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DR. KATHY SMOLEWSKA & ASSOCIATES

Psychoeducational Assessments

A psychoeducational assessment is an evaluation of a child’s, adolescent’s, or young adult’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. Attention, memory and some aspects of executive functioning are also typically assessed.

 

Individuals are usually referred for these assessments when they are having challenges at school, or if they are doing very well at school and may require enriched programming. During this assessment, the student is interviewed and undergoes cognitive and academic testing. Information is also gathered from the family and the school. Once all of the information is collected, recommendations are provided for the individual, family, and the school.

 

If the child, adolescent, or young adult has a complex developmental history (e.g., perinatal complications, neurological condition, concussions), a neuropsychological assessment would be recommended.

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Some Common Situations:

​​1. Struggling academically

2. Suspected learning disabilities, ADHD, or Autism

3. Difficulty paying attention, staying organized, or completing tasks

4. Concerns about memory, processing speed, or problem-solving

5. Unexplained changes in academic performance or behaviour

6. Need for updated documentation (e.g., IEP)

7. Clarifying strengths and weaknesses

8. Concerns about psychological functioning (e.g., mood, anxiety)

​The results of a Psychoeducational Assessment help guide individualized educational planning (IEP), accommodations, and interventions to support optimal learning and development.

Neuropsychological Assessments

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s cognitive, psychological/ emotional, and behavioural functioning. It is similar to a psychoeducational assessment, but done in more complex cases where more evaluation is needed

 

The individual takes part in a detailed interview and standardized testing. Additional information can also be collected by reviewing medical records, educational records, and speaking with family member(s) or someone that knows them well. A person’s scores are compared to normative test data and a profile is generated, which identifies areas of strength and weakness. The Clinical Neuropsychologist then interprets the profile and determines how it relates to brain functioning. Recommendations for school, work, daily life, and treatment are made based on the information collected during the assessment and neurocognitive profile.

 

A neuropsychological assessment can be conducted for several reasons and in the context of many neurodevelopmental/ neurological/ psychiatric problems and conditions.

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Some Common Situations:

​​1. Noticing changes in memory, attention, or problem-solving

2. After a brain injury, stroke, or other neurological event

3. Prematurity and perinatal complications

4. History of Epilepsy

5. Learning Disorders

6. Unexplained changes in mood, personality, or behaviour

7. After a Stroke

8. Suspected Dementia

A Neuropsychological Assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of brain-related strengths and challenges, supporting accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and recommendations for daily living, school, or work.

Psychoeducational & Neuropsychological Assessments Investigate:

ADHD and Autism

Identify symptoms and characteristics associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, behavioural observations, and, when appropriate, input from family members, caregivers, or educators.

 

Academic Skills

Evaluation of skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic areas to identify strengths and areas of need.

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Social Functioning

Exploration of how someone interacts with family, friends, and others.

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Adaptive Functioning

Assessment of daily living skills, independence, and practical problem-solving.

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Motor Skills

Examination of fine and gross motor abilities, including coordination, speed, and dexterity.

Language Skills

Assessment of receptive and expressive language abilities, including understanding, using, and processing language.

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Memory and Learning

​Evaluation of short-term, long-term, and working memory, as well as learning processes and retention.

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Behavioural Functioning

​Observation and measurement of behaviours that may impact learning, such as hyperactivity.

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Attention and Executive Functioning

Examination of attention span, impulse control, organization, planning, and other executive skills.

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Cognitive Abilities

Assessment of intellectual functioning, such as reasoning, memory, processing speed, and problem-solving skills.

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Emotional Well-being

Investigation of levels of anxiety, depression, mood changes, and coping skills.

Other Assessments

1. Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Assessment

This assessment evaluates developmental disabilities (e.g., in the context of applying for services and supports through Developmental Services Ontario or other community supports). These assessments examine IQ and Adaptive functioning, but any additional testing (e.g., academics) that needs to be included can be added to the overall length and cost of the assessment. There is typically a short wait time for this type of assessment.

