Psycho-Educational Evaluation

A comprehensive Psycho-educational  assessment conducted by an experienced and skilled psychologist provides answers and solutions to questions regarding a student’s learning style, personality characteristics, and the interplay of the two.

‘Testing’ allows for the accurate identification and better understanding of the factors and dynamics posing obstacles to a student’s developing literacy skills, arithmetic aptitudes, academic performance, or overall achievement. In so doing, a comprehensive Psycho-educational  evaluation is the center-piece in making a differential diagnosis of a specific neurologically based learning disability such as Dyslexia or learning disorder such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

In all instances this type of ‘testing’ proves an invaluable tool for recognizing important nuances of the student’s cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning—“the ingredients” that distinguish one learner from another, allowing for better appreciation a child’s learning style and guidance aimed at ensuring the skill mastery and academic success critical to positive emotional adjustment and overall well-being.


The Process

A thorough psycho-educational or neuropsychological assessment involves the following:

1. 60-90 Minute Interview with the parent(s) or adult student.

2. Possible school/classroom observation (if desired).

3. Four or five, 2-hour test sessions.

4.  60-120 Minute Feedback session with the parent(s) or adult student during which time the findings and recommendations are conveyed and discussed, and appropriate referrals are made.

5. Follow-up feedback session with both parent(s) and child student.

6. A comprehensive report is crafted that clarifies the reasons for referral, offers a compelling history, describes the issues at hand, clearly explains the underlying factors and dynamics identified, and offers clear and pragmatic recommendations. 


Battery of Tests


The specific tests administered depends on a number of factors including but not limited to the precise referral question and concerns, the client's history, chronological age, maturity, grade, presumed current academic skill level, facility with language, motor skills, and recently administered measures.

1. Cognitive Testing
2. Academic Testing
3. Projective Testing
4. Neuropsychological Testing


Testing often includes consultation with any professionals working with the client such as classroom teachers, physicians, therapists, or tutors.