Evaluations/ Testing Services
Dr. Kelly provides gifted testing, autism spectrum testing, full psycho-educational evaluations and full psychological evaluations.
Psycho-educational evaluations
What is a psycho-education evaluation? A psycho-educational evaluation provides a complete understanding of an individual’s cognitive and academic functioning with the use of gold standard measures and the collection of qualitative information. Understanding the complete functioning of an individual helps us to understand how a child thinks, interacts with others, and learns. Factors that are evaluated include cognitive and intellectual ability, academic functioning, and if relevant, adjustment factors or other mental health experiences (mood, anxiety, family dynamics, trauma etc.).
Why would you need a psycho-educational evaluation?
Individuals are referred for evaluations for many reasons. Perhaps your child has been referred by their teacher or guidance counsellor for help with understanding the best way for your child to learn. Maybe the teacher and yourself have observed some challenging behaviours that are preventing the child from performing at their best. Sometimes the parent has observed challenges at home with regards to following instructions, reading or mathematical difficulties, staying on task, or homework avoidance. Differences in learning have a major impact on a child’s overall well-being, by identifying these differences, you are creating a strong framework for future success.
What is involved in a psycho-educational evaluation?
Dr. Kelly will conduct full intake interviews with the child’s parents/caregiver or directly with the adult patient. Based on this information, she makes a decision on the types of tests that will utilized. Caregivers and teachers will be asked to complete measures to help understand you child completely. Many parents ask why teachers need to be involved. Your child may present differently at school than at home and the more complete the understanding of functioning, the more specific we can target treatment and/or accommodations. Sometimes a school observation will be necessary which will be conducted prior to Dr. Kelly meeting the child or it will be conducted by a doctoral level trainee. Once testing is completed a feedback session is provided where Dr. Kelly discusses the report and findings. Included in the report is a list of recommendations based on the findings and a discussion of what the parent or adult patient needs to do next to maximize their personal potential.
What are some of the typical outcomes of psycho-educational testing?
Psycho-educational testing looks at the best way for an individual to maximize their learning experience. Not all people meet full criteria for an official diagnosis. This does not mean nothing can be done to help the reported challenges. Recommendations and strategies are provided based on presentation as well as diagnosis if present. Dr. Kelly looks at specific learning disorders including reading, mathematics, and written expression. Additionally executive functioning differences found in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and processing challenges are explored. Dr. Kelly also looks at the impact of mood, developmental phases, anxiety, and adjustment factors that could be impacting the ability to learn.
Why shouldn’t I ignore issues that my child is presenting with?
We spend a large amount of our lives within an academic environment absorbing information and interacting with others. Challenges experienced by children can impact their performance, social interaction, self-esteem, and mental health. By understanding how best one learns and advocating for your child or yourself has long lasting positive impacts on overall development and success.
Gifted Testing
What is gifted testing? Gifted testing involves the use of gold standard, age appropriate intellectual measures to understand your child’s intellectual functioning.
What is involved in gifted testing?
An interview with the parents and a testing session with the child.
What are some of the typical outcomes of gifted testing?
Your child could be recommended for gifted placing at school if they meet official requirements. Other recommendations are provided based on their performance in order to maximize their abilities.
Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations
What is a comprehensive psychological evaluation? A comprehensive psychological evaluation is an in-depth psychological study of an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural functioning. It utilizes a detailed history of the individual as well as numerous psychological measures (objective, projective, intellectual, semi-structured, structured interviews etc.)
Why would you need comprehensive psychological testing?
People are often referred by other treating clinicians in order to establish correct diagnoses, inform treatment, and help the individual understand their personality, current functioning, strengths and challenges.
What are some of the typical outcomes of comprehensive psychological testing?
An individual may meet full criteria for a diagnosis which helps treating clinicians (psychologists, medical professionals, psychiatrists) clarify their own treatment approach for the client. Based on results of the evaluation and reason for referral, recommendations are provided
Autism Spectrum Testing
What is autism spectrum testing? Neurodevelopment testing is often referred out from paediatricians, therapists, neurologists, and psychiatrists in order to rule out autism spectrum disorder and other related concerns. Autistic Individuals, Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), present with a pattern of difficulties associated with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. Early identification is imperative for optimal intervention and outcomes.
What is involved in an autism spectrum evaluation?
Child, parent, and teacher interviews, school observation, psychological testing, and finally a feedback session. Dr. Kelly is certified in using the ADOS-2 which is a required measure by some, but not all, insurances.
What are some of the typical outcomes of ASD testing?
As with all evaluations, caregivers are provided with a feedback session and a full report with recommendations for moving forward is discussed. Based on results, referrals and resources are provided.
Call Dr. Kelly now to set up an appointment or enquire about related fees.
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