How to Prepare Your Child for a Psychological Assessment

PUBLISHED Dec 18th, 2024 & UPDATED ON Jan 6th, 2025

Getting your child ready for a psychological assessment can feel overwhelming. You might be wrestling with a whole lotta emotions — concern for your child’s well-being, uncertainty about what the process involves, and maybe even second-guessing if you’re making the right call. Perhaps your child’s teacher raised concerns about their focus in class, or maybe you’ve noticed your little one struggling in ways beyond typical growing pains. Every day, you may watch them grapple with challenges that seem just out of reach for them to explain — and for you to solve. And all you want is to make this whole process as easy as possible.

Whatever brought you to this point, know that you’re not alone. Many parents face this journey — and the good news is that a psychological assessment can offer valuable insights and guide you toward the right support for your child!

Here are a few helpful tips to help make the process easier for both you and your child – so you can head into assessments feeling more prepared.

1. Introduce Them to the Psychologist

It’s important for your child to feel comfortable with the person they’ll be meeting. You can help by introducing them to the psychologist in a positive, reassuring way:

“You’ll be meeting Rachel, a psychologist whose job is to help kids like you who may be having a tricky time at school. I’ve already told Rachel a lot about you and she’s looking forward to meeting with you!”

This can help them understand the process more and provide an opportunity for them to communicate anything they may be wondering or feeling.

2. Explain the Purpose of the Assessment

Children often feel more at ease when they know what to expect! Take a moment to explain what the assessment is for and reassure in a way that’s easy to understand:

“Rachel will ask you some questions and guide you through activities to help understand how you learn. She might also talk to your teachers to learn how you’re doing in class. This will help us figure out how we can support you in school and make things easier for you.”

3. Reassure Them It’s Not a Test

Even as adults, we may panic at the word “test.” Let your child know that the assessment is about understanding how to best support them, so try not to worry about getting things “right.”

“There’s nothing you need to prepare or study for. Just go in and do your best on the exercises Rachel asks you to do.”

4. Ensure They Get Rest and Nutrition

Catching a good amount of zzz’s and a healthy breakfast can make anyone feel better, and that includes children! Try to get your child to go to bed at a good time and eat a good breakfast to help them feel their best on assessment day.

5. Pack Comfort Items

We know our favourite comfort show can make us feel better, and kids have their items that do too! If your child feels anxious, a familiar item can help them feel more comfortable. This could be a favourite toy, a cozy blanket, or even just something small they love having with them.

6. Bring Essentials

Consider packing a bag with everything your child might need during the day:

Snacks and water
A sweater, in case the room feels cold
Any necessary medications, hearing aids, or glasses
Anything the psychologist or team may have requested you bring, like past report cards, assessments or medical records

If you’re unsure about what may be essential, you can always ask the psychologist what they recommend.

The psychologist will walk your child through everything they need to know during the consent and assent process, so don’t feel like you have to explain everything in detail.

Assessments are a big step in your child’s journey, and with these tips, you can help set your child up for a positive and smooth experience, and help yourself to feel more comfortable along the way too!

Did you know DiveThru will soon offer psychological assessments for children and adults? Our assessments will include Psychoeducational (Learning) Assessments, Giftedness Assessments and ADHD Assessments. And, if you don’t know what your child needs, that’s okay! Our quick questionnaire takes your concerns, and we’re here to support you and your family throughout the entire process!