The Jadis Blurton Family Development Center provides mental health support and services to children in Hong Kong, with the aim of ensuring they’re equipped with the tools to live happy, healthy and productive lives. We asked the centre’s Dr Jacqueline Wolf about their psycho-educational assessment process for children.
What is a psycho-educational assessment and how is carried out?
It’s a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s cognitive, academic and social-emotional functioning that aims to illuminate strengths and identify patterns of difficulty that may be interfering with academic success. The assessment is conducted by a team of child development experts. Information is gathered from a combination of testing, parent interviews, teacher and academic reports, and in person observations by a trained psychologist.
What is the outcome of an assessment?
The collected data is compiled into a report that presents a complete picture of your child’s functioning. Building on your child’s unique set of strengths we provide specific recommendations to parents and teachers detailing strategies that will best support academic and personal success.
What types of difficulties can an assessment help to identify?
- Developmental difficulties impacting the ability to learn foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
- Difficulties with language in bilingual and multi-lingual environments
- Difficulties with attention and focus
- Heightened levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Executive function challenges
- Difficulties with social skills and communication Emotional problems (depressed mood, anxiety)
- Underperformance, low motivation and poor homework compliance
When’s the best time for an assessment?
Consider an assessment when you first notice a pattern of difficulty that is impacting your child’s ability to learn or demonstrate their capabilities. Early identification is essential for putting strategies in place to promote a successful learning pathway. Our assessment team can discuss the process in detail and help determine if your child will benefit from a psycho-educational assessment.
The Jadis Blurton Family Development Center
19/F, Kennedy Town Center, 23 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town
This article first appeared in the 2017 edition of Expat Living’s City Guide. Get your free copy now!
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