Autism Assessment
A private (non-BCAAN) autism assessment is conducted according to the Standards and Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in British Columbia. This assessment includes a comprehensive developmental interview with parents or guardians (ADI-R) and a structured observation measure with your child (ADOS-2). The process also includes a cognitive assessment, an adaptive functioning interview and a review of developmental history to help guide treatment planning. Assessments for children younger than 6 years old are multidisciplinary. If your child is under the age of 6, they must also be seen by a paediatrician and speech pathologist. We have a speech pathologist in the office and are able to schedule your speech assessment for you. We do not have a paediatrician in the office, and you can request a referral to a paediatrician from your family doctor.
Re-assessments are available for children previously assessed but not diagnosed, where autism spectrum disorder is strongly suspected.
If your child has been diagnosed with autism in another province or country, a confirmation of diagnosis form can be completed to enable the child to access services and funding in B.C. A brief or full-assessment may be required. Please inquire to discuss.
Psycho-educational Assessment
Typically requested by school staff, doctors or parents, a psycho-educational assessment can identify if your child has a learning disorder or attention, behavioural or emotional factor impacting their ability to succeed. Even if a child does not have a diagnosed disorder, this assessment can identify strengths and areas for additional support.
Teens previously assessed often need a re-assessment before finishing secondary school or in the first year of post-secondary. At this time, an assessment can support transition planning and help identify accommodations and services for which the student is eligible in college or university.
Areas of assessment may include:
- Cognitive functioning (i.e., IQ)
- Memory
- Executive Functioning
- Attention
- Academic Performance (reading, writing, mathematics)
- Listening comprehension
- Oral expression
- Behaviour
- Social skills
- Emotional functioning
The outcome of a psycho-educational assessment is a comprehensive written report, which outlines the procedures, results and detailed recommendations for school and home.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment
ADHD assessment begins with a psycho-educational assessment, to evaluate a child’s cognitive profile and academic skills. This helps determine whether learning difficulties or other cognitive variables are contributing to inattention. Similarly, anxiety may also assessed to rule out other factors that may present as ADHD symptoms. From there, the results of ADHD diagnostic interviews, computerized test results and questionnaires can help inform or rule out a diagnosis.
Giftedness’ Assessment
An assessment can be completed to determine if your child is ‘gifted’ or twice exceptional (gifted and ADHD, for example). Tailored recommendations can be made for your child to ensure that their needs are properly addressed and nurtured.
CLBC Eligibility Assessments
We also complete CLBC eligibility assessments. For CLBC referral information and eligibility criteria please visit the CLBC website. Typically a CLBC assessment involves a psycho-educational assessment to evaluate your child’s cognitive abilities and it also assesses your child’s adaptive functioning.
Consultation
Sometimes, parents come in for a consultation to determine whether their child needs an assessment, or to discuss other options that may be helpful. Families are also sometimes seeking a reassessment or a second opinion. A one to two-hour consultation meeting can help families determine their needs, make an action plan and even help implement assessment recommendations at home or at school.
