Assessments for children are typically sought when teachers notice that emotional, behavioural or academic difficulties are affecting a child’s learning and/or social development and the usual strategies to help the child in school and at home are not sufficient. Following meetings with the school's special needs coordinator, a psychological assessment can be recommended to identify strengths and weaknesses in intellectual functioning, specific learning difficulties, such as with reading, mathematics and handwriting, or problems with attention and hyperactivity. These specific tests can help work out how children can make the best of their abilities in school and whether they need any specific support.
For adults, formal assessments may be asked for by their employer's insurance companies to assess for the presence of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder that could be affecting their ability to work.
In addition to questionnaires or cognitive tests, a variety of other tools, such as a clinical interview, paper and pen exercises or creative tools all contribute to developing a comprehensive and rounded understanding of a situation.
Assessments are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and may also form part of therapy.
For adults, formal assessments may be asked for by their employer's insurance companies to assess for the presence of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder that could be affecting their ability to work.
In addition to questionnaires or cognitive tests, a variety of other tools, such as a clinical interview, paper and pen exercises or creative tools all contribute to developing a comprehensive and rounded understanding of a situation.
Assessments are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and may also form part of therapy.
Types of Assessment
Cognitive TestsThese scientific assessment tools are aimed at evaluating different mental functions, such as memory, reasoning, verbal or perceptual skills as well as academic abilities, such as reading, writing or mathematics.
Commonly, cognitive tests (e.g. WISC) are requested by schools when teachers or parents highlight that a child is struggling academically, to support the identification of learning difficulties that may be hindering the child’s educational progress. An important aspect of these tests is to identify a child’s strengths and to understand how they try to make sense of the world around them, so that the assessment can provide information on how to build on their skills. |
QuestionnairesThere are numerous standardised questionnaires that can be used to detect and assess a number of psychological difficulties in adults and in children, including depression, anxiety, hyperactivity or conduct problems, obsessive-compulsive symptoms or post-traumatic stress disorder. They are typically used for formal assessments for schools or insurance companies but can also inform therapy if considered necessary.
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Creative ToolsCreative tools, such as story-telling, play, picture cards or artwork can often add interesting insights and provide an alternative means of expression during assessment as well as therapy.
Projective tests, such as the Child Apperception Test, can also be used to identify psychological difficulties and give an indication of emotional functioning. |