Transform Your Life with Slade Counselling

At Slade Counselling, Danielle Gelleny provides comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 18.

Our assessment services are informed by experience in psychology, education, learning support, and counselling. This combined perspective helps us understand the academic, emotional, behavioural, and attention-related factors that may be affecting a student’s experience at school.

A psychoeducational assessment helps identify how a child learns, processes information, and performs academically. The goal is not simply to assign a diagnosis. It is to build a clearer understanding of the child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs.

An assessment may be helpful when a child is experiencing:

• Difficulty with reading, writing, or mathematics 
• Attention, concentration, or organization concerns 
• A noticeable difference between effort and academic results 
• Difficulty remembering or processing information 
• School avoidance, frustration, or declining confidence 
• Concerns related to ADHD or a learning disability 
• A need for classroom accommodations or additional support 
• Possible giftedness or advanced learning needs 

Depending on the reason for referral and the child’s individual needs, an assessment may examine:

• Cognitive abilities and problem-solving 
• Attention and working memory 
• Processing speed 
• Reading, writing, and mathematics 
• Academic achievement 
• Executive functioning and organization 
• Social, emotional, or behavioural functioning 
• Learning strengths and areas requiring support 

The assessment tools used will depend on the child’s age, history, presenting concerns, and the goals of the assessment.

The process begins with a conversation with the child’s parent or guardian. We gather information about the child’s development, school history, strengths, current concerns, and any previous assessments or supports.

Families may be asked to provide report cards, educational plans, teacher feedback, medical information, or previous assessment reports.

The child completes a series of standardized activities and tasks with the assessing clinician. These may involve problem-solving, memory, attention, reading, writing, mathematics, and other learning-related skills.

Testing may take place over more than one appointment so the child can remain comfortable, focused, and engaged.

Once testing is complete, the results are reviewed alongside the information provided by the family and school.

The clinician looks for patterns across the child’s cognitive, academic, attention, and emotional functioning to better understand what may be affecting their learning.

Parents or guardians receive a clear explanation of the results and an opportunity to ask questions.

The feedback appointment may include discussion of:

• The child’s learning profile 
• Identified strengths and challenges 
• Whether the results support a diagnosis 
• Recommended classroom accommodations 
• Strategies for learning and studying 
• Suggestions for home and school 
• Whether additional services or referrals may be helpful 

Families receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the findings and recommendations.

The report may be shared with the child’s school, physician, or other professionals involved in their care. Recommendations are designed to help families and educators better support the child’s learning, confidence, and overall well-being.

We understand that the assessment process can feel stressful for both children and parents. Our approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping families leave with useful answers and a clear plan.

Children are not defined by a test score or diagnosis. The purpose of an assessment is to highlight what the child does well, identify where additional support may be needed, and provide practical recommendations that can be used at school and at home.

Slade Counselling offers psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents ages 6–18 in Calgary.

Direct billing to Alberta Blue Cross may be available for eligible services and plans. Families should confirm their individual coverage before booking.

Contact Slade Counselling to ask questions, discuss your child’s needs, or book an initial consultation.