When schools or other professionals recommend that your child get tested, it is not uncommon to feel unsure as to what that really means. Getting tested usually means that it is being recommended that your child receive a psychological evaluation. An evaluation can have many different names such as psychological assessment, school evaluation or educational assessment. Completing a psychological evaluation can lead to your child receiving the support he or she might need to attain success in school.
Many times, a psychological evaluation is being recommended due to a concern for your child’s learning, attention and/or socialization. This recommendation can come from a teacher, a guidance counselor, primary doctor, or therapist. When it is being recommended that your child should get tested it is common to wonder if the concerns are serious enough to undergo such evaluation? Or you may be asking yourself if your child will outgrow the challenges they are facing.
The process of an evaluation involves more than just administering a test. It has to do with assessing your child’s overall performance in school. A psychologist may ask your child’s school for his or her records, the psychologist may speak to your child teacher or teachers, and the psychologist may observe your child in school. This test will not just point out weaknesses but will also highlight your child’s strengths. This way you and your child’s school become aware where your child will succeed and where he or she may need extra help.
A psychological evaluation is comprehensive therefore it will assess whether your child to find out if there is a disability or learning difficulty. It will cover all areas where your child can be experiencing difficulties such health, overall development, speech, academic performance, and socio-emotional health. Based on the psychological evaluation, the school is able to create what is known as an IEP or “individualized Education Program”. It can be thought of a plan tailored your child’s educational needs. The first step in creating an IEP is usually getting your child tested. If you are wondering if you should wait to get your child tested, remember that earlier intervention can lead to best possible outcomes. If you are looking for a psychologist in the South Florida area visit www.rkcaregroup.com .
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