assessments
evidence-based. fast turn around time. actionable recommendations for parents and schools.
psychoeducational assessment
A psychoeducational assessment can help when a child or teen is struggling in school and no one is quite sure why. Some students work very hard but still fall behind, while others may avoid schoolwork because it feels confusing or overwhelming. Over time, these challenges can affect confidence, mood, and motivation. A psychoeducational assessment with adelante psychology helps uncover the reasons behind these struggles and provides clear and practical answers for families. Our assessments focus on how a young person learns best. They highlight strengths as well as areas that need support. The results guide school accommodations (including an Individualized Program Plan (IPP)), tutoring plans, or other helpful services. Just as important, they change the way that children and teens view themselves. With the right understanding and support, children and teens build skills, confidence, and have a more positive experience at school.
Dr. Michelle Zepeda has specialized expertise in conducting psychoeducational assessments for youth with complex medical conditions. Working closely with each young person’s medical team, Dr. Michelle Zepeda carefully examines how medical history may interact with intellectual functioning and academic achievement. This collaborative approach allows for a thorough understanding of both strengths and areas of need.
Psychoeducational assessments are also available for young adults. These evaluations can be especially helpful during the transition out of high school, providing clear recommendations, documentation, and guidance to support access to accommodations and resources in college or university settings.
Dr. Michelle Zepeda has expertise in conducting psychoeducational assessments for youth with complex medical conditions,
2) questionnaires completed digitally by parents and teachers
3) report card review
4) in person testing and interview with the child/teen
5) report writing
6) feedback session
Additional consultation/feedback sessions with educational and/or medical staff can be added, as requested. Assessments may also include a school observational session.
Typically between 11-13 hours total
autism assessment
An autism assessment is a comprehensive, strengths-based process designed to better understand a person’s social communication style, learning profile, and behavioral patterns and determine whether they are consistent with DSM diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. As part of the evaluation, the gold-standard tools for diagnosis are used, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). The ADOS-2 consists of structured, play-based and conversational activities that allow for the observation of communication, social interaction, and flexibility in a supportive setting. The ADI-R is a detailed parent or caregiver interview that explores developmental history and current functioning. Together with other assessment tools (such as cognitive, academic, and emotional screening, as needed), these tools provide a well-rounded understanding of your child or teen.
2) observational session of child/teen
3) in person testing with child/teen (including the ADOS-2)
4) questionnaires completed by parents and teachers
5) report writing
6) feedback session with parents
Typically between 13-17 hours total
ADHD/attention assessment
An ADHD (or attention) assessment can help explain why a child or teen may have trouble paying attention, sitting still, staying organized, or finishing work. As a parent, you might feel that your child is bright and capable but seems to struggle to keep up with school demands. Or perhaps you notice that your child feels frustrated, forgetful, or overwhelmed each day.
An assessment can bring clarity and help families understand what is really going on. It can also open the door to school supports and helpful strategies at home. Most importantly, it helps children see that their challenges are not about laziness or lack of effort. With the right understanding and support, they can build confidence and succeed.
2) questionnaires completed by parents and teachers
3) report card review
4) observational session and interview with child/teen
5) report writing
6) feedback session
At times, a full psychoeducational assessment is recommended instead of an attention assessment. In such cases, Dr. Michelle Zepeda will indicate this to the family. Additional consultation/feedback sessions with educational and/or medical staff can be added, as requested.
Typically between 6-8 hours total
giftedness assessment
Dr. Michelle Zepeda supports families navigating the admissions process for Westmount Charter Schools or the GATE programs (at Hillhurst School, Queen Elizabeth High School, Louis Riel School, and Henry Wise Wood High School) in Calgary, AB.
Both the Westmount Charter Schools and GATE programs require recent scores from an individually administered intelligence test indicating an IQ score at or above the 98th percentile,
or a standard score at or above 130 (* +/- 5 for Westmount Charter schools). Dr. Michelle Zepeda can test children and teens with testing instruments that
carefully align with entrance criteria for these schools and programs. GATE programs also require academic testing. All testing is typically completed in one session, and there is a quick turnaround time for results.
2) in person cognitive (& academic) testing
3) report writing and feedback
Typically between 5-7 hours total
mental health assessments
Mental health assessments are comprehensive mental health evaluations. These assessments are often sought for when children or teens have been going through a hard time, or have behavioural challenges. They are also helpful to support children who have always been a "worrier" or more "moody" than older children their age. Psychodiagnostic assessments clarify whether someone's symptoms meet specific diagnostic criteria for given mental health disorders. As a trained health child-focused psychologist (or, pediatric psychologist) Dr. Michelle Zepeda can also conduct psychodiagnostic assessments to determine whether a youth's health condition is impacting their mental health, or if their mental health is impacting their physical health. Psychodiagnostic assessments can inform treatment and intervention options.
2) questionnaires completed digitally
3) interview with child/teen
4) report writing
5) feedback session
Typically between 4-6 hours total
frequently asked questions
* Note that the fees for assessments are based on a rate of $235 per hour, as recommended by
the Psychologists' Association of Alberta.