Preparing your child for testing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning, you can help your child feel comfortable, confident, and ready for the day. These in-person evaluations are designed to help you better understand your child’s learning style, strengths, and areas where extra support might be helpful.

Understanding the Types of Assessments

Assessments can sound complicated, but the goal is simple: to understand how your child learns, thinks, and manages daily tasks.

Psychoeducational Evaluation

This type of assessment focuses on:

• Academic skills (reading, writing, math)

• Cognitive skills like reasoning, memory, and problem-solving

Families often choose this type of evaluation when they want to understand why school feels harder than it should, or to determine whether their child may benefit from additional support or accommodations.

Neuropsychological Evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation looks more closely at:

• Attention and focus

• Executive skills (organization, planning, impulse control)

• Memory

• Emotional and social functioning

This type of assessment can be especially helpful when there are questions about ADHD, learning differences, autism, or other challenges that may impact behavior, learning, or daily functioning.

Both evaluations provide a clear, comprehensive picture of your child’s strengths and needs so you can make informed decisions about school, home, and emotional support.

How to Help Your Child Prepare

1. Keep the Explanation Simple and Positive

Talk about the evaluation like any other appointment. For example:
“You’ll be meeting with someone who helps kids understand how they learn best. You’ll do different activities—some might feel easy, some might be trickier—and it helps us figure out how to support you.”
A warm, simple explanation can ease worries and create a sense of familiarity.

2. No Studying Needed

There’s nothing to prepare or practice beforehand. These activities are meant to show how your child naturally learns and thinks. A good night’s sleep, a calm morning, and a healthy meal are the best preparation.

3. Bring Snacks or Comfort Items

Testing can last several hours, and short breaks are built in. Bringing a favorite snack or a comfort item can help your child feel relaxed and settled throughout the day.

4. Reassure Them That You’ll Be Nearby

Younger children often feel better knowing you’ll be close, even if you’re not in the room. Breaks to check in with a caregiver are always available.

What to Expect During and After Testing

During the evaluation, your child will complete a variety of activities—puzzles, questions, memory tasks, and hands-on problem-solving. Some will feel easy, others more challenging, and that’s completely expected. The goal is to understand how they approach different kinds of thinking and learning.

After testing is complete, you’ll meet with your clinician to review the results, ask questions, and understand what everything means. You’ll receive:

• A clear explanation of your child’s strengths

• Areas that may benefit from support

• Practical recommendations for home and school

• A comprehensive written report

Our goal is to provide insight, clarity, and a roadmap that helps your child thrive.