An assessment takes many forms. Assessment generally means the evaluation of something or someone. It can occur formally and informally.

At Little Oaks, we offer formal assessments for neurodevelopmental presentations, such as ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disorders, Gifted Intelligence, as well as behaviour, personality, and mental health assessments (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar, OCD, PTSD). These types of assessments are often referred to as psychoeducational or psychological assessments.

Formal assessments occur over the course of several sessions (usually upward of 10 sessions), and include a comprehensive report with individualized guidance and recommendations for next steps.

Informal assessment is part of all Little Oaks treatment options, and involves a thorough intake process, interviewing, and analysis for treatment planning.

A diagnosis is a category or grouping of symptoms that cause significant impairment (i.e., problems) in wellness and/or functioning at school, work, and/or in social relationships. Features group together in ways that have a particular meaning, and help clients and medical professionals better understand the presenting challenges enabling them to identify evidence-based treatments or supports.

Diagnosis can be important when seeking particular treatment options, services, and programs for a particular need, as well as for self-awareness. A diagnosis can also have implications for access and programming in schools and workplaces.

At Little Oaks, we view diagnosis as a means to treatment planning and insights to help people learn about themselves and the world around them. It is not a solution, but a jumping off point for clients and clinicians alike.

“Learning differently” means processing and understanding information in a way that is different from peers. Everyone has strengths and differences. Some people may show strengths visual or auditory learning. Some people may learn best by using and hearing language while others may do best with puzzles and patterns. Some may prefer and some may resist hands-on activities. Being aware of your learning profile can help to tailor studying techniques and learning environments to better suit these specific needs.

At Little Oaks Psychology in Edmonton, we specialise in helping families manage complex behavioural issues. Challenging and complex behaviours are common in individuals with neurological differences (e.g., ADHD, Autism, Learning Disorders, intellectual impairment). Complex behaviours are caused by complex factors, and may break unwritten societal rules for safety, impact family functioning, restrict access to programming, or may lead to high risk outcomes for the individual. Such behaviours involve emotions, our ability to control impulses, and our self-awareness and ability to monitor and change our behaviour, not working as well as they should.

Examples of challenging & complex behaviours include:

• Physical or verbal aggression

• Self-injury

• Property destruction

• Disinhibited and impulsive behaviour

• Impulsivity

ACT is “a psychological intervention based on modern behavioural psychology,” and is defined as “a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that challenges the ground rules of most Western psychology.” (Dr. Russ Harris, 2011). The goal in ACT is to help patients create a rich and meaningful life and develop mindfulness skills alongside the existence of pain and suffering.

Acceptance is an alternative to our instinct to avoid thinking about negative-or potentially negative-experiences. It is the active choice to allow unpleasant experiences to exist, without trying to deny or change them.

CBT is an evidence-based, effective form of therapy for changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviours. CBT uses many well-researched techniques. By understanding the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how they can influence each other, your therapist will identify which CBT strategy is best suited to your particular needs.

CBT is not generally considered a risky therapy, though there are some things to keep in mind:

• Some types of CBT, like exposure therapy, can increase stress and anxiety while you’re working your way through it.

• CBT does not work overnight. CBT can be thought of as a lifestyle change that you can build on and improve upon throughout your life.

• It takes commitment and willingness to work on new techniques between sessions and after therapy has ended.

Assessment provides insight that guides treatment planning to support a more direct and individualised path forward.

When the source of struggle is unclear, or it seems that mood, worries, social relationships, work or school, or a variety of other presenting concerns are more significant than is typical, an assessment may be recommended as a good place to start.

Another reason, is if there is a need for programming changes, access to specialized services, or accommodations or modifications at school or in the workplace, an assessment may be needed for formal documentation and/or diagnosis.

Counselling can be started at any time (before, after, or during an assessment, if needed) and an assessment can be initiated after starting with a counsellor. If you are still uncertain where to start, our Intake Clinicians are here to help. They can advise you based on your specific concerns, and after an initial interview with either the counselling or assessment clinician, you will be supported toward the most applicable path for you.

Little Oaks Specializes in Neurodiversity, Mental Health, & Families. In general, we offer the following services:

• Assessments for ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disorders, Giftedness, Mental Health (e.g., Anxiety, OCD, Trauma, Depression), & Behaviour Disorders (e.g., ODD, CD, IED). We specialize in comprehensive and differential diagnostic profiles.

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Adolescent / Teen-Focused Challenges

• Behavioural Support & Complex Behaviour Change

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Early Childhood Behaviours

• Executive Functioning/ Learning Support

• Family Therapy

• Mental Health Counselling

• Neurodiversity Consulting

• Parenting Work

• Specialized Therapy for Gifted Individuals

• Supporting Transitions

• Therapeutic Play

• Young Adult Transitions