We provide psychological testing for children (also called a pediatric psychological evaluation) that assesses a child’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning. A child psychological assessment should center on finding strengths and opportunities while identifying the challenges and barriers preventing the child from reaching them. In other words, a high-quality child evaluation should go well beyond identifying potential diagnoses like ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, or depression and give a significant number of suggestions and ideas for growth and progress. We provide a strength-based assessment that offers a unique and comprehensive list of suggestions and ideas to help the child reach their potential.
Types of Psychological Testing for Children 
Pediatric psychological evaluations cover various assessments tailored to a child’s development, behavior, and mental health. Below are the key types of child psychological assessment, along with their purposes and common tools we use:
1. Cognitive Psychological Testing for Children (IQ Tests)
Purpose: To measure intellectual abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive functioning.
Common Uses:
- Identify giftedness
- Diagnose intellectual disabilities
- Understand reasoning and problem-solving strengths
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II)
2. Academic Achievement Psychological Testing for Children
Purpose: To evaluate academic skills, including reading, writing, math, and comprehension.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose learning disabilities (e.g., testing for dyslexia or dyscalculia)
- Assess academic readiness
- Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
- Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-4)
- Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA-3)
3. Emotional and Personality Child Psychological Assessments
Purpose: To understand emotional health, mood, and personality traits.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose anxiety, depression, or mood disorders
- Identify trauma or emotional difficulties
- Evaluate self-esteem and social-emotional development
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI-2)
- Beck Youth Inventories (BYI-2)
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A)
- Rorschach Inkblot Test
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments
Purpose: To evaluate social communication, behavior, and sensory processing related to autism.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose autism spectrum disorder
- Assess severity and specific needs
- Guide intervention strategies
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
- Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2)
5. Behavioral Child Psychological Assessments
Purpose: Also called psychosocial testing, these evaluate behaviors, attention, impulse control, and conduct.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose ADHD or other executive functioning disorders
- Assess conduct disorders or oppositional defiance disorder (ODD)
- Understanding emotional regulation challenges
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- Conners Rating Scales (Conners-4)
- Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3)
- Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales
6. Neuropsychological Testing for Children
Purpose: To assess brain function, including memory, attention, executive functioning, and problem-solving.
Common Uses:
- Evaluate the effects of brain injury or illness
- Diagnose learning or processing disorders
- Assess memory, planning, and focus
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- NEPSY-II (Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment)
- Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS)
- Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML-3)
7. Speech and Language Assessments
Purpose: To evaluate communication skills, including speech, language, and comprehension. (Note: We do not do these, but we can refer you to someone who does.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose speech and language disorders
- Assess expressive and receptive language skills
- Identify social communication difficulties
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-5)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-5)
- Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA-3)
8. Motor and Sensory Processing Assessments
Purpose: To evaluate motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing abilities.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose sensory processing disorders
- Identify motor coordination difficulties (e.g., dyspraxia)
- Assess fine and gross motor skills
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI)
- Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)
- Sensory Profile (SP-2)
9. Adaptive Functioning Child Psychological Assessments
Purpose: To measure life skills, independence, and daily functioning abilities.
Common Uses:
- Diagnose intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Plan life skills interventions
- Assess self-care, communication, and social skills
Common Child Evaluation Tools:
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland-3)
- Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3)
Integrating Child Evaluations
- Our comprehensive pediatric psychological evaluation may include multiple types of assessments listed above to provide a complete picture of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral profiles.
- Results of child psychological testing are analyzed holistically to provide tailored recommendations for support at home, school, and therapy.
