Dr. Kris Pryke & Associates
Clinical Psychologists
Information about Psychological Assessments
What is a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment is a way to discover more about how a child thinks, feels, learns, and behaves. A psychological assessment is a comprehensive investigation of a child's strengths and needs in order to learn more about how to support their development.
Who conducts the assessment?
In this practice, assessments are conducted by Psychologists and/or senior doctoral candidates under supervision of the Psychologist.
How could an assessment be helpful?
- It can provide more information on a child’s functioning, thinking, and learning style, which can help parents and teachers better understand and support the child.
- It can reveal unknown strengths or needs.
- If the pattern of findings meet established criteria, it may lead to diagnosis of a psychological disorder (e.g., Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder).
- It can assist in devising more effective teaching strategies (such as changes in teaching style or expectations, or access to computer technology)
- The results may inform the development or revision of an Individual Education Plan.
- It may help inform decisions about appropriate school programming and placement, as well as community supports that may be helpful.
What does a “Standard Psycho-Educational Assessment” consist of?
A “standard” assessment meets the needs of the majority of clients who have questions about learning or developmental status. The assessment is tailored to the needs of the individual and typically includes the following:
- An intake interview with parent(s)
- Collection of developmental history
- Review of report cards
- Review of previous assessment reports
- All testing sessions (usually 3 sessions of 2 hours each) of cognitive ability, academic achievement, and any other relevant indices such as memory, executive functioning, phonological awareness, fine motor skills, and language processing·
- Scoring and interpretation of all test data
- Collection and interpretation of behavioural questionnaires·
Preparation of written results and recommendations (~ 6 hours of writing)
- Feedback session with parent(s)
- Feedback session with youth, if applicable
What is the cost of a “Standard"
Psycho-Educational Assessment?
Effective July 2019 a standard assessment costs $3000.00 (15 hours of work at $200.00/hour).
- If a conference at the school is requested, there is an additional fee of $300.00.
- In some cases a more comprehensive “clinical” assessment is required if there are significant mental health or developmental needs that cannot be assessed within the confines of a standard assessment. A custom price is then negotiated.
What if my question is about autism? Is that covered by a "standard" assessment?
An assessment of autism requires a cognitive assessment, the procedures of a "standard assessment" as well as a lot of additional, specialized questionnaires and measures.
- Effective July 2019 the cost for this type of assessment is $3600.00 (18 hours of work at $200.00/hour).
What happens to the information collected during the assessment?
Results will be shared with parents/guardians verbally.
- Parents/guardians will receive a copy of the written psychological assessment report. The report can be released to school personnel or other interested parties, at the discretion of parents/ guardians.·
- The original copy of the report and other relevant data will be kept in secure storage for at least 10 years beyond the child’s 18 birthday, as per legislation in Ontario.
- If parents/guardians believe that information is inaccurate or incomplete, concerns can be discussed with the Psychologist and corrections may be made where appropriate.·
- More details about our privacy policy can be found here
Who is given information about the assessment findings?
Parents/guardians will receive the results of the assessment in verbal and written format.
- Assessment results will not be shared with third parties unless written permission is provided by parents/guardians·
- There are some limits to confidentiality for Psychologists. We MUST:
o Report experienced or potential abuse, neglect, or maltreatment to Family & Children’s Services.o Report sexual abuse by a Regulated Health Professional to his/her college.
o Take steps to protect the child in instances where a child discloses the intent to harm him or herself or warn others when there is imminent risk of harm to others.
o Provide access to files when so ordered by a court of law.
o Provide files to the College of Psychologists of Ontario for quality assurance and complaint investigations.
What are the risks of having a psychological assessment?
Some parents/guardians or children may be surprised, disappointed, or in disagreement with the findings of an assessment or the suggestions made.
- Some of the topics covered may bring up unpleasant feelings.
- Some tasks of the assessment may be difficult or boring.
Who can I contact with more questions? ·