Understanding a child’s strengths and needs to shape a learning plan that works
Bela grew up speaking three languages—English, French, and Spanish. But by Grade One her mom Fernanda began to worry that she was delayed in reading and writing. Her teachers suggested they wait, believing her learning delays would resolve by about Grade Three.
However, as the years passed, Bela continued to struggle. Then the pandemic hit, putting many extra supports on hold. By the time Bela was 10 or 11, she still hadn’t picked up reading and writing. So, Fernanda looked into getting an assessment to understand what was going on.
How do psychoeducational assessments work?
Psychoeducational assessments involve standardized testing in areas like reading, writing, and math, combined with clinical interviews and observations. Psychologists typically assess memory, attention, reasoning, executive functioning, and socio-emotional functioning.
The main goal is to pinpoint learning strengths and difficulties, diagnose possible conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or dyslexia, and create specific recommendations and strategies to help a child thrive emotionally and academically.
What happens after an assessment?
After a psychoeducational assessment, the results are compiled into a detailed report that serves as a roadmap for supporting a child, their family, and teachers. These recommendations can help develop or modify an individualized education plan. For example, changing how information is presented (visual aids, audiobooks), allowing different response methods (oral, computer), adjusting settings (quiet rooms), providing extra time, or offering organizational support (planners, schedules).
For families, assessments can clarify their child’s learning or behavioral challenges, guiding them on how to support their child and advocate for necessary school resources. Families also receive educational materials, guidance to understand diagnoses and strategies to support their child.
Assessments are often the foundation for targeted interventions, accommodations, and continuous support that empower children to develop and explore their potential.
Where Variety steps in
When Bela’s family started looking into getting her assessed, they learned they’d have to wait another year or more for a test through the public school system. And private psychoeducational assessments typically cost from $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the provider and complexity.
Looking for another option, they discovered Variety BC’s assessment grants. Through this funding, they were able to get a private assessment in months rather than years, meaning Bela could get her own tailored roadmap for academic success.
That was in 2023. Today, Bela is getting ready for high school, and she’s thriving—both academically and in her extracurriculars. (For one, she’s an avid cheerleader.) After her assessment, she was diagnosed with ADHD and is now managing her symptoms successfully with medication.
“She uses an iPad to help with her learning and gets extra time with a support teacher,” says Fernanda. “Though it’s sometimes hard for her to see just how far she’s come, she’s benefiting tremendously from the patience and understanding of her teachers. In her last report, I was thrilled to see how focused and capable she’s become—she’s now completing her tasks on time, which used to be such a big hurdle for her.”
Bela’s assessment helped her understand how her brain works—highlighting not just challenges, but also her natural strengths. By learning what she’s good at, she’s able to expand her learning skills, grow her self-esteem and improve her overall quality of life.
“We can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes her,” says Fernanda. “Her future looks so bright and hopeful, and I’m just incredibly thankful for everything that’s helped make this possible.”