University and College Student Assessments in Halifax, Bedford, and Across Nova Scotia
Psychoeducational and ADHD Assessments for Post-Secondary Students
Starting university or college can be exciting, but it can also bring new academic demands. Some students begin to notice that the strategies that worked in high school are no longer enough. Others have always worked very hard to keep up, but continue to struggle with reading, writing, attention, organization, memory, test-taking, or completing assignments on time.
At Sunrise Psychological, we provide psychoeducational and ADHD assessments for university and college students in Halifax, Bedford, and across Nova Scotia. Our assessments are designed to help students better understand their learning profile, clarify whether a learning disability or ADHD may be present, and provide documentation to support requests for academic accommodations.
Why do university students seek a psychoeducational assessment?
Students may seek a psychoeducational assessment when they are having difficulty keeping up with the demands of post-secondary learning, or when they need updated documentation for academic accommodations.
An assessment may be helpful if you are experiencing:
difficulty keeping up with readings or written assignments
slow reading, weak reading comprehension, or difficulty retaining what you read
challenges with essay writing, spelling, written organization, or getting ideas onto paper
trouble staying focused in lectures or while studying
procrastination, time management difficulties, or trouble starting tasks
difficulty completing tests or exams within the allotted time
inconsistent academic performance despite strong effort
a history of learning or attention difficulties that was never formally assessed
a need for updated documentation for university or college accommodations
Assessment Documentation for Academic Accommodations
A psychoeducational or ADHD assessment can provide information to support accommodation requests through your school’s Accessibility Services office. Each student’s recommendations are individualized based on their learning profile and the requirements of their post-secondary program. Depending on the assessment results, recommendations may include accommodations such as:
extra time for tests and exams
access to a quiet testing environment
use of assistive technology
access to lecture notes or note-taking supports
flexibility with deadlines when appropriate
What is included in a university student assessment?
Our assessments are comprehensive and tailored to the referral question. Depending on the student’s needs, the assessment may include:
an intake interview to understand academic history and current concerns
review of previous report cards, prior assessments, and school documentation when available
standardized assessment of cognitive abilities (including reasoning, memory, and processing speed).
academic assessment in reading, writing, and math
ADHD and executive functioning interviews and questionnaires (when concerns are present)
consideration of emotional factors, such as anxiety, mood, or stress (when relevant)
a feedback session to review results and next steps
a detailed written report with practical recommendations
What funding and supports are available for student assessments in Nova Scotia?
If you are a college or university student in Nova Scotia, you may be eligible for funding or grants to help cover the cost of assessment or academic supports. We recommend connecting with your school’s Accessibility Services office to ask about available options and documentation requirements.
Students may also wish to explore provincial or federal student aid options for students with disabilities. Requirements can vary, so it is helpful to confirm what documentation is needed before beginning the assessment process.
If you are a university or college student looking for an assessment, or if you are a parent helping your young adult explore support options, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact Sunrise Psychological to schedule a free consultation and learn more about psychoeducational and ADHD assessments for students.