How do I prepare my child for their psychology assessment? An assessment for your child can be a valuable experience to help better understand their relationship to learning and to identify potential strengths and difficulties. Some children may feel nervous about their assessment given it can present as a new and unfamiliar experience for them. It can also feel overwhelming for some parents particularly if this is the first time accessing psychology services for their child. The following information can help parents prepare for their child’s assessment:
Explain to your child why they are having an assessment
Provide your child with a developmentally appropriate explanation using simple language to help them understand why they are having an assessment. For example, the assessment can help understand how their brain works, to find out what they are good at and see what they may need help with. Discuss with your child that the assessment can provide information for their parents and teachers so they can help them better.
The assessment can also provide a child with an opportunity to gain insight into themselves. Many children already sense something about the way they learn is different and they can start to develop their own narratives to explain why. Sometimes theses narratives can be inaccurate or even negative. Undertaking an assessment can often provide an explanation as to why a child may be struggling and is an opportunity for them to change the way they think about themselves.
Provide information about what to expect on the day of the assessment
You can explain that a psychologist is similar to a teacher or a doctor who helps children. You can discuss the psychologist will have activities for them to do such as looking at pictures, answering questions, reading and writing tasks. Emphasise that it is important they attempt each activity and try their best during the testing. Most children find some aspects of the assessment relatively easy and other parts more challenging.
It is also important your child is aware that parents are unable to remain in the testing room with them once the assessment has commenced. Parents are welcome to remain in the waiting area near the testing room whilst their child completes their evaluation. During their assessment, children will be provided with rest breaks. During these break periods they can sit with parents in the waiting area, have something to eat or go outside for some fresh air.
Planning ahead for the assessment appointment
Ensure your child gets a good night’s seep and has something nutritious to eat before their appointment. You may want to bring a drink and a light snack for your child to have during break periods. If your child’s wears glasses, they will need to bring these to the session. If they currently are prescribed medication, please ensure they take their medication as per normal on the day of the testing. You can also consider allowing your child to bring a favourite toy or item from home to the session. This item may provide some comfort and familiarity to help them feel more at ease in the novel testing environment. This item can also introduce a talking point with the psychologist when they arrive and assist with building rapport. For some children, having a small reward or something to look forward to after the testing can assist to motivate them to attempt tasks and try their best. After their assessment is completed, some children may feel tired so you may wish to consider your child’s ability to attend any activities that are scheduled following their assessment.
Butterfly psychology for Kids provides assessment services for children and adolescents. Please speak with us if you wish to discuss the assessment process in more detail. For more information click here.
Comments