Educational testing encompasses a range of psychometric assessments used to evaluate academic performance and developmental needs which may impact such performance and/or influence student’s/person’s overall behaviour.

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Two key types of educational testing currently offered by Glosna House include:

1) Ability and Attainment Tests 

2) Neurodevelopmental Screening (as opposed to diagnostic) Tests.

 

• Ability and Attainment Tests are used to assess the students’ current academic knowledge, their strengths and their weaknesses which is very helpful in predicting their future academic performance, guiding suitable interventions if necessary. These tests also support informed decision-making around their subject choices, senior cycle programmes, and career planning, particularly for students uncertain about pursuing further education or a specific career path.

 

• Neurodevelopmental Screening Tests are used to identify potential developmental disorders—such as Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Dyslexia—affecting learning and/or behaviour(s). While not diagnostic, these screening tests offer a quicker, more affordable way to identifying barriers to learning, recommending suitable interventions and determining whether formal diagnostic assessment is necessary.

 

Unsure if you need Neurodevelopmental Screening or Diagnostic Assessment?

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Screening Assessment is sufficient when:

• You are exploring symptoms for the first time and want to know if further/formal diagnostic assessment is needed.

• You need a preliminary evaluation to help guide support or intervention (e.g., in school or therapy).

• You are looking for a quicker, lower-cost, and less invasive way to flag potential neurodevelopmental traits.

• You need evidence to access learning supports, such as Reasonable Accommodations (e.g., under the RACE scheme in Irish schools).

• You're applying to the DARE scheme for higher education, which accepts credible screening reports as evidence of disability.

 

 

Diagnostic Assessment is important when (please note diagnostic assessments are not offered by Glosna House):

• A formal diagnosis is needed for medical, legal, or sometimes high needs educational documentation.

• You are seeking medication or treatment from a psychiatrist or GP — most require a formal diagnosis before prescribing.

• There is a complex clinical picture (e.g., extreme or overlapping symptoms with anxiety, trauma, etc.)

• You are applying for disability accommodations in non-educational institutions, which often require a full diagnostic report.

• Your child needs long-term educational supports that require a psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s diagnosis.