Services: Our ASSESSMENTS

---

A psychoeducational assessment is a complex process that includes: 

• a review of previous evaluation and academic reports and/or medical records, 
• parent and client interviews, 
• the completion of questionnaires by individuals (parents/teachers) who know the child/youth well and can comment on their functioning, and 
• the completion of formal assessment/testing for cognitive and academic functioning, as well as an evaluation of various information processing skills essential in learning (e.g., short-term and working memory, oral language skills, phonological processing, executive functioning skills). 

The appointment requires 3-4 hours of 1:1 assessment with the child/youth and then also a brief interview with parents/caregivers.

Following the direct assessment, tests and questionnaires are scored and reviewed. Next a report is produced, which includes the test results as well as a summary and recommendations for home and school. 

We meet to review the results and the report (about 1 hour). Parents/caregivers receive a copy of the report. Copies can be released with your written consent to relevant others (e.g., pediatrician, school etc.). 

The entire process (from appointment to final report) typically takes 4-5 weeks. 

The objectives of a psychoeducational assessment include:

• Identification and diagnosis of:
• Learning Disabilities 
• Giftedness
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other related condition.

Even if a child does not have a diagnosed disorder, the assessment can identify strengths and areas for additional support.

Teens or young adults may need an assessment or re-assessment before finishing secondary school or in the first year of post-secondary, to support transition planning and help identify accommodations and services for college or university.

   Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition in which a person has difficulties with communication and social interaction skills as well as restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests. 

A private autism assessment involves a detailed evaluation of a youth’s development to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In BC, these assessments must follow the Standards and Guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and must include the use of specific assessment tools for a diagnosed youth to receive intervention funding. This assessment includes a comprehensive developmental interview with parents/guardians (ADI-R) and a structured observation measure with your child (ADOS-2).

The process also includes a cognitive assessment, an adaptive functioning assessment, and a reviewed of developmental history to help guide treatment planning. Assessments for children younger than 6 years old are multidisciplinary; in these cases they must also be seen by a pediatrician and a speech-language pathologist (SLP). We have an SLP that can do this portion of the assessment if needed. We do not have a pediatrician in the office; you can request a referral to a pediatrician from your family doctor. 

If your child is found to have autism, then you are eligible for extra support. For children under 6, you are eligible for $1800 a month in funding for therapy. Children with ASD over 6 are eligible for extra support and funding at school, as well as approximately $500 a month that can be used for out-of-school therapies. Autism funding cannot be used to pay for the assessment retroactively. 

The typical assessment format:

• Complete intake forms and questionnaires
• Parent Interview (2 hours)
• Child play and interview session (60-90 minutes)
• Developmental/Cognitive assessment (1.5-2 hours)
• SLP assessment, if needed (1.5-2 hours)
• Feedback (1 hour)
• Scoring and report writing (5-6 hours)

The outcome of an ASD assessment is a comprehensive written report, which outlines the procedures, results, and detailed recommendations. 

You can choose to access ASD assessments through the government-funded route; these are free of charge. In Prince George, they are completed through the Northern Health Assessment Network. You will need a referral from a physician or speech and language pathologist. 

We provide the cognitive testing and/or adaptive assessment required to determine whether individuals meet eligibility requirements for support services through Community Living BC (CLBC). Adults may be eligible for support services based on an Intellectual Disability or a specific developmental disability, such as ASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 

Documentation of findings to CLBC can be provided.

We can provide review of available documentation and, in some cases (if testing is recent and well documented), that may be sufficient to establish eligibility. 

Costs and time required will vary depending on the documentation needs.