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8 Reasons to Get Your Kid Tested by an Educational Psychologist

All parents want their children to learn in a fair and enriching environment, but that doesn’t look the same for every student. Students who struggle with academic, social, or emotional challenges may require additional support to reach their potential. However, students usually only receive special services if they’ve been evaluated by a specialist who can document how their condition hinders learning. 

But all students face challenges from time to time. Why should I consider having my kid evaluated by an educational psychologist? If any of the following statements are true for your kid, testing may be the best next step toward their academic success:

1. They learn differently

Throughout your child’s school day, they’re asked to process information in several complex ways. Many students have difficulty processing certain types of information which can delay their learning and reduce their confidence. Common learning disabilities can impair a student’s ability to focus, read, write, spell, process sounds, interpret language, or understand math symbols. If you suspect your K-12 student may have a learning disability, testing can potentially qualify them for an IEP or 504 plan. Our doctors at Variations Psychology provide comprehensive testing to evaluate for:

Need help securing accommodations for your child on the SAT/ACT? Click here

2. Their emotions make learning difficult

While intellectual intelligence is important, many studies suggest that emotional intelligence (EQ) may be even more crucial to a person’s success. If your child has a hard time understanding or managing emotions, it can impact their grades, self-esteem and coping skills. Diagnostic testing can evaluate your child’s emotional development and screen for mood disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder. It can also identify whether self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or non-suicidal self-injury are being fueled by clinical disorders. 

In addition, an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) can document how your child’s emotional challenges impact their learning, making a case for accommodations and services from their school. 

Click here to schedule your consultation to learn about our IEE services

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3. They have above-average abilities

Intellectually gifted students need support, structure, and challenges to reach their potential. Unfortunately, the needs of gifted students can often get neglected, especially when teachers are preoccupied assisting struggling students. Twice exceptional (2e) students are both gifted and struggling with one or more disabilities. These students require educators who understand their complex needs; a fair and appropriate education must involve being challenged intellectually while also receiving supports to remove barriers related to their disability. Testing for giftedness and/or 2e can ensure that your child’s education plan is tailored to their needs.

4. They are neurodiverse

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that can impact your child’s motor skills, sensory perception, language development, emotional health, and social life. Each of these factors have a significant impact on academic performance and well-being. As its name suggests, autism displays itself in a variety of ways across a wide spectrum; if you suspect that your child may be showing signs, it’s important that they be evaluated. Once a person is diagnosed with autism, there are many measures educators can take to support their inclusive learning.  

Click here to learn more about identifying autism in toddlers

Click here to learn more about identifying autism in teens

5. They struggle with anxiety

Anxiety can present itself in different ways – your kid may have an intense fear of the dark, worry excessively over tests, or avoid social situations at all costs. Their anxiety could lead to obsessive compulsive disorder, plaguing them with intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals. Or they may experience school anxiety, leading them to avoid class or schoolwork altogether. 

Whatever the cause of their worry, anxiety can prevent a student from retaining information being taught in class. Getting your child tested can help educators understand their challenges and provide the emotional support they need to focus on learning.   

Check out our blog on how to STOP anxiety in its tracks

6. Trauma or adverse experiences changed their outlook

Trauma or other adverse experiences make it difficult for students to process new information and focus on learning. If your child has experienced something traumatic, whether it be surviving a car accident, enduring a scary surgery, or witnessing school violence, they may need support in learning healthy ways to cope. A specialist can assess the impact of trauma on your child’s learning and identify supportive interventions. 

Click here for tips on supporting your child or teen after trauma

7. They have behavioral problems

Problem behaviors can severely impact a student’s academic performance and relationships. Students struggling with impulsivity, hyperactivity, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) face each school day with constant distractions and aggravation. Educational testing can identify whether a child’s behavioral challenges stem from a diagnosis. Testing is critical to informing a student’s Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Plan - 2 fundamental tools that schools use to support students with behavioral challenges. 

Click here for 10 tips on connecting with your grumpy teen

8. You just know something is holding your child back

The above examples are just some of the many conditions that can impact a student’s academic success. Even if you can’t pinpoint the exact cause of your kid’s struggles, sometimes a parent just knows that something is holding their child back from achieving their best. Are you concerned your child may have a condition that is impacting their learning? If so, our team of doctors can provide clarity and point your family in the right direction.

So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how to find the right help?

If a loved one has a learning difference or other condition that impacts their mental health and education, you may feel lost in determining the best ways to support them.

Our Diagnosticians can provide psychological testing to remove the guess-work and guide your family on the best path toward mental health, emotional wellness, and academic success.

Click here to schedule your consultation

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The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the highlighted topic. For a full consultation, and personalized assessment plan, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

More about Variations Psychology

Variations Psychology is a group practice specializing in diagnostic testing to identify psychological conditions.

Our comprehensive evaluations test for conditions that impact mental health and development such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and developmental delays. 

