A psychoeducational evaluation is often recommended to determine if a child or adolescent has a learning disability (also known as a Specific Learning Disorder, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia) or other issues that negatively impact his or her ability to learn and function in the academic or home setting, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The psychoeducational evaluation assesses cognitive abilities, academic performance, psychological processing abilities, as well as screens for emotional and behavioral difficulties, all of which can impact academic success.
Common reasons for a psychoeducational evaluation include:
- Delayed speech or language skills
- Poor performance in one specific area or subject
- Slow, inaccurate or awkward reading skills
- Poor reading comprehension
- Difficulty remembering basic math facts
- Lack of number sense
- Difficulties with math problem solving
- Difficulty putting thoughts into writing
- Difficulty thinking and writing at the same time
- Poor spelling
- Poor test performance despite studying
- Difficulty completing work or tests in the allotted time
- Difficulty organizing and completing long-term projects
- Easily distracted, difficulties focusing attention
- Impulsive and trouble controlling self
- Difficulties with peer relationships
- Atypical behaviors
- Anxiety and worries
- Sadness and/or depressed mood