As parents, one of our greatest hopes is to see our children grow into confident, capable individuals who feel understood, valued, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges. But sometimes, when children struggle—whether it’s with learning, emotions, or behaviour—it can leave parents feeling lost, worried, or unsure of what to do next.
At Compass Clinic, we help families find that crucial sense of clarity. As a trusted Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver, our team of professionals provides comprehensive psychological assessments that uncover what’s going on beneath the surface—so your child can get the right support, and you can feel confident in the path ahead.
Why Psychological Assessment Matters
Children often don’t have the language to explain what they’re experiencing internally. Instead, struggles may show up as frustration during homework, difficulty focusing, withdrawal from peers, frequent meltdowns, or a sudden change in school performance. As a parent, it can be difficult to know whether what you’re seeing is just a “phase” or a sign that more support is needed.
This is where a psychological assessment comes in.
An assessment offers more than just a label—it offers insight. By understanding how your child thinks, learns, feels, and behaves, we can identify the root of their challenges and make evidence-based recommendations tailored to their unique profile. Whether your child is facing anxiety, learning difficulties, attention issues, or developmental delays, a well-conducted assessment becomes a roadmap to growth.
What We Assess: Exploring the Full Spectrum of Development
At Compass Clinic, we work with children and teens aged 3 to 19, using age-appropriate tools and techniques to evaluate the many interconnected aspects of their development. Common areas we assess include:
ADHD & Executive Functioning Challenges
Does your child struggle to sit still, follow instructions, stay organized, or remember multi-step directions? These challenges often stem from executive functioning difficulties, which are common in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our assessments evaluate attention span, working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and other critical functions that impact school and home life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavioural patterns. We use specialized tools such as the ADOS-2 and in-depth interviews to assess whether a child meets criteria for ASD, and to help families better understand their child’s unique way of interacting with the world.
Learning Disabilities
Some children appear bright but struggle in specific academic areas like reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), or writing (dysgraphia). These difficulties are not caused by a lack of effort or intelligence, but by differences in how the brain processes information. Our psychoeducational assessments evaluate intellectual ability alongside academic achievement to identify learning strengths, challenges, and specific diagnoses when applicable.
Giftedness & Twice-Exceptionality (2e)
Gifted children often think and learn differently—and when combined with ADHD, ASD, or a learning disability, it creates a unique profile known as twice-exceptionality (2e). These children can go unnoticed in school because their strengths mask their struggles (or vice versa). Our assessments provide a nuanced understanding to support both areas of need.
Emotional, Social & Behavioural Concerns
Is your child anxious, withdrawn, perfectionistic, or quick to anger? Emotional concerns are often intertwined with learning or behavioural issues. We use standardized tools, behavioural observations, and interviews to assess conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, behavioural regulation challenges, and emotional dysregulation—all in a compassionate, non-stigmatizing way.
Our Assessment Process: Clear, Collaborative, and Child-Centred
At Compass Clinic, we know how overwhelming this process can feel. That’s why we design every step of the assessment to be transparent, collaborative, and grounded in your child’s well-being.
1. Intake Session
We begin with a detailed conversation with parents or caregivers to understand your concerns, goals, and your child’s history—covering everything from early development to school experiences, behaviours, and emotional well-being.
2. Testing Sessions
Your child will participate in 1–2 sessions of standardized testing in a quiet, welcoming environment. We use developmentally appropriate, validated tools designed to evaluate cognitive functioning, learning abilities, language skills, memory, processing speed, executive functions, social-emotional functioning, and more.
Our psychologists are skilled at building rapport and helping children feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
3. Collaboration with Schools and Educators
With your consent, we may consult with teachers or school staff to understand your child’s behaviour and performance in an academic setting. This helps us create a full picture and ensures that our recommendations are school-relevant.
4. Written Report
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report outlining your child’s strengths and challenges, any diagnoses (if applicable), and specific recommendations for home, school, and therapeutic support.
5. Feedback Session
We’ll review the findings with you in detail, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps. Whether that means pursuing school accommodations, starting therapy, or simply understanding your child better, we’re here to support your family through the process.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Assessment is the starting point—not the end. At Compass Clinic, we offer a range of post-assessment supports that build on the insights gathered:
- Individual therapy for anxiety, emotional regulation, or self-esteem
- Skill-building groups focused on executive functioning, social skills, or transition to middle/high school
- Parent coaching to help caregivers implement strategies at home
- School consultation to support IEPs, gifted placement, or accommodations
- Referrals to allied professionals (e.g., speech-language or occupational therapy) when needed
We ensure continuity of care, so your child isn’t just assessed and left to figure it out alone—we walk with you every step of the way.
Why Families Trust Compass Clinic
A child-first, strength-based philosophy
Multidisciplinary team including psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and OTs
Deep expertise in neurodevelopmental and learning assessments
Warm, welcoming environment that puts kids at ease
Clear, practical reports and recommendations
A focus on empowerment, not just diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a psychological assessment, and why might my child need one?
A psychological assessment helps uncover learning, emotional, or behavioural challenges and provides clear, evidence-based recommendations. It’s often used to support school planning, therapy, parenting strategies, and understanding your child more deeply.
2. At what age can a child be assessed?
We provide assessments for children and youth ages 3 to 19, adapting our tools and approach to meet developmental needs.
3. What’s involved in the assessment process?
The process typically includes:
- An intake meeting
- 1–2 child testing sessions
- Teacher/caregiver questionnaires
- A comprehensive written report
- A parent feedback session
Each step is designed to be informative, compassionate, and collaborative.
4. How long does it take?
Most assessments take 10–12 hours total, including all interviews, testing, scoring, and reporting. Sessions are scheduled with your family’s needs in mind.
5. Will this lead to a diagnosis?
If your child meets criteria for conditions like ADHD, ASD, or a learning disorder, a formal diagnosis will be provided. However, diagnosis is just one part of the process—we emphasize understanding and supporting the whole child.
6. Will this help with school accommodations or IEPs?
Yes. Our reports are often used to support IEPs, 504 Plans, gifted program placement, and academic accommodations like extra time or modified assignments.
7. Can my child receive therapy after the assessment?
Yes. Therapy services are available at Compass Clinic and can be tailored to the findings of the assessment. This might include individual counselling, family support, or group programs.
8. Do you offer virtual services?
We offer virtual intake and feedback meetings, but the assessment sessions themselves must be conducted in person to ensure accurate results.
9. How do I know what kind of assessment my child needs?
Our intake consultation helps determine this. Based on your concerns and your child’s history, we’ll recommend the most appropriate type of assessment (e.g., psychoeducational, developmental, behavioural, or combined).
10. How do we get started?
📞 Call (604) 709-3515 or
🌐 Visit www.compassclinic.ca to request an intake consultation.
We’re here to answer your questions and walk with you through each step of the journey.
Let’s Discover the Path Forward—Together
At Compass Clinic, we believe that understanding is power. When a child’s needs are seen clearly, their potential is unlocked—and parents can parent with confidence, not confusion.
If you’re ready to discover the why behind your child’s challenges—and the how to help them thrive—we’re here to guide the way.
Let’s build clarity, confidence, and a brighter path forward—together. Contact us to book consultation.