Often, there can be confusion when people receive recommendations that they or their child get an evaluation. There are a lot of terms used, such as: evaluation, testing, assessment, psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological. But what do those mean for you and what you need? What is the difference between each? It seems like you need to have a degree just to figure out your first steps. In this article, I am going to explain some of the different aspects of evaluations and reasons your child may need one. Armed with this knowledge, you can make a better decision about what type of evaluation you want to pursue.
What are evaluations?
While different types of evaluations have different purposes, they all have certain aspects in common. Evaluations include standardized assessments and rating scales. They also typically include clinical interviews. When a child is being assessed, evaluations often include observations and interviews with both child and parent. They may also include gathering information about functioning in school from teachers, if relevant. Previous records or evaluations are often reviewed in this process.
What are Psychoeducational Evaluations?
Psychoeducational evaluations can be performed in school settings with qualified personnel and also in the community by clinical and school psychologists. In the community, they will be performed by clinical and school psychologists; in schools, they may be completed by Masters level psychologists. These evaluations include a formal assessment of intelligence, academic achievement, and social-emotional functioning. These evaluations typically seek to understand a child’s learning style and provide accommodations for the child to be supported in a school setting. Psychoeducational evaluations can also be used to receive accommodations in college, if eligible.
Often, psychoeducational assessments need to be done within the past few years to show a current need for accommodations. These evaluations often focus on what is happening in the learning environment, rather than the exact processes underlying why the challenges are occurring.
What are Psychological Evaluations?
Psychological evaluations are completed by psychologists. These evaluations include a clinical interview, formal and informal evaluations, as well as recommendations. The formal evaluations typically include both cognitive and personality assessments. A psychological evaluation is a general term, and they can be brief or more intensive. They often include clinical diagnoses, as well as recommendations based on the client’s need.
What are Neuropsychological Evaluations?
Neuropsychological evaluations are completed by neuropsychologists (psychologists that have specialized training in neuropsychology). Neuropsychology focuses on how the brain and the nervous system affect one’s thinking and behavior. A neuropsychological evaluation looks at how someone’s brain is functioning, and the impact of that on learning and behavior. These evaluations often take much longer to administer than a psychoeducational or psychological evaluation, and are much broader in the areas they assess. In addition to formal assessment of cognitive and academic abilities, neurocognitive processes are looked at in greater detail, such as: executive functioning, visual-perceptual abilities, information processing, attention and concentration, as well as learning and memory.
Why might one seek an evaluation?
At times, professionals and educators may recommend an evaluation, or you may self-refer. An evaluation is necessary when someone is struggling or not performing to their full potential. When a learning disability or attention problem is suspected, seeking a psychoeducational evaluation in school or privately can be a good step. For an adult who may have difficulties understanding themselves, or difficulty functioning day-to-day, a psychological evaluation may be appropriate. A neuropsychological evaluation is the most intense of these types of evaluations, and usually is only sought after a regular evaluation is not enough, or there are complex and complicated needs that require a deeper look into the individual’s brain functioning.
Ultimately, when someone is confronted with a seemingly insurmountable problem and no idea what is wrong or how to move through it, an evaluation may be the right choice. All of these evaluations give recommendations to help an individual and their family. Choosing which test to take can be a first, difficult step to finding new solutions to old problems. We hope this guide clarifies where to start on this important journey.
