Benefits of a Pediatric Comprehensive Psychological Assessment

Written by:

Rebecca Reidy Bunn, PhD, Junior Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellow

Erin Micali, PsyD, Senior Neuropsychology Postdoctoral Fellow

A child facing barriers to accessing their educational environment, participating in extracurricular activities, or engaging in everyday activities may benefit from a comprehensive psychological assessment. Receiving an assessment earlier in life minimizes the impact of the identified challenges. Thus, assessments offer key benefits in understanding a child’s unique needs, supporting their development, and improving long-term outcomes.

Why is a comprehensive psychological assessment necessary?

If there is an area of prominent difficulty, such as social-emotional (e.g., anxiety, depression), attentional concern, or in academics (e.g., reading, writing, or math), it may overshadow other specific areas of need.  

What is included in an assessment?

A comprehensive psychological assessment includes cognitive, behavioral, and executive functioning evaluation, as well as academic assessment. Additionally, the domains of social and emotional testing are explored. Licensed psychologists work collaboratively with families, educators, and treatment providers. In multidisciplinary centers, consultation with other disciplines is possible, and additional assessment by specialists, such as speech pathologists or occupational therapists, may be sought to better inform recommendations. 

One of the main goals of assessment is early identification. Children spend the majority of their day at school. Thus, school difficulties have academic, social, and emotional ramifications. There is a strong relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders, the development of anxiety and/or mood disorders, and self-concept. Thus, early identification can lead to academic success and improved mental health. 

In the same way each assessment battery is tailored to the needs of the child, our recommendations are crafted to benefit the individual at home, school, and in the community. Recommendations can inform an individual education plan (IEP), if a child is eligible, or a Section 504 plan. These can include specific school-based interventions and/or accommodations to create a learning environment with equitable access. For example, a child with ADHD would likely benefit from “off the clock” breaks when taking a test to help them reset and regulate their attentional system. In comparison, a child with dyslexia requires an evidence-based reading intervention such as Orton-Gillingham. 

Learning disabilities (in reading, writing, or math) are often highly responsive to direct intervention. Further, research suggests that targeted intervention in one academic domain often yields generalizable academic benefits across other courses as there is overlap between domains. If needed, our findings may also direct teachers on which evidence-based intervention is the best fit to boost academic success, closing the gap between the child’s capability and academic performance. 

Assessment of a child’s social and emotional development is a critical part of creating a treatment plan because the ability to build and maintain friendships is protective against psychological distress throughout one’s life. Therefore, understanding a child’s emotional regulation, capacity for empathy, and interpersonal skills helps to identify and target any areas to build. 

Children are provided a forum to better understand and articulate their experiences. Shedding light on a child’s internalizing features that can otherwise fly under the radar. Results lead to specific behavioral and emotional referrals for targeted intervention. This process promotes collaboration between parents and teachers, building a team that supports the unique needs of a child to foster growth. Utilizing a strength-based approach and offering recommendations that lean into the child’s innate strengths to bolster vulnerability often provide the child and their family peace of mind following feedback sessions. These identified strengths and vulnerabilities can provide the team with a roadmap for enhanced development. 

When should I get my child evaluated?

Early assessment and intervention has a lifelong impact on a child’s development trajectory. For example, a child with dyslexia identified during a critical period of development can receive evidence-based intervention to help them reach their full potential, including enhanced self-efficacy. Similarly, a child with ADHD who has been told “no” consistently as the result of their impulsivity can gain a better understanding of how their brain works and receive behavioral interventions to help them feel more regulated and have more control over their actions. In the long term, this leads to improved self-esteem instead of a more negative self-view. 

Comprehensive psychological testing provides relief not only to families but also to children who can gain more insight into their unique needs. The direction provided by assessment ensures a brighter future for the child. After the initial assessment and identification of the intervention, continuous monitoring is crucial to optimize long-term growth and adjustment of interventions as needed. 

Click here to learn more the evaluations offered at Sasco River Center