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Child and Adolescent Assessments

Child and adolescent assessments are comprehensive evaluations designed to understand a young person’s cognitive abilities, emotional development, and/or neuropsychological functioning. These assessments are conducted by skilled PhD-level neuropsychologists and psychologists using age-appropriate tests, interviews, and observations to assess various cognitive domains such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. The results of these assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s strengths, challenges, and areas needing support, which can inform educational planning, therapeutic interventions, and family support strategies. Whether your child is facing learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, or developmental concerns, an assessment can offer crucial guidance and help optimize their overall well-being and academic success.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS

AUTISM
ASSESSMENTS

DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENTS

DEROGATION
ASSESSMENTS

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Derogation Assessments

Academic derogation or early school entry is an exceptional measure extended to children born after September 30 who demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities and development, justifying their early enrollment in kindergarten or first grade. The goal of derogation is to prevent prejudice to the child and foster their overall progress and development. During the derogation process, a neuropsychologist assesses three key areas of the child’s development: intelligence, socio-emotional, and psychomotor abilities. A derogation is approved when the child exhibits skills that surpass those of their peers, and when it is believed that their current learning environment cannot sufficiently challenge them. Alternatively, delayed school entry is an option for children with below-average maturity or functioning levels, allowing their kindergarten entry to be postponed for a year.

Developmental Assessments

A developmental assessment is a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding and evaluating different areas of a child’s development, including cognitive, language, motor, and socio-emotional skills. It is intended for children aged 3.5 years and below. During the assessment, a neuropsychologist will engage in structured observation and interaction with the child, as well as administer standardized tests and tasks that are designed specifically for the child’s age and developmental stage. The goal is to identify any developmental concerns, delays, or disorders early on so that appropriate interventions and support can be provided to help the child reach their full potential. Common signs or difficulties in a child that might lead to a referral for a developmental assessment include:
  • Delayed or atypical speech and language development, such as limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, or challenges in understanding and using language appropriately.
  • Persistent difficulties with motor skills, such as clumsiness, poor coordination, or delays in reaching developmental milestones like crawling, walking, or holding objects.
  • Behavioural concerns, including aggression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or difficulty with attention and concentration.
  • Social challenges such as limited eye contact, disinterest in social interactions, trouble making friends, or difficulty understanding social cues and norms.
  • Difficulties with emotional regulation, such as frequent mood swings or tantrums, excessive fear or anxiety, or struggles coping with transitions and changes.

Autism Assessments

Autism assessments are designed to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. These entail a combination of both structured measures and qualitative observations to evoke differences in thinking and behavioural patterns, communication styles, and social and emotional skills consistent with a diagnosis of ASD. Through these comprehensive evaluations, clinicians can gain a clearer understanding of an individual’s strengths and challenges, facilitating appropriate intervention and support.

Neuropsychological Assessments

Neuropsychological assessments are comprehensive evaluations conducted by a neuropsychologist and designed to provide a deeper understanding of how brain function influences thoughts and behaviours. Using standardized tests, these assessments evaluate cognitive and behavioural abilities, such as intelligence, attention, language, memory, and perceptional and motor skills. Their primary objectives are often to provide a diagnosis, treatment plan, and tailored recommendations for learning and return-to-work practices.

In children and adolescents, neuropsychological assessments focus on various aspects of learning and cognitive functioning. They can provide diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as learning disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and intellectual disability. They can also identify any other social, emotional, or behavioural challenges affecting a child/adolescent’s learning and development.

The reasons for seeking a neuropsychological assessment vary and are often linked with academic, behavioural, and developmental concerns. Below are some diagnoses for which an assessment is recommended:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Communication disorders
  • Developmental coordination disorder
  • Developmental delays
  • Giftedness
  • Intellectual development disorder
  • Specific learning disorders, such as those associated with difficulties in arithmetic, reading, spelling, and writing

An assessment may also be helpful to evaluate neuropsychological and socio-emotional functioning for the following:

  • Head traumas
  • Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and Tourette syndrome