Child Behavioural and Developmental Services

A: Not necessarily. Inattention in children may be related to lack of sleep, emotional stress, learning difficulties, environmental factors or other developmental needs. If attention difficulties continue to affect learning, family life or social performance, professional assessment is recommended.

A: An autism assessment may be considered if a child shows noticeable differences from peers in social interaction, language communication, eye contact, emotional understanding, play patterns or behaviour, or if parents or the school suspect autism spectrum traits.

A: No. Children of different ages have different developmental and learning needs. Preschool children may receive a preliminary developmental assessment, while school-age children and adolescents may receive assessments for attention, learning, literacy, intelligence, language or emotional concerns.

A: A dyslexia assessment helps understand a child’s reading, writing and related learning abilities. It can help identify learning difficulties and provide suitable learning strategies and support recommendations. The assessment report may also be used by the school for further follow-up.
 

A: If a child experiences persistent low mood, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, significant changes in sleep or appetite, or if emotional difficulties affect learning, family or social life, early professional assessment and support are recommended.