If you’ve just been informed by an educator, physician, or other childcare or education professional that your child may need to receive an assessment, there is a lot going through your head. What does this mean? Did I do something wrong? Will my child be okay? Is assessment going to help? You may be worried, fearful, embarrassed, or experience a whole range of emotions. That’s perfectly natural, and a good assessment psychologist can help you understand and prepare for this process. Before you schedule an assessment for your child, take a few moments to read this blog outlining some of the basics about the assessment process at Northern Colorado Assessment Center, and you can also visit our What to Expect page to find out more.
Why Would My Child Need an Assessment?
Children may be referred to our team in a wide variety of situations, and there are different tests and assessment methods available to help us better understand your child. Young people are typically referred to us for assessment by a pediatrician, teacher, daycare or childcare worker, or other caregiver who notices differences that may indicate a need for additional support. Some of the most common reasons children are referred to us include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Testing
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing
- Psychoeducational/Educational Testing
- Neuropsychological Evaluations
What Happens During an Assessment?
We’ll usually begin with an intake form gathering information from parents. We want to know about your child’s medical history, behaviors, past experiences with therapy, and additional details on a range of topics. Depending on the reason for your child’s assessment referral, we may have the parents and/or other caregivers, physicians, or educators fill out questionnaires prior to this intake visit to help us begin developing a personalized testing battery that will give us a complete picture of your child. Some of these may be completed before the visit, and some may be completed on the day of the assessment.
After gathering the intake information, our psychologists will put together a battery of tests that may include:
- Standardized testing questions completed on the computer, out loud, or on paper
- Working on puzzles
- Educational evaluations for aptitude in math, reading, writing, spelling, and other areas
- Imagination and creativity
- Memory and recall activities
- Observation of the child
Interviews and questionnaires for the child
These tests will be chosen in order to help us identify your child’s areas of strength, potential for struggles, and places where they may benefit from additional support resources.
On the day of the assessment, there will be additional interview to gather information and clarify the reason(s) for the assessment. The client will engage with the testing battery. Then, if possible, some initial feedback will be given, prior to the client leaving for the day.
What Happens After an Assessment?
Following your child’s assessment, the psychologist and other clinicians will review the information they’ve gathered through testing, observation, and other evaluative measures. These details will be compiled to create a clear and thorough report explaining areas where your child shows great strength and aptitude as well as areas where they may struggle. When necessary and beneficial, this report may affirm a diagnosis or answer a specific referral question. Finally, the report may also include recommended resources and support that can benefit your child moving forward. Once the reporting is complete, you may meet with the psychologist once more to review the information, ask any questions, and prepare to move forward and continue supporting your child’s growth.
Is Assessment Really Beneficial?
It absolutely can be. Assessment helps parents, children, educators, and caregivers to understand a child’s needs and abilities. The results of your child’s battery of tests and other evaluative measures can provide the necessary detail to focus resources and support services in the right direction and ensure your child is on the best path forward. For parents, they can help you to know your child more fully and offer insight into frustrating and problematic behaviors you’ve struggled to address. The results of assessment can truly help young people in all areas of their lives – in the classroom, among peers, and at home.
How Do I Get Started?
When you’re ready to schedule an assessment for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Northern Colorado Assessment Center team. You can call, email, or get in touch using our secure online form. However you feel comfortable reaching out, we’ll be here help.
