleep the night before but most importantly be calm yourself as your child will then be more relaxed.

When will I get the results?
We understand that you may have waited a long time for answers, which is why our goal is to have your report ready and posted to you within 2 weeks of the assessment. Until the assessment has been professionally scored and the results interpreted it is impossible for us to give you any indication of the outcome.

What type of recommendations do you provide?
As each child is different our recommendations will depend on your child’s particular needs. They can range from special educational assistance, learning guidance, social skills training, behavioral interventions and/or emotional support. All suggested interventions are designed to be practical and accessible, with a focus on increasing confidence and building skills.

Can I make an appointment to discuss the assessment results?
Absolutely, this can help clarify your goals and be an important part of the process. A follow-up appointment can be arranged at the time of the assessment or once your report has been received.