The Case for a Psychological Check-Up
Parents often prioritize their children’s physical health—scheduling annual check-ups, staying on top of vaccinations, and remembering their regular eye exams and dental cleanings. But when it comes to our kids’ mental health, we don’t always offer the same level of attention, even though a child’s mental well-being is just as crucial to their overall development.
Raising kids in today’s world is incredibly challenging. Whether it’s my perspective as a grandparent or my experience as a therapist working with families seeking a supportive educational environment for their children, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the value of psychological testing and early mental health support. Just as every child deserves a pediatrician and dentist, they also deserve access to a therapist—someone who can help them navigate how their minds work and how they process the world around them.
All kids take in and process information differently. Neuropsychological testing offers a simple, non-invasive way to gain deep insight into how your child thinks, remembers, focuses, and solves problems, revealing how their brain development impacts their behavior, learning and emotional well-being. Unlike standard IQ tests or typical school standardized testing. It provides a detailed look at how your child processes information: what is easy for them, what is difficult, and why. It’s like a check-up for your child’s brain and behavior.
Why Testing Can Benefit Your Child
There are several important reasons to consider having your child tested:
Discover Their Strengths: Testing isn’t just about finding struggles—it’s also a powerful tool for identifying your child’s unique strengths. This insight can nurture and develop their talents.
Understand Their Struggles: If your child is having trouble making friends, finishing homework, or managing emotions, testing can offer insight into the underlying reasons.
Get the Right Support: Understanding how your child learns best empowers you and their teachers to provide targeted support that can help them both academically and emotionally.
Identify or Rule Out Underlying Issues: Sometimes, challenges in learning can stem from the need for glasses or concussion. Testing can help uncover such factors or rule them out.
Measure Growth Over Time: Testing provides a benchmark that allows you and professionals to track your child’s progress, ensuring that support strategies are working and adjusting them as needed.
We encourage parents to have their children tested at regular intervals. Gaining a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and learning styles can help you—and those who support them—nurture their full potential.
Imy Wax and The Aspire Group can recommend trusted testing resources and work with you collaboratively to interpret and apply the insights gained. Together, we can integrate these findings into your home life in a positive, meaningful way—enhancing not only your child’s growth but also your overall family dynamics.