Paediatric Psycho-Educational Assessment

A Psycho-educational assessment is helpful when there are concerns about learning, development, attention, memory or school performance. It can also help identify learning difficulties such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing) and dyscalculia (mathematics).

Psycho-educational assessments help us understand how a child thinks, learns and manages everyday tasks. We look at both their strengths and areas where they may need additional support.

Psycho-educational assessments are conducted by psychologists trained in administering and interpreting standardised psychological tests.

What can an assessment help identify?

Children may experience difficulties in different ways, and a single sign does not necessarily indicate a particular condition. An assessment is useful when concerns are persistent or are affecting a child’s learning, participation or everyday life.

What signs suggest an assessment could be helpful?

School-aged children

Concerns may include:

• • • Difficulty in learning or reading or spelling
    • Confusion between letters, sounds, words or sequences
    • Persistent writing or spelling difficulties
    • Avoidance of reading, writing or other academic activities
    • Difficulty understanding numbers, mathematical concepts or symbols
    • Difficulty remembering information or following multi-step instructions
    • Taking longer than expected to complete schoolwork
    • Difficulty organising, planning or commencing tasks
    • Handwriting difficulties
    • Difficulty maintaining attention in the classroom
    • Frustration or reduced confidence with schoolwork
    • A noticeable difference between a child’s apparent ability and their academic performance

What is Assessed

A psycho-educational assessment utilises standardised assessment tools to explore your child’s cognitive functioning with the aim of identifying thinking, reasoning and problem- solving skills.

The assessment will review aspects of verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, spatial awareness, working memory and processing speed. This component of the assessment is sometimes commonly known as an IQ test.

Literacy and numeracy development is assessed as part of the educational component.

Role of Hearing and Vision Test

Hearing and vision difficulties are potentially correctable factors that can impair a child’s communication, learning, speech, development and child’s performance during an assessment. A hearing screen completed as a newborn does not necessarily confirm that hearing remains normal later in childhood.

Hence, hearing and vision may need to be assessed before or during the broader assessment process, when interpreting a child’s developmental, behavioural or educational profile.

Our Assessment Process

We use a three-stage assessment pathway designed to allow sufficient time to understand your child’s history, observe the child directly and carefully review the information collected.

Appointment 1 – Parent Consultation | 1 Hour

The first appointment is a one-hour parent-only consultation. Your child does not need to attend this appointment.

The clinician will discuss your child’s history and gather information about areas such as:

• • • Pregnancy, birth and early development
    • Developmental milestones
    • Speech and language development
    • Behaviour and emotional wellbeing
    • Learning and school performance
    • Functioning at home
    • Relationships with parents, siblings and other family members
    • Friendships and social interaction
    • Strengths, interests and abilities
    • Areas of difficulty or concern
    • Relevant medical, developmental and educational history

Following the first appointment, relevant parent and teacher/educator questionnaires and information forms will be sent electronically.

Parents and teachers are asked to complete these forms and return them to SAPAN before the second appointment. Information from different environments can provide valuable insight into how a child functions at home, school and in social settings.

Appointment 2 – Child and Parent Assessment | Up to 2 Hours

The second appointment is approximately two hours and involves both the child and parent/caregiver.

The psychologist will interact directly with your child and use a combination of age-appropriate activities and formal assessment measures, depending on the purpose of the assessment.

Activities may include:

• • • Conversation and questions
    • Play-based activities
    • Problem-solving tasks
    • Puzzles and reasoning activities
    • Memory and concentration tasks
    • Learning and academic activities
    • Other structured activities appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level

The clinician will also observe how your child approaches tasks, communicates, follows instructions, solves problems, responds to challenges and interacts during the assessment.

Where clinically appropriate, standardised assessment tools, questionnaires and rating scales are used. These can provide scores that assist the clinician in understanding your child’s abilities and areas of difficulty. Results are considered alongside the child’s history, observations and information provided by parents and educators rather than being interpreted in isolation.

Please ensure your child is well rested before the second appointment.

The assessment requires your child’s participation, attention and engagement.

Appointment 3 – Clinical Analysis and Report | Approximately 4–5 Hours

The third stage does not require the child or parent to attend the clinic.

The clinician will spend approximately 4–5 hours reviewing and analysing the information obtained throughout the assessment process.

This may include:

• • • Developmental and medical history
    • Parent interview information
    • Parent questionnaires
    • Teacher or educator feedback
    • Clinical observations
    • Standardised assessment results
    • Cognitive and learning profiles
    • Areas of strength
    • Areas requiring additional support
    • Relevant clinical considerations

The clinician will then prepare a comprehensive written report outlining the assessment findings and relevant recommendations.

Once the report has been completed, it will be provided electronically to the parent or caregiver.

Understanding the Results

Assessment results provide a detailed picture of a child’s current abilities and functioning. Children’s performance can be influenced by many factors, including age, development, learning experiences, language, attention, fatigue and the environment in which they are assessed.

For this reason, psychologists at SAPAN consider the whole clinical picture, rather than relying on one test score or questionnaire.

Where appropriate, recommendations may include strategies for home or school, further assessment, educational support, allied health involvement or follow-up with the child’s treating health professionals.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, learning or behaviour, our team can discuss whether a paediatric assessment may be appropriate for your child.