Through detailed assessment that enables a precise understanding of your child, I identify key areas of strength and weakness in their development and learning. This enables us to promote long term success and maximise true potential.
Understanding
Clarity
Progress
Helping young people reach their full potential
Understanding
Clarity
Progress
Helping young people reach their full potential
My specialism:
I am a doctor of clinical psychology and neuropsychology specialising in the development, education and well-being of children and young people.
I have extensive training and experience in assessing and identifying differences in learning and development. Whether differences arise due to subtle cognitive issues, specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit and hyperactivity or autistic spectrum) or whether the child is experiencing cognitive effects of a brain injury or illness, I amskilled in assessing and providing a clear understanding and insight into each child’s unique profile. Importantly there is also a focus on identifying learning strengths so that these can be optimised. On the basis of a holistic understanding, tailored plans are shared so that each child can be supported in achieving their potential, and in building their confidence and wellbeing.
Parents may seek an assessment due to their own questions about their child or concerns may also have been raised by their teacher or a health professional.
An assessment is helpful when questions relate to:
- Difficulties with specific aspects of learning such as, reading, spelling, writing, maths, speech and language
- Challenges in any area of cognition, such as organisation, memory, slower speed of working, or fine motor coordination motor co-ordination
- Limitations in sustained attention, distractibility, physical overactivity and impulsiveness
- Assessing a child’s academic potential to enable educational planning
- A decline in academic success over time
- Reluctance to attend school or to complete prep or homework
- A pattern of managing behaviour well in school, but showing distress at home
- An unexplained discrepancy between a child’s apparent ability and their level of achievement
- Developmental delay
- Difficulties in social interactions, making and keeping friends
- The impact of a paediatric health condition, prematurity or acquired brain injury on cognitive functioning and on wellbeing.
The earlier specific learning problems are identified, the easier it is to provide targeted support.
Assessment process
Understanding
Information is gathered from parents and from school (with parental consent).
This requires the completion of forms and questionnaires in order to identify the key concerns and the strengths as seen day to day.
It can also involve discussion with key teachers at school.
Clarity
Assessment incorporates the use of standardised tests with the child/young person. Analysis of results is combined with the information provided by school and home, as well as observations made during the assessment.
The allows for a holistic understanding of each child’s unique profile and gives insight into the factors underlying any concerns.
Progress
A detailed report includes an explanation of the assessment findings, a shared understanding of the child or young person and, importantly, detailed recommendations of strategies and supports which are tailored to the child.
This informs the way forward, ensuring that learning strengths are optimised while areas of challenge are understood and supported. In this way, the child can reach their full potential.