Testing and Assessment
Diagnostic and Psychoeducational Testing is designed to answer questions regarding problems a client may have in academic achievement and progress, proper educational placement, and emotional and behavioral functioning. The assessment includes in depth interviews and the administration of psychological, cognitive and psychoeducational tests. Results and recommendations are presented in an interpretive interview and a written report.
There are several reasons why someone would want to have an assessment utilizing a battery of psychological tests. By having a diagnostic workup completed may be helpful in determining possible reason(s) the client is having difficulties and aid in the formulation of helpful recommendations and referrals. For example, mood disorders, anxiety and psychological conflicts may contribute to problems experienced in school, with peers and family.
Steps in the diagnostic process• Meet with a counselor discussing issues that are of concern
• Completing the Psychological Diagnostic Assessment
• Feedback session
Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities are obstacles to learning in a conventional way. They are neurological in origin and affect the way an individual takes in and processes information. Learning Disabilities occur in individuals with at least average intelligence and manifest themselves as a unique pattern of weaknesses in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in learning. Individuals with learning disabilities may have difficulties in some but not all the following areas:
- Reading
- Confusion of similar words
- Applying phonic rules and generalizations
- Slow rate
- Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material
- Math
- Difficulty in acquiring basic facts such as multiplication tables
- Reversing numbers and confusing operational symbols
- Difficulty in understanding word problems
- Problems with manipulating symbols and grasping abstract concepts
- Study Skills
- Problems in following directions
- Difficulty in organization, time management and completing assignments
If you are experiencing a number of these difficulties, psychoeducational testing may be useful in identifying problems and lead you toward obtaining appropriate help. The evaluation process begins with a counselor and the client meeting for an initial interview to determine whether testing may be useful. Then, a battery of tests is administered. Following the testing the counselor meets with the client to go over the results and offer recommendations. The client then obtains a written report summarizing the assessment.