What should we expect from an assessment?
A Think Works assessment begins by agreeing the question you want answered. The specialist gathers relevant background, meets the child using appropriate activities, interprets the information and provides a written report and feedback discussion. The process is adapted to the child rather than delivered as one identical test package.
Step 1: Your enquiry
Tell us who is making the enquiry, what has been noticed, what support has already been tried and what you hope an assessment will clarify. You do not need to know which service to choose.
Step 2: Initial discussion
The relevant specialist meets with you remotely for around 30 minutes. This conversation helps clarify concerns, decide whether the service is appropriate and agree the focus and practical arrangements.
Step 3: Background information
Depending on the question, we may ask for developmental and educational history, previous reports, school observations or questionnaires. Information is collected with appropriate consent and only where relevant.
Step 4: Meeting the child
The direct assessment commonly takes around 90 minutes and may take longer. It can include conversation, observation, play-based or structured activities and formal measures. Delivery may be face-to-face or remote when clinically and technically appropriate.
Step 5: Interpretation and report
The specialist considers the information as a whole. The report explains the question, methods, findings, strengths, needs, limitations and recommendations. A draft may be shared before feedback where this is the agreed process.
Step 6: Feedback
A remote feedback discussion of around 30 minutes provides an opportunity to understand the conclusions, ask questions and discuss next steps.
Helping your child feel comfortable
Describe the appointment as a chance to find out how learning or communication works best for them. Avoid presenting it as an exam they must pass. Bring anything requested by the specialist and tell us in advance about communication, sensory, access or anxiety needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a parent stay?
This depends on the child, age, activity and assessment requirements. Agree it with the specialist beforehand.
What if my child needs a break?
The specialist will consider comfort, attention and validity. Breaks or a different arrangement may be appropriate.
Will school receive the report?
Reports are shared according to the consent and information-sharing arrangements agreed with the family or commissioning organisation.
How quickly will we receive the report?
We will confirm the current expected timescale when the assessment is arranged.