Get Expert Child Psychological Assessments in Nova Scotia
Uncover answers and get clear, school-accepted reports for ADHD, autism, or learning challenges — all guided by licensed psychologists who care.
Fast turnaround times with clear next steps
Reports recognized by schools and educators
Don’t Wait—Find the Clarity Your Child Deserves
If you’re seeing your child struggle at school, home, or with attention and emotions, you’re not alone. Our psychological assessments uncover the root cause—ADHD, learning disability, autism, or other concerns—and give you a clear path forward.
You’ve probably asked yourself:
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Understand what’s behind behavior, attention, or academic issues
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Professional diagnosis from licensed psychologists in Nova Scotia
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Personalized reports to support school planning and family care
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No referral needed – free consultation to get started
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We understand. Many parents spend months—sometimes years—searching for answers, only to be met with long waitlists and conflicting advice. The longer you wait, the longer your child struggles without the right support.
Expert Testing and Assessment in Nova Scotia
Our licensed psychologists specialize in comprehensive evaluations that identify strengths, challenges, and the best next steps to help your child thrive.
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- Faster access to expert assessments—no more waiting months for answers
- Reports recognized by schools, therapists, and medical professionals
- Clear, personalized recommendations so you know exactly what to do next
Child Assements we offer:
ADHD Assessments for Children and Teens
Who it’s for:
Children who struggle with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at home or school.
Common signs:
Easily distracted, trouble sitting still, difficulty finishing tasks, frequent outbursts, or disruptive behavior.
What we assess:
Attention span, executive functioning, working memory, and behavior patterns.
What you’ll receive:
A diagnostic report accepted by schools, strategies for home and classroom, and recommendations for support.
Autism Assessments
Who it’s for:
Children showing differences in communication, social interaction, or repetitive behaviors.
Common signs:
Limited eye contact, intense focus on routines or interests, difficulty making friends, or delayed speech.
What we assess:
Social communication skills, sensory processing, behavior, and developmental milestones.
What you’ll receive:
A comprehensive report with diagnostic clarity, school support suggestions, and tailored resources.
Learning Disability Assessments (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia)
Who it’s for:
Children who struggle significantly with reading, writing, or math despite normal effort or instruction.
Common signs:
Avoiding reading/writing tasks, confusing letters, poor spelling, slow reading, or math anxiety.
What we assess:
Academic skills (reading, writing, math), cognitive processes, and information processing.
What you’ll receive:
A full psychoeducational report that identifies learning disabilities and provides school-accepted accommodations and learning strategies.
Giftedness / Advanced Learner Assessments
Who it’s for:
Children who show advanced abilities and may benefit from enrichment or acceleration.
Common signs:
Rapid learning, intense curiosity, complex thinking, or emotional sensitivity.
What we assess:
Cognitive strengths, reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
What you’ll receive:
A detailed report identifying giftedness, along with program suggestions and enrichment strategies.
Combined / Complex Assessments
Who it’s for:
Children with overlapping concerns (e.g., ADHD + learning difficulties, autism + anxiety).
Common signs:
Challenges that span multiple domains — focus, academics, emotions, or social interaction.
What we assess:
A customized mix of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and academic domains.
What you’ll receive:
An integrated report with a holistic understanding of your child’s profile, ideal for school planning and treatment.
Meet Our Experienced Psychologists
Our multidisciplinary team specializes in child development, assessments, and therapy—serving families across Truro, Stellarton, and beyond.
Every child has untapped potential—the key is understanding how they learn, think, and process the world around them. Our assessments provide a full picture of your child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development, helping parents and educators create the best plan for success.
ADHD Evaluations – Get clarity on attention and focus challenges and how to support daily success.
Autism Assessments – Understand your child’s social communication, sensory needs, and behavioral patterns.
Dyscalculia Assessment – Identify difficulties with mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
Dyslexia Assessment – Understand reading challenges and develop strategies for success.
Dysgraphia Assessment – Gain insight into writing difficulties and improve written communication skills.
Advanced Learner Assessment – Identify strengths and areas for enrichment to support high-achieving children.
A diagnosis doesn’t define a child—it gives them access to the right tools, strategies, and support to live life full.
Read this Guide To Our Autism & Learning Assessments in Nova Scotia
What to Expect: Our Simple, Supportive Process
We make the process straightforward, so you feel informed every step of the way.
