Specialized Diagnostic Assessments

Our Specialized Diagnostic Assessments are designed to provide in-depth evaluations for children and adolescents with complex developmental, behavioural, and neurobiological concerns. Our skilled multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to assess a variety of conditions, ensuring that every child receives a thorough and personalized evaluation. We are proud to offer specialized assessments in the following areas.

Multidisciplinary Assessments

Our Multidisciplinary Assessments (MTA) offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to understanding and supporting the whole child. Designed for students (ages 4-16) with complex or overlapping developmental, learning, attention, or socio-behavioral concerns, the MTA integrates Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Therapy into one streamlined process. We also collaborate with our Developmental Pediatrician and Pediatric Neuropsychologist as needed. Over the course of a two-day assessment, our team works together to evaluate key areas such as cognitive processing, executive function, sensory-motor skills, language and communication, and more. Following the assessment, families receive a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary report with a clear path forward, including personalized recommendations and support plans. This innovative, integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple separate assessments, making it the ideal choice for families seeking a coordinated, thorough understanding of their child’s needs.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

We offer specialized, family-centered, trauma-informed assessments for children and teens with suspected or known prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Using a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that follows the Canadian Guidelines for FASD Diagnosis—developed with input from CanFASD and Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia (FANS)—our multidisciplinary team works together to understand each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Our team includes psychologists, pediatricians, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, who assess key areas of development to determine whether a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is appropriate, and to guide meaningful supports moving forward.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Our Motor Assessments evaluate a child’s physical abilities and how they interact with their environment through observation, standardized testing, and parent/caregiver interviews. These assessments help identify delays in motor development and specific motor skill challenges potentially associated with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Children with DCD often tire easily, have poor posture, and may avoid physical activities, impacting their social and emotional well-being. It affects 5–6% of school-aged children, is more common in boys, and frequently co-occurs with attention and learning difficulties.

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) & Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)

We are able to facilitate specialized assessments for children exhibiting psychiatric symptoms triggered by infections, including PANS and PANDAS. These assessments include a thorough history review, pediatric evaluations, cognitive testing, and screenings for related autoimmune and neurological concerns. This helps differentiate PANS/PANDAS from other psychiatric or developmental conditions and provides targeted recommendations for treatment.

At Affinity Group, we like to say our assessments are a comma, not a period—because we often support our students and families long after the assessment ends.