Psychological Testing for Children

There are numerous reasons a parent might seek psychological testing for their child. Maybe they have questions about their child’s development, their child’s behavior has begun to worry them, or they may have found that some regions of their child’s academic performance are struggling.

Whether you have been worried about your child for a while or have noticed sudden changes in their behaviors, psychological testing can help you find answers to your child’s struggles.

What is Psychological Testing?

Psychological testing includes a sequence of interviews and tests that work toward the goal of developing a deeper understanding of one’s:

• Psychological well-being
• Social skills
• Emotional health
• Academic strengths and weaknesses

If a parent has found themselves with questions or worries about their child’s psychological health and well-being, psychological testing is a great way to pursue their answers. As the child’s parents and mental health professionals develop a deeper understanding of their child’s psychological health, they can decide whether or not to pursue further testing or treatment.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Psychological Testing

Every parent wants what’s best for their child. Sometimes this includes seeking advice from mental health professionals when they believe their little one is struggling psychologically.

Every child develops at a different pace and in different ways, especially as they learn how to navigate their emotions, develop new social skills, and experience constant cognitive development. So, how can you differ between developmentally normal behavior and worrisome struggles?

• Your child is experiencing a sudden behavioral change. If you have noticed sudden and significant changes to your child’s behaviors, academic performance, or social life, they may benefit from psychological testing.
• Your child has begun acting in a self-destructive manner. If your child is participating in self-harming behaviors, psychological testing may help you understand why allowing you to get your child the treatment they need as soon as possible.
• Your child has been acting violently. Violent behaviors can signify a deeper mental health issue that psychological testing may be able to find. As you and your child’s psychologist find answers to their violent behaviors, you will be better equipped to teach them healthier coping mechanisms and get the treatment they need.
• Your child is struggling in multiple areas of their life. If your child has begun struggling in multiple areas of their life, they may benefit from a psychological evaluation to determine if an underlying psychological health issue is the cause.
• Your child appears to be developmentally regressing. If your child has suddenly begun regressing behaviorally, academically, or socially, there may be an underlying cause that a psychological examination can help pinpoint.
• Your child seems to be withdrawing socially. Several personal or mental health struggles can cause social withdrawal. Psychological testing may help you determine why your child is isolating themselves, allowing you to get them the help they may need.

We Are Here for You

Having your child’s psychological well-being tested by professionals like our child psychologists, that service the Greater Richmond, VA, can help you find the answers to your concerns. Our thorough and professional evaluations identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to work with you to help them receive any treatments or further testing they may need.

References:

https://www.apa.org/topics/testing-assessment-measurement/understanding