When To Seek Help

Parents often worry whether their children are meeting appropriate developmental milestones. Many times those worries and fears are allayed with the realization that children develop at different rates, and providing a supportive and loving environment is the best way to foster growth. There are situations, however, in which a child’s development, academic progress or behaviour is outside the established limits for what is considered typical. Below is an overview of various types of assessments, and when parents should consider seeking a professional evaluation.

Psycho-Educational Assessment: Is your child having difficulty learning or keeping up in a particular subject area? Does your child’s teacher complain that he/she displays challenges remaining seated, sustaining attention, following directions or complying with rules? If so, a psycho-educational assessment is critical in identifying whether your child has a learning disability or other disorder that may be negatively impacting his/her academic functioning. A psycho-educational assessment is aimed at providing a thorough assessment of a child’s cognitive abilities (memory, language, visual processing etc.) and academic skills (reading, writing, mathematic etc.). After determining your child’s learning style and his/her strengths and weaknesses, the psychologist will develop an intervention programme including but not limited to: identification of optimal modes of instruction, an individual education plan, classroom accommodations, teaching modifications and recommendations for behaviour management

Occupational Therapy Assessment: If your child displays difficulty with tying his/her shoelaces, writing tasks, or shows sensitivity to particular sounds, tastes or textures, he/she may benefit from an assessment by an occupational therapist.  The occupational therapist will determine whether your child will benefit from a programme aimed at fine motor skill strengthening, sensory integration, improvement of balance and coordination, or other areas that may be affecting your child's ability to perform daily activities associated with self-care, school and home.

Speech and Language Assessment: If your child has difficulty pronouncing words clearly, communicating with peers and family members, forming phrases or sentences correctly, or other speech and language related issues, a thorough speech evaluation by a speech and language pathologist should be considered. Difficulties with speech can be isolated or related to other developmental challenges, and should therefore be given appropriate attention.

Developmental Assessment: If you are concerned that your child has not yet met common developmental milestones, you may consider seeking a developmental assessment to investigate how your child is performing relative to typically developing children of comparable age. If it is determined that your child is not meeting milestones as expected, an intervention program can be created by the developmental specialist to address your child’s weaknesses.

Personality/Emotional Assessment: If your child has difficulty coping with or appropriately expressing emotions (anger, sadness, fear etc.), displays low self-esteem or anxiety, has sudden changes in mood such as becoming withdrawn or very clingy, or has difficulty adjusting to a major life event; you should consider a personality/emotional assessment to explore your child's personality and any atypical behaviors that may be occurring. The psychologist will determine if the child meets specific diagnostic criteria, and provide recommendations for interventions aimed at improving your child’s functioning.

Reference: Psychological Assessments: Which one does your child need? Lucile Lynch. March 2012. 

Please note that when seeking help for your child you ensure that the appropriate clinician sees your child; and that clinician is properly qualified.