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Why carry out a Psychological Assessment?
The main purpose of a psychological assessment is to obtain a picture of a child or young persons' strengths and difficulties and the factors which may be having an influence on them. A detailed profile of a child or young persons' needs is obtained from which diagnosis of the cause, or causes, of their difficulties can be identified. From such an assessment recommendations can be made to provide support and help to overcome the presenting difficulties and make the most of the child or young persons' potential.
How is a Psychological Assessment Carried Out?
There is no set procedure for an assessment and a range of methods are used to gather information about the child or young person and his or her life, depending on the reason for the referral. The more information gathered the more accurate the assessment will be.
Information can be gathered in a variety of ways:
• Questionnaires and rating scales on the child or young persons' strengths and needs
completed by the subject, the parents, teachers and other involved personnel.
• Analysis of existing reports and documents.
• Individual assessment using psychometric tests.
• Informal assessment to see how specific tasks are aproached.
• Observation of interaction with others and with the surroundings.
• Discussion with the child or young person, his/her parents, teachers and others.
• Communication and consultation with medical and allied professionals.
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