Assessment
Schools and parents normally approach an Educational Psychologist (EP) because they are concerned about a child’s behaviour, learning or social/emotional well being. These factors often interact with one another: for example, children with learning problems can become unhappy and vice-versa. Educational Psychologists are experts in child development, behaviour and learning, but untangling the cause of a problem can be straightforward or very complicated. The aim of assessing children is to discover their strengths as well as their weaker areas, so that each individual can be helped to reach his or her full potential. Children almost always enjoy being assessed: the process is designed to give them a successful, positive experience in a relaxed setting.
Assessment is a collaborative process, involving parents, the child, his or her teachers and the Learning Specialist in the school. Bearing this in mind, I may ask to:
- observe a child in the classroom
- talk with parents and teachers
- use rating scales and/or questionnaires with parents and teachers
- take a developmental history from parents
- spend time talking with the child
- assess the child’s intellectual ability using an IQ test
- assess particular cognitive abilities, for example memory, attention or phonological skills
- assess the child’s attainment levels
- assess the child’s social or emotional state using various approaches
- very occasionally, I may ask parental permission to seek advice from a colleague, for example a psychiatrist or speech and language therapist.
When the assessment is complete, I discuss my findings with the parents, and, if appropriate, with the child. A comprehensive written report follows. I should be able to give an explanation for a child’s difficulties and suggest ways forward. Providing parents give their permission, the school is given a copy of the report and I am happy to discuss this with teachers. The parents and school then monitor the child’s progress, asking for further input if this is necessary.
The cost of an assessment depends upon the amount of time taken. The average is between 5 - 7 hours, and this includes talking to parents and teachers, assessing the child, marking and evaluating tests and writing a comprehensive report. Please contact me for further information.
Jenny Lyon