REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

A psychological assessment of learning is an evaluation that goes beyond obvious symptoms and focuses on a multitude of factors that affect overall functioning. 

For instance, attention and memory are underlying factors that may contribute to learning problems with reading, writing, and math. An assessment identifies strengths and needs related to intellectual and academic functioning, as well as identifying any emotional or behavioural needs that may be contributing to these difficulties.

A psychological assessment of learning pinpoints strengths and areas of need and provides practical recommendations for managing intellectual, learning, behavioural and/or social-emotional differences.

The information gathered during an assessment is consolidated into a formal report that is provided to you. The psychologist will explain the results to you in understandable terms.

The contents of a psychological report can vary depending on the referral question, but assessments of learning typically include:

• Background Information;
• Assessment Techniques (tests or checklists administered);
• Behavioural Observations;
• Cognitive Ability and Memory Skills;
• Academic Functioning;
• Attention and Behaviour;
• Executive Functioning;
• Adaptive Functioning;
• Diagnostic Conclusions and Recommendations

Assessment hours will vary depending on the complexity of the referral question. A typical assessment may take approximately 5-8 hours of face-to-face time with a client.

Test scoring, interpretation and report preparation require additional clinical time.

As an estimate, one can expect that this time is likely to be equivalent to the hours spent in direct assessment

(For instance, 6 hours spent with the client will likely require 6 hours of scoring, interpretation and report writing, resulting in a total of 12 hours).

I have an Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE) from the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists. This entitles me to convey diagnoses within my scope of practice as appropriate.

A psychological assessment of learning may result in diagnoses such as:

• Learning Disability/Disorder (ie: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia);
• Intellectual Disability/Disorder;
• Behaviour Disorders (ie: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc).

An assessment may also result in NO diagnosis:

• In these instances, there is insufficient evidence to draw diagnostic conclusions. Nonetheless, the assessment pinpoints strengths and areas of need and allows the psychologist to provide practical recommendations for managing intellectual, learning, behavioural and/or social-emotional differences.
• Psychologists might also suggest another condition or disorder that is outside of their scope of practice and suggest further investigation with appropriate service providers.