Testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, & IQ in Bedford
ADHD & Learning Disorders Assessment
At Bedford Psychologists, we offer treatment / 1:1 counselling for a wide variety of personal concerns such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, etc. Additionally, we also offer comprehensive assessments and diagnostic testing for ADD / ADHD, Learning Disorders, Dyslexia, academic concerns, and intelligence / giftedness.
Depending on the type of assessment, testing can take just a few hours (for example, a straight-forward intelligence assessment), while a complete psycho-educational and diagnostic assessment may require a full day of testing.
Even if testing takes just a few hours, our goal is to make sure that that you receive clear answers to the questions that prompted the assessment…and practical suggestions to address the issue after you leave our office.
Our psychologists can provide assessments for children, teens, and adults. Regardless of who we are working with, we strive to make testing a comfortable and enjoyable experience (especially with children).
Depending on the type of assessment, testing can take just a few hours (for example, a straight-forward intelligence assessment), while a complete psycho-educational and diagnostic assessment may require a full day of testing.
Even if testing takes just a few hours, our goal is to make sure that that you receive clear answers to the questions that prompted the assessment…and practical suggestions to address the issue after you leave our office.
Our psychologists can provide assessments for children, teens, and adults. Regardless of who we are working with, we strive to make testing a comfortable and enjoyable experience (especially with children).
What is the Purpose of a Psycho-Educational or Learning Disorder Assessment?
Parents who decide to have their children tested for possible learning disorders or ADHD often have concerns about how their children are performing in school. They may be worried about their child’s ability to concentrate / focus at school, when doing homework, or may have noticed particular difficulties in reading, math, and/or writing.
A primary goal of a psycho-educational assessment is to provide a clear picture of a child’s (or adult’s) academic strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it is often important to assess intellectual ability, memory, executive functioning (planning and organization), and other cognitive skills. Of course, the ultimate goal is to use the information gained from an assessment to make recommendations that can help the person address relative weakness, build on strengths, and improve their academic performance.
Although most psycho-educational assessments are initiated by parents for children or teens, adults and university-aged students can also benefit from this type of assessment. For example, a proper assessment and diagnosis may make a university student eligible for extra funding and/or academic accommodations…which can be extremely helpful when completing a post-secondary degree.
A primary goal of a psycho-educational assessment is to provide a clear picture of a child’s (or adult’s) academic strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it is often important to assess intellectual ability, memory, executive functioning (planning and organization), and other cognitive skills. Of course, the ultimate goal is to use the information gained from an assessment to make recommendations that can help the person address relative weakness, build on strengths, and improve their academic performance.
Although most psycho-educational assessments are initiated by parents for children or teens, adults and university-aged students can also benefit from this type of assessment. For example, a proper assessment and diagnosis may make a university student eligible for extra funding and/or academic accommodations…which can be extremely helpful when completing a post-secondary degree.
Does a Diagnosis Mean that Something is “Wrong” With My Child?
Sometimes, when parents notice a child struggling in school (writing skills, math, reading ability, etc.) they are reluctant to proceed with a formal assessment and hope that the problem will resolve itself with time. And occasionally (depending on the problem), this actually happens as a result of natural development and maturation. In fact, if a child has just started to have difficulty at school, seeing a psychologist for a full assessment would not be our first recommendation!
However, if there have been ongoing concerns over several school terms (or especially over several years), if the issues are becoming progressively worse, or if they are fairly severe in nature, then a proper assessment with a psychologist can be extremely helpful for a child.
The identification of a learning disorder, attentional problems, academic weaknesses, or cognitive challenges does not mean that there is something wrong with your child. In fact people with diagnoses learning disorders are often very intelligent (and some are even intellectually gifted). What a diagnosis means is that there may be an explanation for why your child is struggling in school…and there are resources, strategies, and many forms of assistance which can help him demonstrate his true ability.
However, if there have been ongoing concerns over several school terms (or especially over several years), if the issues are becoming progressively worse, or if they are fairly severe in nature, then a proper assessment with a psychologist can be extremely helpful for a child.
The identification of a learning disorder, attentional problems, academic weaknesses, or cognitive challenges does not mean that there is something wrong with your child. In fact people with diagnoses learning disorders are often very intelligent (and some are even intellectually gifted). What a diagnosis means is that there may be an explanation for why your child is struggling in school…and there are resources, strategies, and many forms of assistance which can help him demonstrate his true ability.
Assessments Offered at Bedford Psychologists
What are the Benefits of our "No-Stress" Approach to Assessment?
While no assessment will look exactly the same as another, the one element that remains the same is the priority we place on making the experience as comfortable, stress-free, and enjoyable as possible.
Not surprisingly, we have found that a warm and relaxed approach is especially important when we are working with children and adolescents. Although we move the assessment along efficiently, it will never feel cold or impersonal. In between tests we will often chat with a child about their interests, hobbies, friends, school, favorite movies, games…really anything that they are interested in!
