What is Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental atypicality that often presents as behaviours of inattention, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that impacts daily functioning. (Source)

What is an ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment uses a set of standardized criteria to evaluate ADHD symptoms and/or provide an ADHD diagnosis. 

What is the process for an ADHD assessment? 

The assessment process for ruling in or ruling out an ADHD diagnosis is individualized to the client, often includes assessments for ruling in or ruling out other possible diagnoses or hypotheses and can differ slightly among practitioners. Typically, an assessment for ADHD involves: an intake interview, a day or two of testing, a clinical interview, a report write-up, and a feedback session. There are usually questionnaires to be filled out by the client, as well as by others (provided the client consents), such as parents, teachers or partners. The psychologist will often ask for relevant documentation, as well, such as past report cards, past assessments, etc. 

Price range: $3000 to $4500 

What is a gifted learner?

A gifted learner will often demonstrate: (a) exceptional intellectual abilities; (b) creativity, such as finding unique solutions to problems; and (c) task commitment, showing persistent motivation to complete tasks. These three elements allow us to identify gifted learners by using rating scales, questionnaires, psychological testing, and observations. (Source)

What is an gifted assessment?

Gifted assessments typically involve cognitive and academic tests to determine if a child is functioning above chronological age expectation in their reasoning abilities and/or higher-level academics, such as reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning skills. 

What is the process for a gifted assessment? 

The assessment process for ruling in or ruling out giftedness is individualized to the client, can include assessments for ruling in or ruling out other possible diagnoses or hypotheses, and can differ slightly among practitioners. Typically, a gifted assessment involves: an intake interview, a half day of testing, a report write-up (if the student meets criteria), and a feedback session. There are usually questionnaires to be filled out by the parents, as well as by a current teacher with parents' consent. The psychologist will often ask for any relevant documentation, as well, such as past report cards. 

Price range: $2000 to $3000 

What is a specific learning disorder (LD)?

Specific Learning Disorders refer to a specific cognitive deficit which affects the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. Specific learning disorders are distinct from global intellectual disabilities; they affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average cognitive abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning. There are different types of specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia, non-verbal learning disorder, etc. (Source)

What is an LD assessment?

Psychoeducational assessments identify learning, thinking and attention problems that negatively impact one’s life, including school performance, work performance, daily life, social functioning and self-esteem, with a focus on the academic and/or work environment. The assessment indicates learning and performance challenges and recommendations, such as specific teaching programs, interventions, community services resources, learning strategies, coping skills, parenting strategies, etc.

What is the process for a psychoeducational assessment? 

The assessment process for ruling in or ruling out a specific learning disorder is individualized to the client, can include assessments for ruling in or ruling out other possible diagnoses or hypotheses, and can differ slightly among practitioners. Typically, a psychoeducational assessment involves: an intake interview, a day or two of testing, a clinical interview, a report write-up, and a feedback session. There are usually questionnaires to be filled out by the client, as well as by others (provided the client consents), such as parents, teachers or partners. The psychologist will often ask for relevant documentation, as well, such as past report cards, past assessments, etc. 

Price range: $3000 to $4950 

What is a neurological disorder/condition?

The nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves, control all of our body functions and movements. Disorders of the nervous system can disrupt normal functions and movements of the body. (Source)

What is an  neuropsychological assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and psychological functioning with a specific focus on brain-behaviour relationships. Neuropsychologists are trained to understand the different areas of the brain and how it can contribute to various cognitive and behavioural processes.

What is the process for a  neuropsychological assessment? 

The assessment process for ruling in or ruling out a specific learning disorder is individualized to the client, can include assessments for ruling in or ruling out other possible diagnoses or hypotheses, and can differ slightly among practitioners. Typically, a psychoeducational assessment involves: an intake interview, a day or two of testing, a clinical interview, a report write-up, and a feedback session. There are usually questionnaires to be filled out by the client, as well as by others (provided the client consents), such as parents, teachers or partners. The psychologist will often ask for relevant documentation, as well, such as past report cards, past assessments, etc. 

Price range: $3500 to $5000 

What are mental health disorders?

Mental health disorders are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning. Examples include: Mood disorders: major depression and bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Anxiety disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Problem gambling, Substance dependency (Source)

What is a psychodiagnostic assessment?

A psychodiagnostics assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s psychosocial functioning, emotional state, personality, and behaviour. The assessment aims to provide insights into an individual’s mental health status and can be used to make mental health diagnoses. An individual may seek a psychodiagnostic assessment to identify or clarify any mental health diagnoses, inform treatment, and/or to support accommodations at school or work.

What is the process for a psychodiagnostics assessment?

The assessment process for ruling in or ruling out a mental health disorder is individualized to the client, can include assessments for ruling in or ruling out other possible diagnoses or hypotheses, and can differ slightly among practitioners. Typically, a psychodiagnostic assessment involves interviews and a feedback session. There are usually questionnaires to be filled out by the client, and sometimes others (provided the client consents), such as parents, teachers, partners or other health care providers. The psychologist might ask for relevant documentation, as well, such as past assessments, medical documentation, etc.

Price range: $2000 to $4000 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Asperger's Disorder is a developmental brain difference (a neurodivergence) that often presents challenges with functional communication, social skills, adapting to changes in routine, certain aspects of executive functioning (e.g., switching attention, initiation), sensory/motor differences (e.g., sensory sensitivities or cravings), specialized interests, and/or repetitive behaviours. An ASD diagnosis can go along with other brain differences (co-morbidities), such as ADHD or intellectual differences (e.g., giftedness). (Source)

What is an ASD assessment?

An ASD assessment is often like an ADHD or psychoeducational assessment with an added focus on social perception, communication, and adaptive skills. There is no medical test for ASD. The diagnosis is made by gathering information from parents and teachers (or others) about specific aspects of the individual’s development and behaviour, and by making systematic direct observations of behaviour. The clinician identifies what the person does that may be atypical and doesn’t do that would be expected of a typically developing individual at that age or level of development.

What is the process for an ASD assessment? 

Typically, an assessment for ASD involves: an intake interview, a day or two of testing, a clinical interview, a report write-up, and a feedback session. There are usually questionnaires to be filled out by the client, as well as by others (provided the client consents), such as parents, teachers, or partners. The psychologist will often ask for relevant documentation as well, such as past report cards, past assessments, etc.

Price range: $4500 to $5000