Educational
Psychology

What Can An Educational Psychology Assessment Help With?

Development occurs at different rates and children may develop strengths or weaknesses in specific areas (e.g. reading, spelling, writing, maths, attention, social communication). These strengths/weaknesses can often impact upon a person’s ability to learn and achieve at school, university or in the workplace. Therefore, there is often a need to establish clarity and understanding in order that the correct provision can be put in place to enable an individual to reach their full potential. Our Educational Psychologists can provide expert assessment for both children and adults, identifying and diagnosing general learning disabilities and specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia). They are also able to assess use specialist cognitive assessment to help identify Gifted and Talented children.

What Does An Assessment Involve?

Assessments usually take between 2.5-3.5 hours. The assessment will comprise of a combination of screening questionnaires, discussions (with parents if the client is a child) and a range of standardised tests. The tests involve thorough analysis of the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Cognitive tests are used to investigate an individual’s key thinking skills including verbal reasoning, memory and processing speed. Tests of attainment are used to examine specific reading and numeracy skills. Additional assessments can be used, as required, to assess social interaction difficulties and/or emotional and behavioural difficulties.

What Can I Expect Following An Assessment?

Preliminary assessment findings are given in person at the end of the assessment. The Educational Psychologist will then write a detailed written report which identifies and diagnoses any specific learning difficulties. Recommendations are made within the report which are tailored to the needs of the individual. Reports can be used to assist the person within their school, university or work environment. They may be used as evidence for/help with a number of scenarios, for example:

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Applications for reasonable adjustments or access arrangements

Educational tribunals or appeals

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) applications

Requests for support at school/university/work