In addition to making the day a more positive experience for everyone, there is another important reason for our no-stress approach. Specifically, a relaxed, happy, and motivated child is more likely to demonstrate his or her true ability, allows us to get a more complete picture of strengths / weaknesses, increases the likelihood for an accurate diagnosis, and ultimately lets us provide more helpful feedback to parents or clients.
Not surprisingly, we have found that a warm and relaxed approach is especially important when we are working with children and adolescents. Although we move the assessment along efficiently, it will never feel cold or impersonal. In between tests we will often chat with a child about their interests, hobbies, friends, school, favorite movies, games…really anything that they are interested in!
In addition to making the day a more positive experience for everyone, there is another important reason for our no-stress approach. Specifically, a relaxed, happy, and motivated child is more likely to demonstrate his or her true ability, allows us to get a more complete picture of strengths / weaknesses, increases the likelihood for an accurate diagnosis, and ultimately lets us provide more helpful feedback to parents or clients.
What Happens During a Typical Assessment at Bedford Psychologists?
Depending on the referral question, an assessment can take many forms. For example, a basic IQ test can typically be completed in one-and-a-half to two hours, while a more complicated or comprehensive evaluation may take most of the day to complete. For example, a complete child psycho-educational assessment coupled with questions about a possible learning disorder may involve:
- An interview with parents and the child
- IQ testing
- Achievement / academic testing
- Additional tests as necessary (for example, memory, motor skills, attention and concentration, executive functioning, etc.)
- Questionnaires and forms to be completed at home by parents and teachers
How does the Free Assessment Consultation Work?
As you can see from the descriptions above, a professional psycho-educational, learning disorder, psycho-diagnostic, or ADHD assessment can involve a significant investment of your time and energy.
Yes, we believe that it is an investment worth making, but we completely understand if you would like to give us more information about your situation, learn more about the assessment, possible costs, and our initial impressions of your case…before you make the commitment.
Therefore, at Bedford Psychologists we are happy to offer a free, no obligation, 30-minute consultation to anyone considering an intelligence, ADHD, or learning disorder assessment.
After the consultation when your questions have been answered, if you believe that there is a good match (see “How We Are Different”) and would like to work with us, great! If not, there is absolutely no cost to you and no commitment afterwards. Please note that you must specifically request the free 30 minute minute consultation if you are interested in this - otherwise we can just proceed with the formal assessment.
Yes, we believe that it is an investment worth making, but we completely understand if you would like to give us more information about your situation, learn more about the assessment, possible costs, and our initial impressions of your case…before you make the commitment.
Therefore, at Bedford Psychologists we are happy to offer a free, no obligation, 30-minute consultation to anyone considering an intelligence, ADHD, or learning disorder assessment.
After the consultation when your questions have been answered, if you believe that there is a good match (see “How We Are Different”) and would like to work with us, great! If not, there is absolutely no cost to you and no commitment afterwards. Please note that you must specifically request the free 30 minute minute consultation if you are interested in this - otherwise we can just proceed with the formal assessment.
How Much Will an Assessment Cost?
Depending on the nature of the referral question and the number of tests / interviews necessary for the evaluation, the final fees for a psychological assessment and diagnosis can range from $500 to $3135. However, if you have health insurance (private, through work, or school) your policy may cover a large portion (or even all) of the assessment. Also, fees for an assessment with a psychologist in Nova Scotia are considered to be a medical expense and can be claimed when you file your taxes.
How Will I Receive Feedback on the Assessment?
If you wish, we will provide initial impressions on the same day that the assessment is complete. Obviously this would not include final scores or diagnoses, but it can give you a quick sense of what was observed during testing.
Our goal is to have the final report completed within one week of testing. At this time, we will schedule a 1:1 appointment, carefully review the results with you, discuss the recommendations, and answer your questions about the findings.
We take great care to write reports that are clear, comprehensive, and which directly answer the questions you have about yourself or your child. We recognize that while a diagnosis (when applicable) is important, it is equally (or more) important to provide detailed, practical, and helpful recommendations that you can actually use to address the issues that prompted the assessment.
Our goal is to have the final report completed within one week of testing. At this time, we will schedule a 1:1 appointment, carefully review the results with you, discuss the recommendations, and answer your questions about the findings.
We take great care to write reports that are clear, comprehensive, and which directly answer the questions you have about yourself or your child. We recognize that while a diagnosis (when applicable) is important, it is equally (or more) important to provide detailed, practical, and helpful recommendations that you can actually use to address the issues that prompted the assessment.
I'm Ready to Find Answers...How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
You can schedule an appointment or use the confident contact form below. We will review the information you have provided and get back to you as soon as possible.
Although most of our appointments are during regular working hours, we understand that you may have to work, attend school, or have other responsibilities during normal business hours. Therefore, we will always try to find a meeting time that is convenient for your schedule. You can request a weekend or evening appointment if necessary.
Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment or if there are any questions we can answer. Thanks!
Although most of our appointments are during regular working hours, we understand that you may have to work, attend school, or have other responsibilities during normal business hours. Therefore, we will always try to find a meeting time that is convenient for your schedule. You can request a weekend or evening appointment if necessary.
Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment or if there are any questions we can answer. Thanks!
