Psychoeducational Evaluations

A psychoeducational evaluation is a thorough assessment that helps understand how a child learns, thinks, and behaves. It looks at cognitive abilities (like memory and problem-solving), academic skills, and often screens for emotional or behavioral issues that affect learning. Families might seek a psychoeducational evaluation if their child is having trouble in school, struggling with attention or organization, or if teachers have noticed learning or behavior challenges. These evaluations can identify learning disorders, ADHD, or other conditions, and help guide the best ways to support a child at school and at home.

School-Based vs. Private Psychoeducational Evaluations

There are two main ways families can access psychoeducational evaluations - through the school system or privately. Each option has differences to consider:

Purpose

• School-based evaluations are focused on determining if a student qualifies for special education services or support within the school. The goal is to identify learning needs that may impact academic performance and to develop plans to help the student succeed in school.

• Private evaluations are often broader. They can help clarify diagnoses for conditions like ADHD, learning disorder, or emotional challenges, and provide recommendations for treatment or support in various settings—not just at school.
  

Timelines and Resources

• School-based evaluations follow  timelines and procedures set by educational laws and school policies.

• Private evaluations usually offer more flexibility in scheduling and can be tailored to the family’s needs.
  

Cost

• School-based evaluations are provided by the school district at no cost to families.

• Private evaluations are paid for by families, though some health insurance plans may cover some costs. 
  

Recommendations

• School-based evaluations lead to plans like IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 Plans, which outline accommodations and services the school will provide.

• Private evaluations can also inform school plans, and often include recommendations for therapies, strategies, or supports that can be used at home and in other settings. They may address social and emotional needs as well.
  
  

Both types of evaluations can help families better understand their child’s strengths and challenges. The choice depends on your child’s needs and your family’s goals.

What Can Families Do After a Diagnosis?

Get more Information
Talk with the professional that provided your child’s diagnosis to answer:

• What are your child’s key strengths?

• What are your child’s key areas of challenge?

• How can your child be best supported at home and in school?

• Review information and resources using reliable sources, such as understood.org, ldaamerica.org, dyslexia.yale.edu, or chadd.org.
  
  

Talk to your child

• Have conversations with your child. Sample starters include:

• We all have things we are good at. We learned that you are really good at ___, ___, ___, and ___.

• We all have things that are harder for us. We learned that it is harder for you to ___ and ___. 

• Your strengths and challenges fit with what we call (diagnosis).

• There is a lot we know about (diagnosis) and so much we can do to help you do your best. Look here for more ideas.
  
  

Build your child’s strengths

• Celebrate and build your child’s strengths. 

• Work with your child to find activities that align with their strengths and allow them to shine.

• Point out what your child does well by labeling things like persistence, curiosity, and kindness when you see it - catch them doing well often!

• Create a supportive community of people who see your child’s strengths and can help them build skills.
  
  

Reduce your child’s challenges

• Discuss evaluation results with your child’s pediatrician.

• Partner with your child’s school to develop accommodations and interventions, such as:

• 504 Plan, Individualized Education Program (IEP), multi-tiered  systems of support (MTSS) plan, or a private school plan.

• Get help from outside professionals when needed (e.g., tutor, therapist, executive functioning coach, or mentor). 
  
  

Promote wellness

• Set aside time each day for your child to relax and pursue interests outside school-related tasks. Help them find things they enjoy doing. 

• Regular physical exercise, connection with people they care about, good sleep, and healthy eating will all support wellbeing.

• Talk about a growth mindset - ideas.classdojo.com/b/growth-mindset