Psychoeducational Testing: A Guide for Parents

Shawn T. Mason, PhD • November 26, 2024

It’s not their fault. If you’ve ever wondered why your child is struggling in school or if they’re reaching their full potential, psychoeducational testing can provide clarity. It’s a way to understand how your child learns, identify areas where they may need support, and find strategies to help them succeed.

 

What Is Psychoeducational Testing?


Psychoeducational testing is a comprehensive evaluation that examines how your child learns and processes information. It looks at areas such as:



  • Academic skills (reading, writing, and math).
  • Cognitive abilities (memory, problem-solving, attention).
  • Emotional or behavioral factors that might affect learning.


The purpose is to understand the challenges your child may be facing and provide specific, actionable recommendations to address them. This is a supportive and child-centered process that helps both parents and educators meet a student’s needs.


When Should You Consider Testing?


You might consider testing if you’ve noticed any of the following:


  • Your child struggles to keep up in school, even with extra help.
  • They have trouble focusing or completing tasks.
  • Homework feels like an endless source of frustration.
  • Teachers have mentioned concerns about learning, attention, or behavior.
  • Your child shows advanced skills that aren’t being fully supported.


These are signs that testing could help pinpoint what’s going on and how to move forward.


What Does the Process Involve?


Psychoeducational testing is designed to be thorough yet approachable for your child. Here’s what happens:


  • Initial Meeting: We’ll discuss your concerns, your child’s background, and their current challenges.
  • Assessment Sessions: Your child will work one-on-one with a psychologist on tasks designed to evaluate their learning, thinking, and emotional well-being.
  • Analysis and Report: The results are carefully analyzed, and a detailed report is prepared that outlines strengths, challenges, and recommendations.
  • Feedback Session: We’ll go over the findings together and develop a plan for next steps, whether that’s school-based accommodations, therapeutic support, or enrichment.


The goal is to provide meaningful insights and practical solutions that can help your child in both school and everyday life.


What Testing Can Reveal


Testing can identify a range of issues, including:


  • Learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia.
  • Attention challenges, such as ADHD.
  • Executive functioning difficulties (planning, organizing, staying on task).
  • Emotional or behavioral factors that impact learning.
  • Giftedness or advanced abilities that require specialized support.


By understanding your child’s unique learning profile, you can better advocate for their needs and help them build on their strengths.


Why Testing Matters


Parents often worry that testing will label their child, but in reality, it’s a way to better understand them. Testing helps identify the root cause of challenges so that you can address them effectively. Early intervention is key—it can prevent small struggles from becoming major barriers and ensure your child has the tools they need to feel confident and capable in school.



What Happens Next?


Once testing is complete, you’ll have a clear plan of action. Depending on your child’s needs, this might include:


  • School accommodations, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
  • Specific strategies for learning and organization.
  • Referrals to other professionals for additional support, if needed.


You’ll also have the information you need to work collaboratively with teachers, schools, and other support systems to help your child succeed. It’s hard to know what to do without knowing the root causes.


Navigating Shared Struggles: Managing Logistical and Emotional Challenges as a Couple

By Shawn T. Mason, PhD • December 1, 2024
Introduction The aftermath of a disaster challenges not only individuals but relationships. Balancing the strain of logistical demands—like housing repairs, insurance claims, and daily routines—with emotional needs can leave couples feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. While no simple solutions exist, understanding common patterns and evidence-based strategies can help couples navigate shared struggles with greater clarity and resilience. This brief article offers practical insights grounded in research to support couples through challenging times. The Impact of Disasters on Relationships Disasters amplify stress and uncertainty, often leaving couples feeling stretched thin. Research published in American Psychologist highlights four key factors that can foster growing stronger in relationships after adversity: Support : Demonstrating care and being there for each other. Responsiveness : Tuning into emotional needs and validating feelings. Attachment : Building trust and emotional security. Seeking and providing support. Interdependence : Balancing individual needs with teamwork. These factors provide a foundation for navigating both logistical and emotional challenges as a couple. While growth is possible, it requires effort, understanding, and realistic expectations. Key Strategies for Strengthening Relationships 1. Show Support and Responsiveness Support doesn’t mean solving every problem—it’s about showing care through small, meaningful actions. Responsiveness involves recognizing and validating your partner’s feelings, even when stress is high. Practical Example : Say, “I know this is overwhelming, and I appreciate how much you’re handling. Let’s figure it out together.” 2. Foster Attachment and Interdependence Secure attachment means creating a space where both partners feel safe leaning on each other. Interdependence involves dividing tasks equitably while maintaining shared responsibility. Practical Example : One partner manages insurance calls while the other handles kids’ schedules or meals, ensuring both contribute to the recovery process. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Dr. John Gottman’s research identifies four destructive communication patterns that can erode relationships under stress: Criticism : Attacking your partner’s character. Alternative: Use “I” statements to express feelings without blame: “I feel overwhelmed when we argue about this.” Contempt : Showing disrespect or sarcasm. Alternative: Focus on appreciation: “Thank you for taking care of the kids today.” Defensiveness : Denying responsibility or deflecting blame. Alternative: Take accountability: “I could have handled that better.” Stonewalling : Withdrawing from communication. Alternative: Take a short break and return to the conversation when calmer. Maintaining the 5:1 Ratio Strong relationships maintain at least five positive interactions for every negative one. Even small gestures—like a compliment, a kind word, or a shared laugh—can help balance the scales. Practical Strategies for Couples Daily Check-Ins Set aside 10 minutes each day to talk about emotional well-being. Focus on how you’re feeling rather than the day’s logistics. Divide Responsibilities Fairly Openly discuss how decisions are made and who should make which decisions. Tasks can be divided based on strengths and capacity. Be flexible as circumstances change. Quick Acts of Kindness Offer a small gesture of care, such as a compliment, a hug, or a simple “thank you.” Mindfulness Together Take two minutes to come together in a way that makes sense for you. Hold hands, hug, pray, meditate, or even walk together. It’s a simple way to ground yourselves and create a sense of unity. Small Acts of Kindness Disaster recovery isn’t just about logistics—it’s about connection. Today, choose one small act of kindness: Toward Yourself : Take five minutes to reflect on something you’ve done well or to rest. Toward Your Partner : Thank them for handling a specific task or share a memory that is meaningful or one that made you laugh. Toward Others : Check in on a friend or neighbor and offer a kind word or encouragement. Small, meaningful actions can shift the focus from stress to support, strengthening your relationship in difficult times. Resources for Further Support No Cost Emotional Support : National Disaster Distress Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline References: Gottman, J. M. (1994). Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last. Simon & Schuster. Purol, M. F., & Chopik, W. J. (2024). Do many hands make light work? The role of romantic partners and close relationships in posttraumatic growth. American Psychologist, 79(8), 1214. Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or your partner are experiencing significant relationship challenges or distress, please consult with a licensed mental health professional. Additionally, the strategies outlined may not apply to all situations or individuals. For personalized support, consider seeking professional guidance tailored to your specific needs.