Jennifer Zare, LISW-CP
Pathways Counseling Center, LLC
As parents, we all want our children to be happy and succeed in school. Yet, they often encounter hurdles that impede their progress, resulting in frustration, self-defeating thoughts, and a diminished sense of self-worth. As parents, we can play a crucial role in boosting our children's strength and confidence. We do this by helping them recognize the challenges they face and finding effective solutions together.
A psychoeducational assessment is a valuable tool for understanding a student's unique needs. The results can be used to guide parents and professionals in providing targeted support. Unfortunately, due to limited resources and increasing demand for services in public schools, many children who don't exhibit significant challenges in the classroom may not receive timely assessments. In such situations, parents may benefit from seeking assessments through a private practice.
Let's explore some common scenarios presented by parents that may not meet criteria for a school evaluation but could benefit from a thorough assessment:
Scenario 1: Katie's Hidden Struggles
"Katie behaves well at school and is a straight-A student, but breaks down in tears every day as soon as she gets home. She can't seem to focus on homework, misplaces things, and has daily tantrums. While I'm sure this could be normal for a 10-year-old girl, something just doesn't seem right to me. I wonder if we are missing something."
Scenario 2: John's Learning Journey
"John often feels sad and overwhelmed. Homework takes him forever to complete! I've noticed he has difficulty with writing and numbers. Could he have a learning disability? His grades have never been great, but they've been good enough. School might just not be his thing. He'd rather be building something with his hands, honestly. I can't help but wonder if there's actually something wrong or if we're expecting too much."
Scenario 3: Olivia's Academic and Social Dissonance
"Olivia has always seemed so advanced. She was reading at age two and has an incredible memory! School comes easily to her. Lately, I've been worried that she doesn't fit in well with her peers. Why does she seem so far ahead academically but struggle with friendships? She's been grumpy, and although school is easy for her, she claims to hate it. It's a chore to get her out the door each morning. What can we do to help?"
While school evaluations play a crucial role in identifying and addressing learning challenges, there are several reasons why parents may choose a private evaluation:
Comprehensive Assessment: Private evaluations often provide a more comprehensive and in-depth assessment of a child's cognitive and emotional functioning. They involve a broad range of assessments and tools, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the individual's strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs.
Timeliness: Private evaluations typically offer a more expedited assessment process. Unlike schools with limited resources and longer waiting times, private practitioners can often accommodate appointments more quickly. This reduces the waiting period for assessment results and subsequent interventions, which is particularly important when a child's well-being or immediate support is a concern.
Objectivity and Independence: Private evaluations can offer a greater degree of objectivity and independence. As external professionals, private evaluators do not have prior knowledge or biases associated with the child's educational history or placement within the school system. This impartiality can lead to a more accurate assessment, as the evaluator provides an unbiased perspective on the child's strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate interventions.
Greater Control: Opting for a private evaluation allows parents to have greater control over the assessment process and the selection of evaluators. They can choose professionals who specialize in specific areas or have expertise in certain learning disabilities or conditions. This personalized approach results in more tailored recommendations and interventions that align with the child's unique needs and goals.
In summary, while school evaluations are essential in identifying and addressing learning challenges, a private psychoeducational evaluation can offer additional benefits. By gaining a deeper understanding of their child's cognitive and emotional functioning, parents can make informed decisions regarding educational planning, interventions, and overall support.
If you're interested in obtaining a private evaluation at Pathways Counseling Center, schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine if our services can benefit your child and family.