Psychological Assessment and Educational Assessment

A psychological assessment of any kind entails objectivity, the seeking of evidence from many sources, and the realization that many factors impact human functioning. Such assessments are complex and labour intensive.

A psychological assessment can identify issues impacting an individual's development and/or daily functioning. A comprehensive assessment can offer realistic recommendations for self-referring individuals, parents, schools, teachers, doctors, hospitals, other caregivers, lawyers and workplaces.

Toronto Psychological Services offers a wide range of assessments to children (3+ years), adolescents and adults. We offer school consultations and parent education.

Jancy King, M.Ed., C. Psych. Assoc., director of TPS, is a preferred provider for the Toronto Police Employee and Family Assisted Program.

What’s different about a Psychological Assessment at TPS

Toronto Psychological Services does not use the services of a psychometrist. Every step of a psychological assessment at TPS is completed by a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. At TPS, we believe in dynamic assessment. While our assessments require clients to complete standardized test measures, skilled clinical observations and focused clinical interviews are just as important to us. A competent, psychology professional has the necessary clinical training to observe and document the way that a client attempts/completes tasks, whether they be easy or challenging. A licensed psychological professional can also explore the way a client feels about the tasks they are being asked to complete. A trained psychology professional is able to recognize symptomology exhibited by a client that may be missed by a psychometrist (For example, subtle tics exhibited by clients with mild Tourette’s during testing or a wide range of other clinical symptoms).

Educational Assessments: Elementary, High School, College and, University students

Toronto Psychological Services offers Educational Assessments to children, adolescents and adults. An educational assessment can promote greater understanding of academic performance and achievement. As well, educational assessments can identify the underlying issues that may be preventing a person from achieving his or her academic potential. Similarly, a person who is excelling at school may require support and enrichment within the classroom. Learning disabilities, intellectual deficits, social problems and giftedness can be identified during an educational assessment.

Toronto Psychological Services completes educational assessments for children, adolescents and adults:

• Learning Disabilities
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Developmental Delay
• Social problems
• Giftedness

PDD: Autism ~ Aspergers

Toronto Psychological Services limits PDD Assessments to children and adolescents+, aged 3-21 years of age. As Autism is a developmental disorder, it is important to minimize the delays in a child's development. Early diagnosis and intervention reduce the impact of autism on a child's life so if you suspect your child may have autism, contact your local autism association, family doctor or a pediatrician and TPS to begin the diagnosis process.

About half of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder notice their child's unusual behaviors by age 18 months, and about four-fifths notice by age 24 months. As postponing treatment may affect long-term outcome, any of the following signs is reason to have a child evaluated by a specialist without delay:

Click here to learn more about the services for individuals with Autism

Asperger Syndrome: While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. Individuals with Aspergers sometimes have learning problems and/or struggle to relate to others.

Because Asperger syndrome varies widely from person to person, making a diagnosis can be difficult. It is often diagnosed later in children than autism and sometimes difficulties may not be recognised and diagnosed until adulthood.

Some people see a formal diagnosis as an unhelpful label; however, for many a diagnosis:

• Helps the individual, families, friends, partners, careers, professionals and colleagues to better understand and manage their needs and behaviour
• Is the key needed to open the door to specialised support

Behavioural Assessment

Toronto Psychological Services limits Behavioural Assessments to children and adolescents+, aged 3-21 years of age. Some children and teens appear to be chronically inflexible with a limited tolerance for frustration. Others are impulsive, inattentive and hyperactive. Still other kids have limited social and/or communication skills. A comprehensive behavioural assessment is critical to achieving a clear understanding of the underlying factors impacting your child's behaviour at home and at school. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and many Disruptive behaviors can be identified during a behavioural assessment.

Behavioural Assessments can help parents and individuals understand more about their behaviour and how it contributes to their education, relationships with others at school, home or the workplace.

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Other Clinical Assessment

Toronto Psychological Services limits clinical assessment to children and adolescents. People tolerate incredible stressors in our fast paced world. Anxiety, depression, intense shyness, phobic response and/or withdrawal are often the result. Understanding requires an investigation into an individual’s feelings and thoughts often followed by professional treatment. Call to learn more about clinical assessments at TPS. Examples of the clinical issues that may be assessed are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Social Phobia
• Selective Mutism or intense shyness
• Eating Disorders
• Separation Anxiety

MVA Assessment

Toronto Psychological Services offers MVA assessments to children, adolescents and adults. Individuals often struggle psychologically with the aftermath of a car accident. An MVA assessment investigates the existence, nature and degree of psychological dysfunction that may have resulted directly or indirectly from an individual’s car accident. An MVA assessment could provide the client with feedback regarding their present emotional status as well as treatment recommendations, should they be necessary, that might advance them return to premorbid functioning.

Individuals seeking an MVA assessment in north Toronto should contact Hannah Rockman, M.A., C. Psych. Assoc. at www.yrps.ca or 416-602-3230.

Forensic ~ Legal Assessment

TPS does not offer Forensic or Legal Assessments (criminal matters) and recommends Shelley Gorman, PhD., C. Psych at www.drshelleygorman.ca or 905-277-5545.

Custody and Access Assessments

TPS does not offer Custody and Access Assessments. It is recommended that individuals contact the College of Psychologists of Ontario at www.cpo.on.ca for a suitable referral.