How Do I Know If I Need (Or If My Child Needs) Psychoeducational Testing?
Psychoeducational Testing - What is It?
Over the years, we’ve developed a more substantial understanding of cognitive processing differences among people, such as the notion that those who are neurodivergent have a different way of learning and processing material. Maybe you’re a newer parent asking yourself when is the time to intervene, or perhaps you see your pre-teen or teenager struggling through school despite many tutors and tutoring sessions available, or maybe you’re someone who’s always struggled in school but want to excel academically in University and just learned you were undiagnosed ADHD.
Luckily, there’s testing available to understand at several different points in life - there is no too soon or too late! A more accurate way to understand how we (or members of our family) function can be through the use of psychoeducational tests. We know life is a long-term learning process, so these tests don’t only apply to children. In essence, psychoeducational tests can tell us plenty of information we’d otherwise miss or misinterpret about our children, or ourselves, and the way we learn and comprehend material. These psychoeducational tests can provide us with ways to evaluate a child’s, adolescent’s, young adult’s, or adult’s cognitive functioning, including:
Adaptive Functioning - Testing the ability to adapt to everyday life
Academic Functioning - Tested by assessing personal achievement, such as learning strengths and weaknesses in specific subjects (i.e. mathematics, reading, writing, and spelling)
Intellectual Functioning - Tested through an I.Q. test (measuring mathematics, memory, spatial perception, and language abilities)
Social/Behavioral and Emotional Functioning - Testing for specific emotional and behavioral disorders (such as anxiety, depression, and mood and conduct disorders)
Executive Functioning - Testing skills related to attention, concentration, memory, judgment, and planning/problem-solving
Visual Motor Functioning - Testing for fine motor skills and perception
How Do I Know If Testing Is Necessary?
Sometimes, the signs of needing psychoeducational testing aren’t always clear. And that’s OK! However, think of it as you would if you had a physical injury. We often bring up concerns to our doctors and are assessed to make sure nothing is serious, and if it is, that we can intervene appropriately thanks to improvements in health care and testing availability. The same goes for psychological and psychoeducational testing. However, sometimes testing is a really good idea when you have other information available and aren’t just relying on “gut feelings” or curiosity.
Here’s Some Clear Signs You (or Your Child) May Need Psychoeducational Testing:
You or a family member received a psychological or developmental diagnosis such as learning disorders, ADHD/ADD, or Autism
You or a family member have persistently been struggling with several academic and social concepts despite appropriate exposure to them (such as having several tutors and/or different types of long-term therapists)
You suffered a brain injury (such as a traumatic brain injury, TBI, or concussion)
There’s a history of developmental delays in your family
Adaptive functioning in a child isn’t along with what’s considered within “normal range” (such as a child having difficulty completing tasks such as difficulty following basic house rules)
Begin Psychoeducational Testing in Miami, FL
The bottom line is that having psychoeducational testing completed typically is a good idea and not necessarily something to be scared of doing, as it can only provide us with further information to understand ourselves and our family members. Having the knowledge can be an extremely helpful tool in being able to plan appropriately and set yourself up positively. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support with testing and other services. Start your therapy journey with Miami Vibes Counseling by following these simple steps:
Contact us to schedule a session
Meet with one of our caring therapists
Start overcoming past pain!
Other Services Offered with Miami Vibes Counseling Center
Psychological testing isn’t the only service offered by Miami Vibes Counseling. Other mental health services include CBT, ACT, TF-CBT, and parenting support. In addition, we are happy to offer treatment for PTSD, depression, stress, life transitions, grief, and anxiety therapy. Our team is happy to provide support for couples, infidelity, children, and families. Learn more about our other services including ESA letters, support for business or employment stress, spirituality, and online therapy. Visit our blog or FAQs page for more helpful info today!
