Gifted Assessments in Burlington, Ontario

If your child or teen has been consistently demonstrating exceptional academic performance, then a gifted assessment from one of our registered psychologists can determine whether your child officially meets the criteria for gifted designation according to your child’s district school board.

At CASE Psychology, our psychologists are dedicated to helping you and your child navigate through Ontario’s education system by deeply understanding how best your child learns. We’re one of Halton region’s largest providers of psychological assessments for children and teens, and we’re conveniently located in Burlington, Ontario.

Sometimes, children who have consistently achieved excellent grades, or have demonstrated exceptional intelligence for their age, may find their current classroom setting and coursework delivery to be ‘too easy’. They may often finish assignments (correctly) well before allotted time, and may even complain that they’re bored because they already know the work being taught, leading to unfulfilled potential and possibly unwanted behaviours.

Many district school boards in Ontario automatically screen for giftedness at around Grade 4. Children who are identified as gifted through this screening can receive enriched programming in class (more advanced work than the rest of the class). Alternatively, the school board may grant them eligibility to join a different class or school reserved for gifted students – this can significantly enhance the quality of education for gifted students.

But what happens if your child just misses the gifted designation criteria at the school board’s screening?

That’s where we come in!

What to expect in each session of a gifted assessment
Our gifted assessment for children and teens (ages 7+) is a thorough evaluation of your child’s academic performance (also known as achievement) using a series of standardized psychological tests provided by a mental health professional. Our gifted assessment comprises three sessions, and generally takes about 8 weeks from the first session to the final session.

INITIAL CONSULTATION: Our gifted assessment starts with a 1-hour online video initial consultation, with the parent and the clinician. If your child is 12 years of age, or older, they will be required to attend this initial consultation so that the psychologist can discuss and obtain consent. The clinician discusses the child’s mental and medical history, developmental milestones achieved and missed through the early years, and of course, the details of your child’s academic performance. The psychologist will let you know if you should submit any documents as additional sources of information, such as school report cards.

IN-PERSON TESTING: A few weeks after the initial consultation, your child must attend a 3-hour in-person testing session at our mental health clinic at 5045 South Service Road, Burlington, Ontario. Only the child is required in the testing room with the psychologist. Parents are welcome to wait in any of our waiting areas, or you may leave your child at our clinic and return at pickup time.

FEEDBACK MEETING: A few weeks after your child’s in-person testing sessions, the psychologist completes the gifted assessment report, and hosts the 30-minute online video feedback meeting, usually with only the parent(s). The psychologist presents your child’s testing results compared to your child’s district school board criteria for giftedness. The psychologist describes comprehensive recommendations. The gifted assessment report is shared with you only, and you may then share the gifted assessment report with your child’s school, so that the educational institution may provide accommodations such as enrichment to better support your child in class and uniquely enhance their learning environment.

What is the cost of a gifted assessment at CASE Psychology?
Our gifted assessment costs a total of $ 1920.
We do not require a deposit at the time of booking your appointments.
Your payment method on file is charged for each session, on the day of that session, similar to pay-as-you-go.

Does OHIP cover the cost of a gifted assessment in Ontario?
Your child’s school usually provides free (provincially funded) gifted screening around Grade 4, but if your child misses that gifted screening, or narrowly misses the target criteria for gifted designation, then a private gifted assessment is a valid option for your child, at cost. Gifted assessments provided by private clinics, such as CASE Psychology, are not covered under OHIP.

Will my extended health insurance cover the cost of a gifted assessment?
Most families have extended health insurance that can cover all, or some, of the cost of private psychological assessments. We recommend that you check with your insurance provider whether your child has extended health insurance coverage for registered psychologist services. In addition to the dollar amount of coverage your child may have, you should be aware of your insurance policy’s renewal date, and whether your insurance provider requires a medical doctor’s referral in order to reimburse you for mental health services.

Will the tests, results, and assessment report for CASE Psychology’s gifted assessment be considered valid and accepted at my child’s district school board?
Yes – our psychologists administer standardized psychological tests (standardized for Canada and USA) that evaluate your child’s academic performance, and many district school boards in Ontario utilize these same tests for their own gifted screening. Additionally, our psychologists are well aware of the criteria for gifted designation for all district school boards in southwestern Ontario.

Is there free parking at CASE Psychology?
Yes, CASE Psychology is located at 5045 South Service Road, Burlington, Ontario, and there are several free parking spots available on all sides of the office building.