Academic Assessment
The underlying cause of a person’s problems is not always clear. For example, if a child is having trouble in school, do they have a reading problem such as dyslexia? An attention problem such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Difficulty with impulse control? Psychological tests and Academic Assessments allow a psychologist to understand the nature of the problem, and to figure out the best way to go about addressing it.
Academic Assessment is conducted by a psychologist outside of the school system to provide an unbiased assessment of a child’s academic functioning and determine if an undiagnosed learning disability, ADHD, or other issue is impacting learning and achievement. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a child’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment.
Psychologists administer tests and assessments for a wide variety of reasons. Children who are experiencing difficulty in school, for example, may undergo aptitude testing or tests for learning disabilities. Tests for skills such as dexterity, reaction time, and memory can help a neuropsychologist diagnose conditions such as brain injuries or dementia.