Currently accepting new patients and referrals
Assessment Services
Assessment is about understanding how a person thinks, learns, and functions. This is not about passing or failing. It’s about creating a clear picture of an individual’s strengths and challenges so they can access the supports, strategies, and resources they need to thrive at home, school, work, and in daily life.
Following are the assessments offered at Bird & Associates:
Academic Related Assessments Academic-related assessments explore how a person learns by looking at how the brain works across key areas of cognitive and academic functioning, such as: • Executive functioning and attention • Handwriting, spelling and written expression • Mathematics calculations and reasoning • Phonological processing • Processing speed • Reading decoding, fluency and comprehension • Receptive and expressive language • Social skills and awareness • Verbal and nonverbal memory • Verbal and nonverbal reasoning • Visual-spatial abilities • Working memory
ADHD/Executive Functioning Assessments ADHD assessments can be helpful when you’re noticing challenges with focus, organization, impulsivity, or feeling extra restless. These assessments explore: • Cognitive flexibility • Emotional self-regulation • Hyperactivity • Impulsivity • Inattention • Inhibitory control (impulse regulation) • Planning and organization • Sustained attention • Task initiation and completion • Working memory
Mental Health Assessments These assessments look at both cognitive and academic strengths, as well as how someone is doing emotionally and mentally. These assessments are often requested when someone is presenting with the following concerns: • Onset, duration, and patterns of symptoms • Stressors and recent life events • Mood, anxiety, sleep, appetite, and energy changes • Trauma history • Substance use • Medical history • Family mental health history • Struggles with social supports and relationships • Struggles with work/school functioning • Diminished coping strategies and strengths
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD assessments help us understand how trauma is affecting someone’s daily life by gently exploring symptoms across the four diagnostic clusters: 1. Intrusion: Flashbacks Nightmares Intrusive memories Emotional/physiological reactivity to triggers 2. Avoidance: Avoiding reminders (places, people, conversations) Emotional numbing or detachment 3. Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood: Persistent negative beliefs (“I’m unsafe,” “It was my fault”) Shame or guilt Loss of pleasure Social withdrawal 4. Arousal and Reactivity: Hypervigilance Startle response Irritability/anger Sleep disturbance Difficulty concentrating
Psychoeducational Assessments (Ages 6–18 and Ages 18+) These school-related assessments (also known as psychoeducational assessments) are conducted when students are performing differently from what might be expected in preschool, school, or during post-secondary education.
Assessment Process
While words like “testing” or “evaluation” can sound intimidating, many patients find the process grounding and empowering because in the end, they are armed with knowledge, a better sense of self, and practical ways to make life easier. We collaborate at every step, explaining things as we go, and tailoring our approach to each person’s unique needs.
For Children & Teens
Intake
You and your child meet with a psychologist to discuss concerns, history, and goals. Based on this conversation, the psychologist determines whether an assessment is needed and, if so, gathers consent to collaborate with teachers or other supports.
Testing
Testing typically happens over two morning sessions (about three hours each). Children work one-on-one with the psychologist while parents wait nearby. Short breaks, snacks, and drinks are encouraged.
Feedback
Once testing is scored and the report is drafted, parents return for a feedback session to review results, ask questions, and discuss recommendations. Children under 12 are usually not required to attend.
For Adults
Intake
During your initial visit, we review referral questions, past assessments, relevant history, and any documentation you provide. Together, we determine your testing schedule and design a personalized assessment plan.
Testing
Most adults complete testing over two sessions (about three hours each) with breaks as needed. You’re welcome to bring snacks, or anything that helps you stay comfortable and focused.
Feedback
After scoring and interpreting your results, you return for a final session where we walk you through the findings, answer questions, and recommend next steps and resources tailored to your goals.