Commonly Asked Questions
1. I am concerned that my preschool child is behind in their development.
At The Children’s Clinic, we are experts in the field of child development and so can support parents with the many concerns that can arise during a child’s preschool years (for example in the areas of learning, behaviour, mixing with peers, language or motor skills). We offer consultations to parents where we discuss your concerns and provide support and recommendations. In some cases, this may be all that is necessary. If the issues are more significant, we may offer additional consultation or therapeutic intervention sessions or recommend that further assessment is necessary.
2. I think my child might have dyslexia.
If you feel your child needs a dyslexia assessment, you can be assured that our Educational Psychologists have a wealth of experience working with and diagnosing dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties for many years. Our assessments take place in our clinic in Sandycove, where we will look in detail into how your child is performing in the areas of reading, writing, spelling, as well as investigating if there are any areas of your child's cognitive functioning that might be causing these difficulties (for example, working memory issues). Following this assessment, you (and your child if appropriate) will be provided with feedback and a report that will include detailed recommendations for both home and school. If any further letters or forms are needed for the school or Department of Education, these will of course also be provided. If it is necessary, one to one support in some of the areas of need highlighted in the report can be provided through The Children's Clinic.
If you are not confident that an assessment is necessary at this time but would like to talk about your concerns with an expert, you are welcome to book a parent consultation session with us.
3. I think my child might be Autistic.
Children can develop at different paces, and can experience the world differently if Autistic or otherwise neurodivergent. If you are unsure that you want to go ahead with a comprehensive assessment (identification) to investigate if your child is Autistic at this time but would like to talk it through with one of our psychologists and figure out what to do next, you are welcome to book a parent consultation session with us.
If you wish to go ahead with an assessment, be aware that The Children's Clinic assessments at all times follow best practice guidelines and so our reports will be accepted by the HSE and Department of Education and Science. For younger children, the assessment will include a full developmental history and parent interview, in addition to a play based assessment which will be observed by a second member of our team (a Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Psychologist). Sometimes, a cognitive or developmental assessment is needed. Typically if a child is doing well in school academically there is no need to book for an additional cognitive assessment. Adolescents over 15 will often not need a second person at their interview (they would undertake an age appropriate interview rather than a play based assessment).
Our assessments are undertaken in partnership with parents and your child, and so we will support and communicate with you every step of the way so that you aware of what’s involved in the process. Following this assessment, you (and your child if appropriate) will be provided with a report that will include detailed recommendations for both home and school. If it is necessary and appropriate, one to one support in some of the areas of need highlighted in the report can be provided through The Children's Clinic.
4. I think my child might be gifted.
For most very able children, it is usually unnecessary to go ahead with an assessment if your child is well adjusted, has friends and is doing well in school. However, if you feel that your child is being negatively impacted due to their high intelligence, for example they are unhappy and bored in school or are having difficulty making friends, there may be benefits to looking for some professional advice and support. We recommend that you first book a parent consultation with us to discuss your concerns and get some recommendations including where to go next from here.
4. I have concerns about my child but don't know what what they need.
If you have concerns about your child, but are unsure about what they might need, book a Parent Consult appointment with one of our Psychologists. We will look at all the background information, talk to you about your concerns and give you advice about what the next best steps might be for your child.
If you wish to book an autism assessment in Nenagh, please click here instead.
