FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ASSESSMENT TOOLS DO YOU USE WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN?
International standardised tools, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) and Wechsler Individual Attainment Test (WIAT-III) are examples of the tools used in the practice. All our tools are up to date and we use the most recently normed assessments available from the US and/or UK. I only assesses children in English, therefore, English needs to be the child's main or bilingual language, or they need to have been educated in an English medium school for at least 2 years, in order for an accurate assessment to take place. Every child is different and every referral reason differs too, so the tools used will be dependent on the referral reason and the 'questions' that parents and/or schools want answered. So, for example, an assessment of literacy will look very different from an assessment of attention skills.
I DO NOT WANT MY CHILD TO BE 'LABELLED,' SO IS AN ASSESSMENT REALLY NECESSARY?
I do not believe in 'assessment for diagnosis,' but rather 'assessment for intervention.' The assessment is not a labelling process, but rather a way to learn more about your child's strengths and difficulties and any learning gaps that may require targeted intervention. Often children move schools due to the transient nature of being an expat, and therefore can miss out on learning when entering new school systems with differing curriculums and teaching methodologies. Your child may just require support to close gaps in their learning so as to catch up with their peers.
THE SCHOOL HAS TOLD ME THAT MY CHILD NEEDS AN ASSESSMENT, BUT I AM CONFUSED AS TO WHY. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
It is best to ask the school teacher/s to meet with you in order to discuss their concerns with you prior to meeting with me. Your child's most recent school report may also help to indicate where the concerns lie. Most schools will conduct 'in house' screening assessments prior to requesting a more comprehensive Educational Psychology assessment. Ask the school if they have done such tests, and if so, whether they could discuss the results with you. This can also be discussed more during the initial parent consultation.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT?
Following the assessment you will meet with me to discuss the findings in detail. You will then receive a written report, which will include classroom and instructional implications of the findings, and recommendations. This could include certain accommodations, which are available in the school system such as extra time in test and exams, or a reader and scribe in test situations. It may also include recommendations to work with other professionals, such as a reading specialist. You should not leave that meeting until you are satisfied that you understand what I am explaining to you as well as the educational implications for your child. Some children may require onward referral to other professionals, such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists (for therapy) or even medical professionals, such as Developmental and Behavioural Paediatricians. The process does not always end here, as it is important to monitor your child's progress and their response to specific interventions that may be put in place. Such interventions and ongoing support and contact will be discussed with you in more detail at the time of the feedback session.
HOW LONG DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE? WE HAVE LEFT THINGS A LITTLE LATE AND NOW IT IS 'URGENT' AS THE SCHOOL ARE REQUESTING A REPORT?
My availability is very much dependent on the time of the year. April through to the end of June are exceptionally busy, and most parents will have to wait approximately 2-4 months for an assessment slot. If you have concerns about your child and the school is requesting an assessment, it is best to schedule a date a few months in advance. Once the assessment is complete it will take 4-6 weeks for the report to be sent to you, as this is also a lengthy process due to the comprehensive nature of the report.