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Assessment of Children & Adolescents

Assess Belize > Services > Assessment of Children & Adolescents

As children grow and develop, they sometimes have trouble learning in school, difficulty concentrating, or problems getting along with others. When this happens, a psychological assessment can pinpoint where the difficulties lie.

A psychological assessment offers insights into a child’s learning, social, behavioural and personality development, with the goal of tailoring recommendations to plan a child’s educational and mental health needs. Asses Belize provides a broad range of testing services to school-age children and adolescents. 

Some parents seek a psychological assessment out of concerns about how well their child or teen is functioning. Other parents are advised to get an assessment by one or more professionals—an educator, a mental health professional, or paediatrician—who notice something amiss. 

The evaluation ensures that everyone in a child’s world is working toward the same goals.

What does a psychological assessment address? Assessments are always individualized, based on the needs of the child or adolescent in an effort to address the concerns that led to the referral. 

Psychological testing can determine if your child’s problems are related to any of the following:

Assessment of Children & Adolescents

What are the types of psychological assessments available?

Cognitive Assessments (IQ Testing):

Assesses for developmental delays, intellectual gifts and/or disabilities, language and communication skills, nonverbal reasoning skills, and speed at absorbing and processing new information.

Academic Achievement Assessments:

Assesses mastery of reading, mathematics, and writing in order to identify academic strengths and pinpoint learning disabilities.

Diagnostic Assessments:

Assess for learning disorders such as Dyslexia and/or neuropsychological disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Behavioural, Emotional and Social Assessments:

Assesses personality, depression, anxiety, or social deficits that may contribute to difficulties at home or school.

What does the psychological assessment process include?

  • An intake session/clinical interview
  • One or more testing sessions with reliable and up-to-date assessment measures
  • Consultation with teachers and other professionals
  • Review of previous records (when applicable)
  • A detailed written report
  • A feedback session to provide a thorough explanation of the results and recommendations

Undergoing a psychological evaluation can be a daunting experience for some. Here are some ways parents can:

  • Schedule the assessment during the time of day the child/teen functions best
  • Assure the child/teen that the assessment is not a “test” they must pass
  • Ensure the child/teen has plenty of sleep the night before
  • Ensure the child/teen has eaten before the assessment