Psychological Assessments

As children grow and develop, concerns such as difficulty learning in school, issues concentrating and paying attention, or social skill development may arise.This can be concerning for a parent. psychological assessment can pinpoint where the difficulties lie and help identify where specialized treatment & therapy could be applied. At Growing Roots Integrative Health & Wellness we provide comprehensive psychological assessments and intelligence testing (IQ) for children and adolescents (ages 7 to 17).

Comprehensive Psychological Assessments

The comprehensive psychological assessments for children and adolescents (ages 7 to 17) that we provide address a wide range of concerns which may include difficulty with the following:

  • Attention and/or hyperactivity

  • Organization, planning, and problem-solving

  • Learning (reading, math, and writing)

  • Making and keeping friends

  • Feeling anxious or sad/down/depressed

  • Managing or regulating mood

  • Adjusting to major life changes

 
Testing for learning disabilities

Intelligence Testing (IQ Testing)

We also provide intelligence testing (IQ) for children and adolescents (ages 7 to 17) as part of private/independent school applications. Parents may choose to have their child's IQ (intelligence quotient) tested for various reasons. Here are some common motivations:

  • Identifying Learning Disabilities: IQ testing can help identify potential learning disabilities or challenges. If a child is struggling in school, a comprehensive assessment, including an IQ test, can provide insights into their cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

  • Gifted Education Placement: On the other end of the spectrum, if a child demonstrates advanced intellectual abilities, parents may opt for IQ testing to determine if their child is eligible for gifted education programs. These programs provide tailored educational experiences for children with exceptional cognitive abilities.

  • Individualized Educational Planning: Understanding a child's cognitive profile through IQ testing can help parents and educators create individualized educational plans. This can involve adapting teaching methods to suit a child's learning style and addressing specific academic needs.

 

  • Early Intervention: Early identification of intellectual or developmental challenges can facilitate early intervention. This might involve specialized educational support, therapies, or interventions to address areas of difficulty and promote overall development.

  • Parental Concerns: Sometimes, parents may have concerns about their child's cognitive development, behavior, or academic performance. IQ testing can be part of a broader assessment to address these concerns and guide appropriate interventions.

  • Legal and Educational Requirements: In some cases, IQ testing may be required for legal or educational purposes. For example, if a child is suspected of having a disability, an IQ test may be part of the evaluation process for eligibility for special education services.

  • Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses: IQ tests often provide a breakdown of different cognitive abilities, such as verbal reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. This information can help parents and educators understand a child's strengths and weaknesses, guiding efforts to support well-rounded development.

Child development assessment
 

It's important to note that IQ tests are just one tool among many in assessing a child's abilities, and they have limitations. They don't capture the full range of human intelligence or potential, and other factors such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical skills are not typically measured by IQ tests. Additionally, cultural and socio-economic factors can influence test performance. As such, it's crucial to interpret IQ test results in the context of a child's overall development and consider a holistic approach to understanding their abilities.

 

Our Assessment Process:

The assessment process entails more than your child simply showing up in the office for “testing.” The assessment process is a collaborative effort between a Growing Roots team member, you, and your child to gather the most meaningful information addressing your concerns. The process usually includes:

  • An intake meeting during which we will meet with you, the parent, to grasp a good understanding of why you are seeking the evaluation. Unless we decide differently, we will also meet with your child to get a sense of their perspective and answer any of their questions.

  • One or more individual testing sessions will be completed with your child.

  • A written evaluation report will be provided to you in electronic and hard-copy formats.

  • A feedback meeting during which we meet to discuss the results and recommendations.

  • A designated Growing Roots team member may also attend school-based meetings upon your request.