In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.

For K-12 and post-secondary students, we offer evaluations to assess needs for accommodations on standardized tests, college entrance exams (e.g. - SAT, ACT, AP Exams), and graduate and professional licensing exams (e.g. - MCAT, LSAT, GRE, CBEST, NCLEX, GMAT, CA Cosmetology Exam, CA Contractors State Licensing Exam, CA Bar Exam).

Schedule your consultation to below learn how our diagnostic services can support you and your family. 

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Variations Psychology is located in Newport Beach, CA and provides psychological testing to residents throughout Orange County and its surrounding areas including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Irvine, Shady Canyon, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, and more.

References:

Laura Thi Lam & Susan L. Kirby (2010) Is Emotional Intelligence an Advantage? An Exploration of the Impact of Emotional and General Intelligence on Individual Performance, The Journal of Social Psychology, 142:1, 133-143, DOI: 10.1080/00224540209603891

National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms/index.shtml

Shinn. M.M. (2020). 8 Ways Bipolar Impacts a Teen’s Education. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/8-ways-bipolar-impacts-a-teens-education 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). 10 Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/10-early-signs-of-autism-in-toddlers 

Shinn, M.M. (2018). 10 Ways to Connect with your Grumpy Teenager.  Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post].Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/10-ways-to-connect-with-your-grumpy-teenager

Shinn. M.M. (2019). Could I Have ADHD or Executive Functioning Issues? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from  https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-i-have-adhd-or-executive-functioning-issues 

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Could My Child be Gifted? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/11-signs-you-have-a-gifted-kid

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Could My Kid Have a Processing Disorder? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-my-kid-have-a-processing-disorder 

Shinn. M.M. (2019). Could My Teen Have Autism? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from: https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-my-teen-have-autism 

Shinn, M.M. (2018). Cutting & Other Self-Harm: What Every Parent Needs to Know. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post].  Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/cutting-other-self-harm-what-every-parent-needs-to-know

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Detecting Dyslexia: Could My Kid Have It? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/detecting-dyslexia-could-my-kid-have-it 

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Diagnostic Testing: 6 Reasons it’s the Best First Step Before Therapy or Educational Services Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/diagnostic-testing-6-reasons-its-the-best-first-step-before-therapy-or-educational-services 

Shinn, M.M. (2018). Explaining the Unexplainable: How to Discuss School Violence with Your Kids.  Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post].  Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/explaining-the-unexplainable

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Gifted Kids and Disabilities – What Parents Need to Know about 2e. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/what-parents-need-to-know-about-2e 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). Healing at Home – How Can I Help My Child Overcome Trauma?Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/test-blog/how-can-i-help-my-child-overcome-trauma 

Shinn, M.M. (2018). Hold Your PeePee! 12 Tips to Help Your Child Manage Impulsivity. Psychologically Speaking.  [Variations Psychology blog post].  Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/12-tips-to-help-your-child-manage-impulsivity

Shinn. M.M. (2019). “How Can I Boost My Self-Esteem?” 10 Tips to Be Your Most-Confident-You. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/how-can-i-boost-my-self-esteem-10-tips-to-be-your-most-confident-you 

Shinn. M.M. (2019). How Do I Talk to My Teen About Drugs and Alcohol? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from: https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/how-do-i-talk-to-my-teen-about-drugs-and-alcohol 

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): What They Are & How They Can Help. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/independent-educational-evaluations-iees-what-they-are-how-they-can-help 

Shinn. M.M. 2021. My Kid Can’t Understand Nonverbal Communication – What Could be the Cause?. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-cant-understand-nonverbal-communication 

Shinn. M.M. (2020). My Kid Has OCD – How Will This Impact Their Education? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/test-blog/my-kid-has-ocd-how-will-this-impact-their-education

Shinn, M.M. (2019). My Kid is So Defiant! Is it My Fault? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post].  Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-is-so-defiant-is-it-my-fault 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). My Kid Refuses to Go to School – What Could be the Cause? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-refuses-to-go-to-school-what-could-be-the-cause

Shinn, M.M. (2018). Take the Stress Out of Tests! 11 Ways to Manage Test Anxiety. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post].  Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/take-the-stress-out-of-tests-11-ways-to-manage-test-anxiety

Shinn. M.M. (2021). The 1-2-3’s of FBAs and BIPs: A Parent’s Guide to Student Behavioral Plans. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/the-1-2-3s-of-fbas-bipsa-parents-guide-to-student-behavioral-plans

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Understanding Education Plans: A Parent’s Guide to 504s and IEPs. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/understanding-education-plans-a-parents-guide-to-504s-and-ieps 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). Why is Math So Hard for My Kid? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/why-is-math-so-hard-for-my-kid

Types of Learning Disabilities. Learning Disabilities Association of America Retrieved online https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/https://www.crchealth.com/troubled-teenagers/autism-in-teenagers/