Psychoeducational assessments for children and youth in Vancouver
Comprehensive assessments to understand your child’s learning profile, strengths and areas for support.
Dr. Penner works with children and youth. Age eligibility varies by assessment; the current age range for each appointment type is shown in Jane when you book.
When a psychoeducational assessment can help
A psychoeducational assessment looks at how a child thinks and learns, and how this affects their progress at school. Dr. Penner’s psychoeducational assessments are best suited to children and youth with these areas of concern:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Learning disorders in reading, writing and math (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
- Giftedness
- Intellectual disability or global developmental delay
If your main question is about autism, see autism assessments. Some children benefit from a combined autism and psychoeducational assessment; this can be discussed at the pre-assessment consultation.
What the assessment includes
Cognitive assessment
Evaluation of intellectual abilities, processing speed, working memory and reasoning skills.
Academic achievement
Assessment of reading, writing and mathematics skills, to identify learning strengths and areas needing support.
Behavioural and social functioning
Evaluation of social-emotional functioning, behaviour patterns and adaptive skills in different settings.
Reports and school support
You receive a detailed written report with clear explanations, Ministry of Education designations and practical recommendations.
Reports are designed to support IEP meetings and school-based interventions, with specific accommodation suggestions. Dr. Penner is available to discuss results and recommendations with parents and school professionals as needed.
Assessments take place in a comfortable, supportive setting designed to help children feel at ease.
How the process works
- Pre-assessment consultationDr. Penner learns about your child and your goals, and you decide together whether an assessment is a good fit.
- Assessment appointmentsYour child completes cognitive and academic testing. Parents and caregivers complete interviews and questionnaires, and school reports are reviewed.
- Feedback and reportA feedback session explains the results and recommendations, and you receive the written report.
Psychoeducational assessment questions
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
It is an assessment of a child’s thinking (cognitive) abilities, academic skills and social, emotional and behavioural functioning. The results help explain why a child may be finding school difficult, or may need more challenge, and what support would help.
How is it different from an autism assessment?
An autism assessment looks at whether a child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. A psychoeducational assessment focuses on learning, attention and cognitive development, including ADHD, learning disorders, giftedness and intellectual disability. If you are not sure which fits, the pre-assessment consultation is the place to discuss it.
How do I arrange a psychoeducational assessment?
Book a pre-assessment consultation through Jane, the online booking system Dr. Penner uses. The consultation is the required first step and does not commit you to completing an assessment.
What does an assessment cost, and is it covered?
Fees depend on the type of assessment. For current rates, request a callback or ask at your pre-assessment consultation.
Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for psychological services; please check with your benefits provider. Psychological services are not covered under MSP. Public psychoeducational assessments are available through your local school district.
More answers are on the frequently asked questions page. You can also read about Dr. Penner.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a pre-assessment consultation in Jane, or request a callback if you would like to ask a question first.