What is a Psychological Evaluation and What Does Testing Look Like?

Is your child struggling at school or home, but you aren't sure why? Are you worried they may have a learning difference or be neurodiverse? Is your child more irritable or starting to have big worries? Or has your child experienced a traumatic event, and you are unsure how this has affected them? A psychologist evaluation, also known as psychological testing, can help! 

Does my child need a psychological evaluation?

There are many types of psychological evaluations, but their underlying structure remains predominantly the same. You will begin the process by meeting with a psychologist to share your concerns, history and other pertinent information about your child. This meeting will take approximately 1-2 hours. It will help the psychologist gain an understanding of past and current functioning, as well as any important factors that could be affecting your child. Your psychologist will also request records from your doctor and your child's school. 

After engaging with the psychologist around your presenting issue, the psychologist will put together a battery of tests that will help better understand your child's personality and areas of strengths and areas in which they may need support. Once the tests are chosen, your psychologist will work with your child to complete the tests, which make up the psychological evaluation. They will also send self-reports for you and your child's teachers to fill out. 

During the psychological evaluation, your child will be engaged with the psychologist for 2-4 hours at a time. Some of the testing is easy and fun, and some of it is difficult. It is important for children to have a good meal before testing and a snack halfway through. The assessor will give the child breaks and support them as needed during the evaluation. After each testing session, I tell parents that their child will be tired and need extra rest as the testing uses a lot of brain power. 

What happens after a psychological assessment?

After the assessment sessions, your psychologist will take all the information and compile it together in a report highlighting your individual child with recommendations for supporting them in growth. Additionally, this meeting often includes referrals for the next steps in the process.

Lastly, you and the psychologist will participate in a feedback session where the psychologist will review the testing, findings and recommendations, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. This meeting often includes referrals for the next steps in the process.

A psychological evaluation can be very helpful in navigating support for our individual children. 

Are you ready to support your child in achieving greater success and enhancing their overall well-being? Head to my website and click the Psychological Evaluation link to contact me for more details. Follow me on Instagram @raising_eq for more parenting tips and advice.