Psychoeducational Assessment
Comprehensive psychoeducational assessments designed to identify or rule out the presence of learning disabilities.
What Are Learning Disabilities?
According to the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, learning disabilities are disorders that may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information in individuals with broadly average thinking and reasoning abilities.
How Learning Disabilities Manifest
Learning disabilities extend beyond academic struggles. They can manifest as:
- Organizational skill challenges
- Language processing difficulties
- Memory problems
- Social interaction complications
- Emotional impacts
Important: Some students may appear academically successful while actually struggling significantly or "just passing," which can indicate an underlying learning disability.
When to Consider Assessment
Referrals are recommended when students demonstrate:
- Difficulties in academic areas
- Inconsistent performance
- Achievement that requires excessive effort
Why Early Detection Matters
Timely assessment is crucial because undetected learning disabilities can affect vocational success. Identification may occur during early development, school years, or even adulthood. The earlier a learning disability is identified, the sooner appropriate supports can be put in place.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to book a consultation and discuss your assessment needs.
Book a ConsultationPsychoeducational Assessment FAQ
How is a private psychoeducational assessment different from testing through the school?
School-based assessments are valuable but typically have long waitlists and are prioritized for the highest-need students. A private assessment can usually begin much sooner, is comprehensive in scope, and produces a detailed report that you own and can share with the school. We cover this in depth in our guide comparing private and school assessments.
What can a psychoeducational assessment diagnose?
It can identify or rule out specific learning disorders, including those affecting reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia), and clarifies the cognitive processes underneath, such as working memory, processing speed, and language processing. Because attention and anxiety often complicate the picture, the assessment can be combined with ADHD and mental-health measures in a comprehensive assessment.
Will the results get my child school accommodations?
A report from a Registered Psychologist provides the documentation Alberta schools use for Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) and classroom accommodations. The report spells out specific recommendations, such as extra time, assistive technology, and instructional strategies, that learning-support teams can implement.
Can adults get a psychoeducational assessment?
Yes. Adults often seek assessment to access accommodations in post-secondary programs or professional exams, or simply to understand lifelong learning difficulties. Post-secondary accessibility offices generally require recent documentation from a Registered Psychologist, which the assessment report provides.