What kinds of tests should my child be given?

The tests your child is given will depend on the reason for the evaluation.  At a minimum, psychoeducational testing includes a measure of intellectual abilities and a measure of academic achievement.  From there, your child’s evaluator should select tests that are specifically designed to answer the question that brought you in to begin with.  Maybe that includes an assessment specifically for ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.  That could also include a specialized measure of cognitive processing to hone in on auditory or visual delays that may be impacting their learning style.  When talking with your evaluator, be sure to ask about the types of tests they have available and how they decide which tests to administer.  Beware of evaluators that take a “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” approach – this testing takes time and patience from both you and your child.  Your evaluator should focus on those areas that will give the most relevant information about your child. 

Intelligence Tests

These tests measure overall cognitive abilities through completion of various tasks that measure domains like verbal and nonverbal reasoning, working memory and processing speed.  Examples of commonly used tests include the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC) and Stanford Binet.

Achievement Tests

Achievement tests are designed to measure academic aptitude and performance by completing tasks that have a close link to formal educational instruction.  Analyzing differences between intelligence and achievement can highlight areas of strength as well as areas that need further support.  Achievement is often measured using the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ) or the Weschler Individual Tests of Achievement (WIAT).

Cognitive Processing & Memory

Cognitive processing and memory tests may be necessary if there are concerns regarding your child's ability to take in, retain and/or integrate information.  These tests are particularly helpful in cases where a child is receiving accommodations but doesn't seem to be improving.  While not standardly given, it is important to check with your evaluator to find out if they have access to these tests in the event that concerns arise during the evaluation process.  

SYMPTOM-SPECIFIC TESTS

There are dozens of symptoms-specific tests that your child may be given to assess those behaviors that initiated the evaluation.  This includes measures of inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety, traumatic reactions, autism spectrum screening, and many more areas.  

Clinical Screenings

Clinical screenings provide a brief overview of your child's personality and behavior patterns.  These tests are helpful in shedding light into the ways in which your child views their environment, relationships with others and copes with stressors.  If you're bringing your child in for an educational evaluation, you might be surprised if your evaluator chooses to administer a clinical screening.  In order to have greater confidence in the conclusions, it's important for your evaluator to rule out the potential influence of stress, adjustment difficulties, peer struggles or other mental health concerns.  Commonly used measures include the Millon Adolescent and Pre-Adolescent Clinical Inventories (MACI and M-PACI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - Adolescent (MMPI-A).