When to Consider Pediatric Psychological Evaluation
Psychological testing for children can provide clarity and direction when a child faces challenges or shows concerning behaviors. Below are key signs and situations that may indicate a need for a child evaluation:
1. Academic Challenges
- Difficulty keeping up with peers academically despite effort
- Significant struggles with reading, writing, or math
- Sudden drop in grades or academic performance
- Trouble focusing, completing tasks, or following instructions
Possible Concerns: Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia), ADHD, intellectual disabilities
2. Emotional or Behavioral Concerns
- Excessive anxiety, fear, or worry
- Frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or withdrawal from social activities
- Intense anger or aggressive behavior
Possible Concerns: Anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, trauma
3. Social Challenges
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
- Limited eye contact or lack of social engagement
- Inappropriate social behavior or difficulty understanding social cues
- Preference for repetitive routines or intense focus on specific interests
Possible Concerns: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), social anxiety, communication disorders
4. Behavioral Issues at Home or School
- Impulsivity or difficulty controlling behavior
- Frequent tantrums or meltdowns beyond typical age expectations
- Defiance, oppositional behavior, or difficulty following rules
- Trouble with transitions or adapting to change
Possible Concerns: ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), sensory processing issues
5. Communication or Speech Delays
- Limited vocabulary for their age
- Difficulty understanding or following directions
- Challenges with speech clarity or articulation
- Trouble expressing thoughts or emotions
Possible Concerns: Speech and language disorders, developmental delays, autism
6. Developmental Delays
- Missed developmental milestones (e.g., walking, talking, toilet training)
- Delayed fine or gross motor skills
- Ongoing difficulty with daily living skills (e.g., dressing, feeding, hygiene)
Possible Concerns: Intellectual disabilities, motor delays, sensory processing disorders
7. Signs of Trauma or Emotional Distress
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Nightmares or intrusive thoughts
- Hypervigilance or heightened fear responses
- Withdrawal from family and friends
Possible Concerns: PTSD, trauma-related disorders, anxiety disorders
8. When Recommended by a Professional
- The pediatrician or teacher suggests testing based on observations
- Previous interventions (e.g., tutoring, therapy) have not resolved concerns
- Family history of mental health or learning disorders
9. Major Life transitions, Changes or Stressful Events
- Parents’ divorce or family conflict
- Loss of a loved one or pet
- Exposure to trauma, abuse, or neglect
- Relocation or changes in school environment
Possible Concerns: Adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression
Early Signs in Younger Children
- Avoiding eye contact or lack of interest in social interaction
- Repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping, rocking)
- Intense reactions to sensory stimuli (e.g., sounds, textures)
- Limited or no speech by age 2
Possible Concerns: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory processing issues, speech delays
Psychological Testing for Children Process
- Initial Consultation: This first step in the child psychological assessment process involves discussing concerns and history with parents. We also often gather data from teachers, pediatricians, and others who know them well.
- Child Psychological Assessment Sessions: The child completes standardized tests and activities to determine their strengths and challenges and what prevents them from reaching their potential.
- Pediatric Psychological Evaluation Feedback Session: This session shares results, diagnosis (if applicable), and detailed recommendations. It is often used to develop a comprehensive and multifaceted plan.
- Child Psychological Assessment Report: A detailed child evaluation report outlines findings, suggestions, and action plans.
Pediatric Psychological Evaluation Case Example
Emma is an 8-year-old girl in the 3rd grade. Her teacher noticed that Emma has difficulty paying attention in class, frequently daydreams, and struggles to complete assignments on time. Emma’s parents describe her at home as creative and imaginative but notice that she gets easily frustrated with homework and avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also mention Emma often seems overly anxious, especially in social situations. Her parents referred her for a child psychological assessment.
Psychological Testing for Children Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Child Psychological Assessment Family Interview: We meet with Emma’s parents to gather information about her development, medical history, family dynamics, and academic performance.
- Child Psychological Assessment Teacher Input: Feedback from Emma’s teacher highlights concerns about focus, task completion, and social interactions.
Key Concerns Identified:
- Difficulty focusing and completing tasks
- Anxiety in social situations
- Emotional frustration during challenging tasks
Psychological Testing for Children Step 2: Empirical Testing
We give Emma a series of standardized assessments tailored to her challenges:
- Cognitive Testing (IQ Test)
- Tool Used: WISC-V
- Findings: Emma’s overall IQ is in the high average range, but she struggles with tasks requiring sustained attention and working memory.
- Academic Achievement Testing
- Tool Used: WIAT-4 (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test)
- Findings: Reading comprehension is slightly below grade level, and math problem-solving is a significant challenge.
- Behavioral Assessment
- Tool Used: Conners-4 Rating Scales
- Findings: High scores indicate symptoms consistent with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Inattentive Type.
- Emotional and Social Assessment
- Tool Used: Children’s Anxiety Scale (CAS)
- Findings: Elevated levels of social anxiety and generalized anxiety were observed.
- Observation and Play-Based Assessment
- During a structured play session, Emma was observed to lose focus quickly, avoid challenging tasks, and express worry about making mistakes.
