Preparing for Your Child’s Assessment

We know assessments can feel like a big step. This page outlines what to expect, how to prepare, and how to talk with your child in a way that supports a smooth and valid assessment experience. If you have any questions before your appointment, please reach out - we’re happy to help!

What are the Potential Benefits and Limitations of a Psychological Assessment?

Psychological assessments can be incredibly useful for understanding your child and planning supports, and they also come with natural limitations. Below is a transparent overview.

Potential Benefits

Gain insight into your child’s cognitive, academic, emotional, social, and/or behavioural functioning
Access appropriate accommodations, treatments, funding, or support services
Identify your child’s strengths and areas for growth
Assist in planning for your child’s future
Inform intervention strategies for therapy, remediation, or rehabilitation

Potential Limitations

Participating in the assessment process may involve discussing sensitive or difficult subjects, which can bring up uncomfortable emotions.
Some standardized tasks are easy and others are challenging; children may feel bored, nervous, or frustrated at times.
The accuracy of results depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
An assessment may or may not result in a diagnosis (a diagnosis is not guaranteed), but you will receive insights and recommendations based on the results.
Results can bring a range of emotional reactions (surprise, relief, validation), as well as more difficult emotions (disappointment, embarrassment, sadness).
An assessment reflects how your child is functioning at the time of testing. Development and life experiences can change over time, and a follow-up assessment may be helpful if concerns evolve.