What Happens During a Psychoeducational Assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that assesses an individual’s cognitive and educational development or functioning. It includes tests to measure academic achievement, cognitive abilities, psychosocial functioning, and behavior. Read on to learn more about what goes into this type of assessment.
Interview With Parents and/or Caregivers
A psychoeducational assessment typically begins with an interview between the psychologist and the parents or caregivers of the individual being assessed. The purpose is to understand their background, development, and any difficulties they may be experiencing. The psychologist will also look for any family history of psychosocial or educational problems. This also includes any previous diagnoses or treatments the individual has received.
Performance Tests
A psychoeducational assessment will additionally include cognitive and academic performance tests, such as IQ tests and reading, writing, math, and other educational achievement evaluations. The results of these tests tell the psychologist how the individual compares with their peers. This can help identify any areas of strength or weakness and measure the individual’s attention span, memory, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills.
Behavioral Assessment
A behavioral assessment involves observing and rating an individual’s behavior in different settings, such as at home, at school, and in social situations. This observation helps the psychologist understand how the individual behaves in different environments and if there are any factors that affect their behavior.
Psychosocial Assessment
A psychoeducational evaluation will also include a psychosocial assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to look at an individual’s social and emotional functioning. The specialist will talk to the individual about how they feel in different situations, what their relationships are like, and how they cope with problems. This conversation helps the psychologist to gain a better understanding of the individual’s psychosocial functioning.
Who Needs a Psychoeducational Assessment?
While children or adolescents are the usual subjects of psychoeducational assessments, some adults can also benefit from this type of assessment. It can be used to diagnose learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the National Institute for Mental Health, ADHD symptoms can begin to appear between the ages of three and six, but they may manifest at older ages as well. Don’t hesitate to schedule a psychoeducational assessment for yourself or your child if you think it may be helpful.
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that looks at all aspects of an individual’s cognitive and educational functioning. A thorough series of interviews, performance tests, and behavioral assessments can identify areas of strength or weakness. If you think you or your child may benefit from a psychoeducational evaluation, contact Elements Psychological Services today for more information.
