Evaluations Explained: A Simple Guide for Families

Do you feel confused when someone talks about “evaluations” for your child? You are not alone. Many parents hear words like “assessment” or “testing” and feel lost. There are many steps and new words. It can be hard to know what is happening.

This guide can help you. It tells you what evaluations are, who does them, where they happen, and how they can help your child.

What Do These Words Mean?

Sometimes teachers or doctors use different words for the same thing.

Evaluation: The whole process of learning about your child.
Assessment/Test: One part of the process, like a quiz, activity, or set of questions.

You might hear these words used a lot. That’s okay! This guide mostly says “evaluation,” but all these words are about figure out how to help your child.

Types of Evaluations (and Who Does Them)

Here are the main types of evaluations. Each type checks something different. Each is done by a special kind of helper.

1. Psychological Evaluations

These are “big picture” evaluations. They look at your child’s feelings, behavior, social skills, and thinking. This may include IQ tests and look at how your child talks and moves compared to other kids their age.

Who/Where: Licensed psychologists (PhD or PsyD) or school psychologists (EdD). Sometimes they are counselors or social workers. These tests can happen in private practice, clinics, hospitals, or schools.
Common Questions: “Does my child have Autism or ADHD?” “Why is my child anxious?”
Tip: Ask if the person is trained and allowed to make a diagnosis, not just give test scores.

2. Psychoeducational Evaluations

This evaluation checks how your child learns and their skills in reading, writing, math, and more. They also check to see if feelings or behavior make school harder.

Who/Where: School psychologists, licensed psychologists, and sometimes learning specialists. Usually at school (with an IEP team), but sometimes clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
Common Questions: “Why is my child struggling in school?” “Does my child have a learning disability?”
Tip: These evaluations often help your child get special help or a specialized learning plan (e.g., IEP).

3. Behavioral Evaluations

A behavioral evaluation looks at when, where, and why certain behaviors happen and what might cause them.

Who/Where: Psychologists, school psychologists, counselors, or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). At school, clinics, or home.
Common Questions: “Why does my child have so many meltdowns?” “How can we help manage behavior?”
Tip: You may fill out forms or be asked questions. Someone may watch your child do an activity or play.

4. Neuropsychological Evaluations

These are for kids with a medical problem that affects the brain, like a head injury, seizures, or brain tumor. They may check memory, attention, and more.

Who/Where: Neuropsychologists, sometimes child neurologists. Usually hospitals or medical centers, sometimes private practices.
Common Questions: “Does my child’s condition affect thinking?” “Why is my child having trouble with memory and attention since their diagnosis?”
Tip: May take several hours or more than one day and can include brain scans.

5. Psychiatric Evaluations

This evaluation focuses on your child’s emotional or behavioral health through conversation about symptoms, daily life, and family or medical history.

Who/Where: Psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners. Hospitals, clinics, mental health centers, or private practices.
Common Questions: “Does my child need therapy or medication?” “What is causing my child’s mood swings?”
Tip: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. These don’t usually include IQ or academic testing.

6. Speech and Language Evaluations

If your child has trouble speaking or understanding others, a speech and language evaluation checks their communication and social language skills.

Who/Where: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Schools, clinicals, hospitals, or therapy centers.
Common Questions: “Why is my child hard to understand?” “Does my child understand directions or use words like other kids their age?”
Tip: A hearing test may be included.

7. Occupational Therapy Evaluations

An occupational therapy (OT) evaluation looks at fine motor skills, self-care, and sensory processing.

Who/Where: Occupational therapists (OTs). Schools, clinics, hospitals, therapy centers, or at home (for young kids).
Common Questions: “Why does my child have trouble with handwriting?” “Is my child overly sensitive to sensations?”
Tip: The process and goals change with your child’s age.

8. Physical Therapy Evaluations

For kids who are struggling with movement, strength, or balance, a PT evaluation is the way to go. It covers walking, running, coordination, and gross motor skills.

Who/Where: Physical therapists (PTs). Hospitals therapy centers, schools, or at home (for young kids).
Common Questions: “Why is my child late to start walking?” “What support does my child need after surgery?”
Tip: What happens in PT depends on your child’s age and needs.

Make Sure You Have the Right Professional

Not every person is trained to do every kind of evaluation or to give a diagnosis. Ask if they are licensed, have special training with kids, and can diagnose, not just give tests.

You can check your state’s licensing board, ask your school or doctor, or look at the American Psychological Association or Psychology Today.

Getting Started

Talk to your child’s doctor, teacher, or school counselor. Ask what kind of test your child needs and about the person doing it. There are no silly questions. You can always get a second opinion. You know your child best and do not have to do this alone.

Helpful Resources for Families

Proper Citation for this blog post:
Koenig, K.R. (September 15, 2026). What’s an evaluation? Easy answers for parents and caregivers. https://infoaboutkids.org/blog/evaluations-explained-a-simple-guide-for-families/