Assessment outcomes
Assessment outcomes are considered good when they integrate the findings from the clinical evaluation and the psychometric testing and give an accurate diagnosis with supporting evidence. The assessment report should ideally have the following four core components:
Assessment outcomes – Developmental History: A detailed review of your child’s medical, educational, and social history along with the family’s medical history, ruling out any medical reasons for your concerns. The history will also give you an insight on your child’s strengths, interpersonal skills, and emotional life.
Assessment outcomes- Cognitive Assessment Results: Results of the Intelligence test should be included in this part along with assessment results of attention, memory, and planning and organisation (executive functions).
Assessment outcomes – Psychometric Test Results: Clearly mentions the results of your child’s academic skills, the extent of the disability and highlights strengths.
Assessment outcomes – Specific recommendations: The report should clearly give specific recommendations for the next steps to help your child. The recommendations for interventions should be focused, specific, and prioritised. They should assist you in talking to the teachers and school management about various classroom supports that they can extend. The evaluator will also explore management options like medication and other therapies.
Assessment reports are generally lengthy and contain details about the various test administered and other technical information. The report, however, should be written in an easy to understand language that is understood by non-professionals. As parents or teachers if you do not understand the various technical terms and jargons so not hesitate to ask for explanations or consult the LDExplained portal where we have dedicated a section to explaining such terms and concepts.
Additionally, discuss with the evaluator the need to discuss the findings of the report with your child. Some evaluators are of the opinion that your child should be made aware of the findings as the child has spent a significant amount of time in the whole process. The child should be made aware of their strengths and know how best to use them. The child should feel confident that the parents, teachers, and the evaluator will all be working together in the future to help them reach their full potential.