Psychoeducational tests are standardized assessments of a person’s mental process and behavior in various areas of school performance. Often IQ tests are used to determine gifted status for educational settings. Achievement or other tests are often used to discover or identify any learning disabilities, which could influence a child or teenager’s ability to be successful at school.
Many types of tests exist, and some are preferred over others. Depending on the child’s difficulties, several different tests may be administered. Most tests contain different games, puzzles, stories, pictures, drawings, and questions, and those administering the test try to make sure children are comfortable during the assessment.
Reasons psychoeducational testing may be helpful:
- determining a child’s learning style
- finding reasons behind difficulties with learning processes at school
- academic, social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties
- speech, writing, or reading problems
- providing official recommendations for school
Different psychoeducational tests can be used to determine if a child, teenager, or adult has a learning disabilities and/or related disorders such as attention deficit disorder, reading disorder (dyslexia), auditory processing disorder, difficulties with auditory and visual memory, nonverbal learning disability, reading, writing, spelling, or math disabilities, or difficulties with motor skills. In addition to the standardized tests, questionnaires for parents or teachers may be used to gain more information from their observations.
Behavioral signs at school may be rooted in an undiscovered learning disability. Children may be disruptive not because they are just “being troublemakers” but because they are not cognitively able to focus or pay attention to a task or assignment, or they may find it too difficult.
After assessing psychoeducational test results and identifying any learning disabilities, Dr. Drutman will be able to provide specific treatment, recommend therapy, and inform the child’s family and school about any educational needs.
To learn more different types of psychoeducational tests please call Caroline Leavitt, Ph.D. at 770.592.0150