Initial Consultation – We discuss your concerns and determine the best assessment for your child.
Evaluation & Testing – Your child completes structured, evidence-based assessments with a psychologist.
Comprehensive Report & Recommendations – You receive a detailed, easy-to-understand breakdown of results.
Guidance for Next Steps – We help you access intervention options, school accommodations, and therapy support.
When you know what’s going on you can take the first step toward helping your child feel confident and capable.
IF you need more information read our Parent’s Guide on Psychoeducational Assessments.
Why Families Trust Us
At North Shore Psychological Services, we’ve seen how life-changing the right diagnosis can be. When a child feels understood and supported, their confidence soars.
Trusted by schools, healthcare professionals, and parents across Nova Scotia
Licensed psychologists with expertise in child & adolescent development
Personalized recommendations—because every child’s needs are different
Compassionate, family-focused care—helping parents and children feel supported
Parents tell us that getting answers was the turning point—finally knowing what their child needs and how to help them succeed was life changing.
Proudly serving families in Stellarton, Truro, and across Nova Scotia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Our fees follow APNS guidelines and depend on the assessment type. We’ll provide a clear quote during your free consult. Some private insurance plans may offer reimbursement.
How do I prepare my child?
We’ll guide you through everything. Bring school reports, IEPs, or teacher notes. Make sure your child is well rested and knows it’s not a test—they can’t “fail” an assessment.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. Parents or caregivers can contact us directly to begin the process.
What if I’m unsure which assessment my child needs?
We can help. Book a consultation, and we’ll guide you to the right evaluation based on your concerns and your child’s challenges.
What is included in a child psychological assessment?
A child psychological assessment includes interviews, standardized tests, behavior observations, and questionnaires. It evaluates emotional, cognitive, learning, and social functioning to provide a full picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.
Do I need a referral for a psychological assessment in Nova Scotia?
No referral is needed. Parents can contact us directly to book an assessment or a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the process step by step.
How long does a psychological assessment take?
The full process typically takes 2–4 weeks from intake to final report. Testing sessions are usually 2–3 hours, spread over one or two days, depending on the child’s needs.
Will schools accept your psychological assessment report?
Yes. Our reports are completed by licensed psychologists and are accepted by most public and private schools in Nova Scotia to support IEPs and learning accommodations.
What are signs my child may need an assessment?
Common signs include frequent struggles with focus, reading or math, behavior changes, anxiety at school, or delayed speech or motor skills. If you’re unsure, a consultation can help determine the next step.
Not Sure What Assessment Your Child Needs?
Here’s how our different assessment types compare—so you can find the best starting point.
| Type of Assessment | Common Signs It’s Needed | What It Helps Clarify |
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| ADHD Evaluation | Struggles with focus, restlessness, impulsivity | ADHD diagnosis, executive functioning |
| Psychoeducational / Learning | Reading, writing, or math delays; school struggles | Learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia |
| Autism Assessment | Social challenges, communication delays | Autism spectrum diagnosis |
| Speech-Language Evaluation | Difficulty with speech, language, comprehension | Language delay, articulation, communication barriers |
Don’t Wait Any Longer—Give Your Child the Support They Deserve
Every day without answers is a missed opportunity for growth. The right assessment can provide clarity, validation, and the tools your child needs to succeed. Let’s take that first step together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional referral for dysgraphia testing?
Your child or teen’s pediatrician, school, or mental health provider may refer your child. However, a professional referral isn’t necessary unless required by your insurance provider.
How much does a dysgraphia evaluation cost?
Dysgraphia assessments vary by purpose and service providers. However, typically, a dysgraphia evaluation for a school-aged child is between $3150- $3,375.
Each evaluation typically involves 4 to 6 hours of direct assessment time with the client and then additional time for scoring, interpretation, and report writing by the psychologist. The whole process takes approximately 15 hours. Please call for more information about fees for various assessment services.
How do I explain the dysgraphia assessment to my child?
Many children and teens find the process interesting. That said, we want your child to be motivated and relaxed on the assessment day. To help prepare your child, you can:
- Listen to their concerns
- Avoid using the word “test,” instead consider using “activities”
- Let them know that the purpose is to help them better understand themselves or what they’re experiencing
- Normalize the experience by reassuring them that other children participate in evaluations, too
The psychologist will also explain the assessment, including addressing any concerns.