Psychological Testing for Children Step 3: Results and Diagnosis
After analyzing the results, we share the following findings:
- Primary Diagnosis: ADHD – Inattentive Type
- Secondary Diagnosis: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Strengths Identified:
- Creative thinking and strong verbal expression
- Good social awareness and empathy
Challenges Identified:
- Difficulty with focus and sustained attention
- Anxiety related to social situations and academic performance
Psychological Testing for Children Step 4: Recommendations
At School:
- Create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Provide academic accommodations, including extra time for tests and assignments
- Allow Emma to use a quiet space for focused work
At Home:
- Break homework into smaller, manageable tasks
- Use visual schedules and checklists for daily routines
- Encourage relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises)
Therapy and Support:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety
- Parent coaching to support Emma’s focus and confidence
- Holistic and natural approaches to manage ADHD
Pediatric Psychological Evaluation Step 5: Feedback Session
We met with Emma’s parents to discuss the findings of the child evaluation and the next steps. We gave Emma an age-appropriate explanation of her strengths and areas of support to help her understand that her challenges are not her fault.
Parent’s Response:
Emma’s parents feel relieved to have clarity about her struggles and are optimistic about the support plan.
Emma’s Response:
Emma feels encouraged knowing she’s not “bad at school” but that her brain just works a little differently.
Outcome After 6 Months of Support:
- Emma shows improved focus and task completion at school.
- Her anxiety levels have decreased with therapy.
- She feels more confident tackling homework with support strategies in place.
Child Evaluation Key Takeaway:
Psychological testing helped uncover the root causes of Emma’s struggles and provided a roadmap for tailored interventions, leading to significant improvements in her academic and emotional well-being.
Benefits of a Child Psychological Assessment
Child psychological testing offers valuable insights that can guide parents, educators, and healthcare providers in supporting a child’s development and well-being. Below are the key benefits:
1. Psychological Testing for Children for Deeper Understanding
- Pediatric Psychological Evaluations Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Testing highlights areas where they excel and areas requiring additional support.
- Pediatric Psychological Evaluations Clarify Root Causes: Helps differentiate between issues like ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learning disabilities, which may present with overlapping symptoms.
- Pediatric Psychological Evaluations Uncover Hidden Challenges: Some struggles, like auditory processing issues or subtle learning disabilities, might not be immediately obvious without formal testing.
2. Academic Support and School Accommodations
- Tailored Educational Plans: Results or pediatric psychological evaluations can be used to create or adjust IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 Plans.
- Appropriate Accommodations: Recommendations might include extra time on tests, a quiet testing space, or assistive technology.
- Improved Classroom Strategies: Teachers can better understand how to approach the learning style.
3. Emotional and Behavioral Support
- Early Intervention: Early detection of emotional or behavioral concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) leads to timely intervention.
- Emotional Validation: Children may feel relieved when they understand why they face certain challenges.
- Coping Strategies: We can recommend tools for managing emotions, stress, and social interactions.
4. Access to Appropriate Therapies and Services
- Targeted Interventions: Results guide therapists in selecting the best approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
- Medication Decisions: For conditions like ADHD, results can help determine whether medication might be beneficial.
- Referral to Specialists: Testing may uncover the need for additional assessments by other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists or neurologists.
5. Family Understanding and Support
- Reduced Parental Guilt: Testing can reassure parents that challenges aren’t due to poor parenting.
- Improved Communication: Families can better understand their child’s experiences and needs.
- Shared Language: Clear terminology and explanations help parents advocate effectively.
6. Psychological Testing for Children Long-Term Positive Outcomes
- Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: Children can focus on their strengths and feel supported in their areas of struggle.
- Prepares for Transitions: Results help with school transitions, like moving from elementary to middle school.
- Future Planning: Insights from testing can guide decisions about academic tracks, career paths, or life skills training.
A pediatric psychological evaluation isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s about creating a roadmap for growth, success, and well-being.
Summary and Our Child Evaluations
We provide psychological assessments that identify the child’s strengths and potential, the barriers and challenges preventing them from reaching that potential, and suggestions for overcoming them. A comprehensive child evaluation should lead to an effective plan that can be measured over time.
If you have questions about psychological testing for children or how it could benefit a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
