Are adjustment problems due to learning difficulties?
During this time of change and challenge most adolescents and their parents are also expected to make major decisions about their future. Good decisions are those based on fact. At this age past performance is limited in its ability to predict future achievement.
It is important to distinguish between interest, motivation and capability. Objective assessment provides a clear picture of potential and also guides strategies for increasing the range and suitability of options.
My daughter and I now know that she is capable of doing mathematics and it is a lack of motivation and interest that is the problem. This has caused her to consider her future options in a broader way.
It has really helped us to discuss realistic options with our son and for us as parents it has allowed us to separate our expectations from his needs and capability.
We provide psychological assessments for adolescents across a range of areas, including:
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Cognitive (psychometric) assessment, including IQ
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Dyslexia
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Dyspraxia
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Auditory Processing Disorder
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Dysgraphia
For adolescents in the latter years of high school we also provide career assessments.
It is increasingly important that students make informed choices with regard to their future study and career options. There is significant competition and pressure to meet tertiary entry criteria together with an increasing concern among many parents for their child’s future employment prospects. Not all children will go on to formal study and it is often important to also identify and validate alternative pathways for both the student and their family.
A supportive and informative approach that involves a formal appraisal of the child’s areas of skill and interest is recommended for effective career planning. A detailed examination of a broad range of options that may or may not include tertiary study follows the assessment phase.
The process provides relevant information concerning career choices and also provides the opportunity for the student to discuss their hopes, fears and concerns with the assessing psychologist, as well as their parents. Follow-up discussions with the student counselling staff are also helpful in many cases.
Vocational assessment and career planning can assist with:
- Subject choice planning
- Tertiary studies goal setting
- Developing a flexible career plan
- Keeping options open and identifying multiple pathways
- Building confidence and self-esteem