Psychoeducational Testing
Many times parent suspect there is something wrong with their child but have difficulties identifying what the problem is. Other times, teachers and/or school staff may refer your child for psychoeducational evaluation. But how do you know that your child may have a learning disorder? There are many different types of learning disorders and signs of learning disabilities vary from person to person.
But, how do I know if my child actually has a learning disorder?
If you are a parent searching for psychoeducational testing, you may have already suspected that your child may be gifted or, instead, may have a learning disorder. Or you may have exhausted your patience on having been on the county waiting list. Now that you found us, let’s answer some of the more common questions.
For starters, here are common signs that a person may have a learning disability. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your child have problems with reading and/or writing?
- Does your child have problems with math?
- Does your child have poor memory?
- Problems paying attention?
- Trouble following directions? or
- Is she/she clumsy, or
- Has problems staying organized?
- Does your child have difficulties staying focused, or is he/she easily distracted?
A child with a learning disability also may have one or more of the following:
- Acting without really thinking about possible outcomes (impulsiveness)
- “Acting out” in school or social situations
- Difficulty saying a word correctly out loud or expressing thoughts
- Problems with school performance from week to week or day to day
- Speaking like a younger child; using short, simple phrases; or leaving out words in sentences
- Having a hard time listening
- Problems dealing with changes in schedule or situations
- Problems understanding words or concepts?
Well, if you said yes to either of the above, then you might consider having your child evaluated by a professional.
What is psychoeducational testing (i.e., psychological tests or psychological testing and assessment)?
Psychoeducational testing is a series of psychological tests used to determine current level of intellectual functioning, academic achievement and psychological functioning.
Testing and assessment ranges from $600-$2500, depending on the referral question (reason for needing services). Prices may also range based on the level of expertise from the evaluator. Licensed psychologists with years of experience tend to charge more for their services. Some facilities may offer sliding scales, while others may offer a payment plan. Usually a deposit is required during the initial consultation, and then the full payment should be made on the day of feedback (the day of which the results are explained to the parent and the original, written report is also given to the parent).
Depending on the referral question, testing may take one to three sessions. Each session may take up to three hours. Each session is composed of either one or more psychological tests or assessments. During the first initial session, the child, parents, and evaluator meet to complete an intake. During the intake, the parents sign consent forms, and are asked psychoeducational, psychological and medical history of both the parents and the child.
Keep in mind that children being taught a second language may show signs of learning problems or a learning disability. The learning disability assessment must take into account whether a student is bilingual or a second language learner. In addition, for English-speaking children, the assessment should be sensitive to differences that may be due to dialect, a form of a language that is specific to a region or group.
If your child is on the school count waiting list, your child may be tested right away or may have to wait up till one year before he/she begins the testing process. The waiting list may be short or long. It is imperative that if your child, in fact, has a learning disability, that he/she receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) right away. Delaying the onset of services for a child with an undiagnosed learning disorder, may result in your child falling behind academically and/or socially. If you are a parent with a child on a county wait list, it is recommended that you call the county to find out more information. Although testing through the school system is at no cost to you, another option is to seek out psychoeducational testing privately. A licensed psychologist who specializes in pscyhoeducational testing children with disabilities may offer testing services for a nominal fee. Results of the psychologist’s evaluation can be given to your child’s school to begin the process of developing an individualized education plan or to apply for specific scholarships to assist with the cost of services.
The advice provided in this website is for illustration and information purpose only. Nothing contained in this website is intended to serve as a substitute or alternative to professional advice, treatment, or recommendations or to any approved psychoeducational test. We highly recommend that you always opt to seek the advice of a duly licensed psychologist, who ideally specializes in the particular topic discussed, over any information contained here.
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