WHAT IS A PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

A psychoeducational assessment is performed by a qualified psychologist and provides information regarding a child’s intellectual capacity, or cognitive functioning, and their academic achievement. A child’s current academic performance is compared to their overall cognitive ability and any discrepancy may suggest a specific learning difficulty. This can provide direction for families, schools and particularly for the class and specialist teachers and health service providers.

DOES MY CHILD NEED AN ASSESSMENT?

Learning difficulties can severely hinder learning and enjoyment of school and the education experience. Referrals for assessment can be made by parents or schools.

The following signs could be indicators of specific learning difficulties (commonly known as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia or Dysgraphia) which may impact your child’s behaviour and self-esteem. Other concerns can also be assessed such as poor working memory or processing speed. Once the difficulties are assessed and identified, the journey of intervention and support will start for your child.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Dr Eyles conducts cognitive assessments with individuals aged 6-90. A measure of a child’s cognitive functioning (6 – 16 years), is achieved using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V). Formal assessment using takes between 45 – 90 minutes depending on the age and ability level of the child. For individuals aged 16 years and older, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) is used.

Academic achievement is measured using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT-III), which takes between 30 – 60 minutes to administer depending on the age and ability level.

A comprehensive psycho-educational assessment includes:

  • Session(s) with the child/adolescent will take up to approximately 2-2.5 hours to complete.
  • Parent provides comprehensive background material prior to the assessment
  • Extensive verbal feedback is provided to the parent/caregiver following the assessment in a separate feedback session, which will take up to 50 minutes, as well as a full, comprehensive report which will be emailed after the feedback session.

Reports can be used for VCAA or University applications of special consideration.