2. Brief Adult ADHD Assessment

If you are primarily interested in an assessment for your own knowledge or for your family physician, there are no learning concerns (i.e., reading, writing, math), and no concerns regarding Autism, we can do a consultation note (2-3 pages), with additional recommendations and a table of your test scores (typically 7-10 pages total). This option is often sufficient for school/workplace accommodations if they don't specifically ask for a full assessment. There is typically a short wait time for this type of assessment.

3. Sensory Profile Assessment

We offer this assessment for children and teens; particularly those with developmental, neurological, or mental health conditions. Using a Sensory Profile Measure administered by an Occupational Therapist, the Sensory Profile Assessment evaluates how children/teens perceive and respond to sensory input in their daily environments by gathering detailed information about sensory processing patterns—such as sensitivity to sound, touch, movement, or visual stimuli—and how these patterns impact participation in everyday activities. By identifying sensory preferences and challenges, the Sensory Profile Assessment helps guide personalized interventions, supports, and strategies to enhance function and quality of life at home and school. There is currently no wait time for this type of assessment.

If you feel like one of these assessments will be a good fit for you or your child, please contact us for more information.

Psychologists

Psychological Assessment FAQs

Do I need a referral from a physician?​

No, you do not need a referral. However, some extended health benefits providers require that you obtain a referral from your family doctor to be reimbursed for psychological services.

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Are assessments covered by OHIP?

Assessments are not covered by OHIP, however this service is covered by most insurance policies that offer yearly coverage for psychological or health care professional services. To determine if you have coverage, you will need to call or email your insurance company and ask the following questions:

 

  • Do I have coverage for psychological services?

  • What is the maximum coverage per year?

  • What is the maximum coverage or duration per session?

  • Are there any other rules around the sessions (e.g., only one per week)?

  • When does my coverage reset?

  • Do I need a referral from my family doctor to access my benefits for psychological services?

  • Is there anything else I need to know about my coverage for psychological services?

 

The above information is helpful as we will try to work with you within the parameters of your insurance.

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What should I expect during an assessment?

The following is the general layout of an assessment:

 

(1) Initial interview (1-2 hours)

  • This typically takes place over Zoom

  • We will talk about your background history, symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. You are welcome to bring a significant other to the interview though this is not required.

  • Following the interview, you will be emailed online questionnaires to complete, which ask questions about your emotional and mental health.

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(3) Additional Interviews and Collateral Interviews (duration varies)

  • Depending on the complexity of the assessment, additional interviews with you might be required.

  • With your permission, we might also ask others who know you well for more information.

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(2) In-Person Testing (1-3 sessions)

  • You will complete a series of tests such as defining words, naming objects, and problem-solving.

  • Some tests may feel easy, while others may be more challenging. This is normal as everyone has different strengths.

  • These tests are well-established and commonly used to measure thinking skills.

  • The type and number of tests may change depending on your symptoms and needs.​

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(4) Feedback session (1-2 hours)

  • We will review the results of testing and discuss their functional implications and treatment recommendations.

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How much do assessments cost?​

Psychological services are billed at $240/hour, and the time required for an assessment can vary based on complexity. The following are the estimated time requirements for each assessment.

 

  • Full Psychoeducational Assessment: 16-18 hours ($3840-$4320). Autism assessments are an additional 6 hours of testing, interviews, and report writing ($5280 total), if these concerns arise during the course of the assessment.
     

  • Neuropsychological Assessment: 20-22 hours ($4800-$5280).
     

  • Brief ADHD Assessment: 10-15 hours ($2400-$3600).
     

  • Assessments for Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Applications: 8-10 hours ($1920-$2400).

Have Any Questions?

If you have questions about our therapy or assessment services, or would like to get in touch, we would love to hear from you! We also welcome you to schedule a free 20-minute Initial Consultation for therapy directly with one of our team members.

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