Does my child need an assessment?

Common Signs to Watch For

ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Easily distracted, forgetful or has trouble staying focused
Struggles to follow instructions or complete tasks without frequent prompts or reminders
Avoids or procrastinates homework/tasks, even familiar tasks, that require focus
Frequently misplaces items and has trouble staying organised
Talkative, interrupts others, or struggles to wait their turn
Difficulty sitting still and appears restless or fidgeting
Difficulty playing quietly, may appear overly intense, noisy, or disruptive even when asked to calm down

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Delayed speech or communication challenges (e.g., literal speech, trouble understanding sarcasm/metaphors)
Difficulty making eye contact
Difficulty expressing and understanding emotions and social cues
Prefers routines or consistency. May show distress or struggle to adapt when plans change or things are done differently
Strong specific interests (e.g., talks often about a particular subject, has in-depth knowledge or intense interest in a subject, may appear uninterested in other topics)
Struggles with social interactions and relationships (e.g., may play alone when around others, unsure how to start or maintain conversations)
Repetitive behaviours (e.g., flapping hands, lining up toys, or repeats phrases)
Sensory sensitivities or unusual sensory interests

Learning Disorders

Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia

Difficulty reading and understanding or remembering what they've read
Schoolwork is slower, more effortful, and has obvious mistakes, even when the child is trying hard
Difficulty spelling or writing (e.g. grammar, handwriting, disorganised writing)
Difficulty understanding and retaining math concepts or reasoning despite practice
Avoids schoolwork or is easily frustrated when reading, writing, or doing math
Difficulty remembering what they've learnt. Often needs repetition or different ways of learning to fully grasp and retain new information

When to Consider an Assessment?

You should consider an assessment when:

Concerns have persisted for 6 months or longer
Teachers or caregivers have raised repeated concerns
Your child shows signs in multiple settings (home, school, social)
The challenges affect their learning, relationships, or self-esteem
You feel uncertain about how to best support them

What Happens in an Assessment?

1. A parent-only interview to collect information on your child's behaviour, strengths and challenges, family and health background, and developmental history.

2. A testing session is done either with the child alone (if comfortable) or with a parent. The child is given a series of tasks, activities, and questions that assess their cognitive functioning, behaviours, and academic performance. Breaks are provided.

3. You and your child's teacher will be asked to complete additional questionnaires about your child's behaviour and functioning.

4. A written report outlining the results and support recommendations will be sent to you. Once you receive the report, you may book a feedback session to discuss the findings and next steps.

If you're concerned about your child's behaviour, emotions, or academic performance, you're not alone. Many parents face similar questions and are often unsure where to begin. An early assessment can help you better understand your child's needs and guide you towards the right support.

If you're considering an assessment for your child, take a look at our Assessment Packages or contact us if you have any questions.