FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A psycho-educational assessment involves one on one testing and is normally completed by a psychoiogist. The results are most frequently used to understand an individual's learning style, strengths and difficulties. A psycho-educational assessment is helpful in explaining why an individual is experiencing difficulties with learning. The only way to tell if an individual has a learning disability is by having this type of assessment.

Individuals may refer themselves or a dependant by calling the office at (902)354-4660. Some insurance companies require a physician's referral, so a visit to your physician may be needed to ensure coverage. Calling your insurance company will result in a quick answer about whether or not a physician's referral is needed to cover psychological services. Normally, the psychologist recommends that the parents express their concerns about learning in a consultation with the child’s classroom teacher. Some minor modifications may be tried and evaluated at school prior to deciding upon a full assessment.

No. Most clients who access private assessments have private extended health coverage as part of their medical plan. The total cost for a psycho-educational assessment varies depending upon the complexity of the assessment and the amount of time required. In circumstances when an assessment requires more time than usual, this will be discussed with you and agreed upon prior to the additional work being undertaken. Please feel free to contact our office with any further questions

Many sources of information are used when considering a possibie diagnosis to explain learning difficulties. Developmental problems in early childhood and certain medical conditions can have an impact on learning. It is also important for the psychologist to know how the child, teen or adult functions in an educational setting. Normally, report cards will indicate difficulties and any necessary modifications.

Typically, when the child, teen or adult comes in for their first testing session, the parent(s) or the adult spends some time alone with the psychologist. During that time, the medical and developmenial questionnaire will be reviewed and questions may be addressed.

On average, the psychologist spends five to six hours adminisiering tests with each client. In the case of elementary students or those with concentration difficulties, the testing occurs over two mornings. The format involves very little reading and writing up until the time when these particular skills are tested. At the end of the testing session(s), a meeting will be set to review the results with the psychologist. Usually, the psychologist is available to meet with the parent(s) or adult two to three weeks after the testing sessions.

Some children or adults may be hesitant about testing and may be a bit anxious about the unknown, but most people relax quickly once they have met the psychologist. The “tests” are mostly activities with no pass or fail. Children, teens or adults are not told how they are doing except for positive feedback about their effort, attention and cooperativeness. Some of the activities involve pictures and puzzles while others may require the psychologist to ask questions and then record how the child, teen or adult responds.

After direct testing is complete, there are an additional minimum of four to six hours which encompass file review, scoring, interpretation and report writing. A summary of the client’s outcome will be provided, accompanied by a list of appropriate recommendations for consideration. The report will be available approximately four to six weeks after the feedback meeting. Normally, we encourage parents to share information with their child’s school. We will not send any copies of the report out unless given signed parental permission to do so.