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Prepare Your Child For a Psycho-Educational Assessment
- Siobhan O'Shea
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Undergoing a psychological assessment can be stressful for children and their parents.
Keep in mind that an educational assessment will provide answers as to why your child is experiencing difficulties at school, how best your child learns and what can be done to help.
What will the child's assessment include?
Gathering background information about birth history, early childhood experiences, and general information on any difficulties.
A review of your child’s academic records to get a framework for academic performance before testing.
Cognitive and academic skills tests
Recommendations for support and interventions
When to discuss the assessment with your child?
A general rule is to introduce the discussion by the number of days as the child is old; if the child is eight years old, discuss the evaluation at least eight days in advance of the testing.
Reassure your child that the reason for testing is to understand why school is a struggle despite hard work and attempts to do well. Explain that the tests will contain a variety of questions, puzzles, drawings, stories, and activities; and that the tests are neither painful nor about whether the child is stupid.
Most importantly, offer the child hope in that the evaluation should show adults how best to help. Be open and honest as much as possible.
How to start the conversation with your child?
In a nutshell, the purpose of an assessment is to “learn about how you learn,” so that:
Teachers know how to teach you
Parents know how to support you
You know how to advocate for yourself
Introducing the idea of an assessment to your child may sound something like:
I’ve noticed you’re working really hard at ____ this year, but it still seems pretty tough, and I’m not sure why. I’ve been thinking that if we knew more about how you learn best, your teachers and I could do a better job helping you. Last week, we met with a person who can help us find a way to make school easier for you and figure out what we can do differently at home.
How to describe the process to your child?
For young children, it may be important to let them know that this is a “different kind of doctor” who helps them learn about their brain. They are not sick and there is nothing wrong with them - also, no shots!
Older children may feel assured that this is a confidential process, focused on finding solutions. You can describe the activities as a mix of activities and school-type work, but reassure them that there will be no grades or marks given.
Their input is extremely important to figuring out what will be most helpful for them.
Explaining the process may sound something like:
The psychologist will do different activities with you to figure out how you learn best, where your strengths are, and why some things are harder right now. Some will be fun, some will be easy, and some will challenge you. Your job is just to do your best, and if something is tricky, let the psychologist know so you can work together to figure out why! Afterwards we'll get (pizza).
When describing the assessment process to your child, avoid using terms such as “test” as this might induce anxiety. Also, avoid the word “games” as this may set unrealistic expectations and distract them from the assessment. Consider using the word “activities”.
Let your child know that the environment will be friendly and comfortable, and assure them that they can take breaks if needed.
Encourage your child to share how they are feeling, whether it be fear, frustration, or excitement. Explain that these feelings are valid and that you will be there to support them throughout the process.
Need More Help? Contact Us
If you have concerns or questions about the assessment process and would like to speak with a team member, please don't hesitate to call us at 01-5563335 for a free pre-assessment call. There's no obligation or pressure to book!
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