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What Is a Psychoeducational Assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive process led by a psychologist to gather and interpret both numerical data and descriptive observations about an individual. The specific tools and areas of focus depend on the referral question, but typically include:

• Developmental and medical history
  
  

• Interviews with caregivers, teachers, and the individual
  
  

• Direct observation
  
  

• Cognitive and academic assessments
  
  

• Behavioural and emotional questionnaires
  
  

These components work together to form a well-rounded picture of the individual’s strengths and areas of need—across intellectual, emotional, social, and behavioural domains.

When and Why Are They Used?

Psychoeducational assessments are often used to explore concerns related to learning, behaviour, or mental health. Depending on the findings, an assessment may help determine whether the individual meets diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR; APA, 2022).

Common diagnostic areas include, but are not limited to:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  
  

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  
  

• Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)
  
  

• Anxiety or Depressive Disorders
  
  

Identifying a diagnosis can clarify why someone is struggling and help chart a path forward with targeted support and accommodations.

How Does a Diagnosis Help?

For school-aged children, a diagnosis can open doors to crucial academic and developmental supports. In Alberta, a student diagnosed with a recognized disorder may be eligible for a special education code through Alberta Education. This coding allows schools to allocate resources and develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP) tailored to the student’s needs.

An IPP outlines:

• Specific learning or behavioural goals
  
  

• Strategies and accommodations to access curriculum
  
  

• Progress monitoring tools
  
  

• Transition planning between grades or educational settings
  
  

Ultimately, the decision to implement an IPP lies with the school team, but a psychoeducational assessment plays a key role in guiding that decision.

Beyond school supports, a diagnosis may also qualify families for government-funded services, such as Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) in Alberta.

How Can Families Access an Assessment?

There are two main pathways to access a psychoeducational assessment:

1. Through the School

Many school divisions have in-house or contracted psychologists who conduct assessments. Typically, the school team identifies students who may benefit from further evaluation and places them on a waitlist. While this option is often free, it can involve a longer wait time.

2. Through a Private Psychologist

Families can also seek assessments privately. These do not usually require a doctor’s referral and may offer faster access. However, private assessments involve a cost, which varies depending on the referral question and the complexity of the case.