Psychological assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help arrive at some hypotheses about a person and their behavior, personality and capabilities. Psychological assessment is also referred to as psychological testing. It  involves finding out what people know and what they can do to help understand and explain behavior and feelings. It can involve watching the person, asking questions and having the person do some tasks.

 

A psychological assessment can be useful when children or young people are having difficulties at school or are acting or developing in ways that are not expected. It can help find out what a young person can do well, and what is hard for them. The results often help with planning programs for school and for home, and may provide some ideas about things that can be done to help.

 

There are lots of different psychological tests available. The psychologist will choose the ones that are most helpful depending on why the assessment is being done. Psychological assessments of children and young people often involve tests of their:

• intelligence (thinking)

• achievement (what they are able to do)

• attention (how well they can concentrate)

• memory

• emotions (feelings)

• behavior (actions).