Assessments For All Ages in Kitchener-Waterloo
Clear Answers for Informed Next Steps
At Colibri NeuroWellness, we conduct assessments across the lifespan. Each assessment is tailored to identify individual strengths and challenges, guiding personalized recommendations and supports for optimal functioning at home, school, or work. We provide neuropsychological, psychoeducational, mental health, OT, SLP, and women's health evaluations. In-person assessments in Kitchener & Waterloo with secure online assessments across Ontario.
Diagnostic Clarity
Get clear answers about ADHD, Autism, Learning Difficulties, Mental Health, Sensory & Motor Skills, Speech-Language Challenges, and Women's Health Concerns.
Accommodations
Learn which supports can make daily tasks feel more manageable at school, work, or home. You’ll explore practical, strengths‑honouring strategies tailored to how you learn and communicate.
Strengths & Challenges
See what comes easily, what feels challenging, and how those differences show up in daily life at home, school, and work, so that life feels less overwhelming.
Informed Care Decisions
Understand what’s going on in your body or mind and how it all fits together. Learn what supports and next steps can fit your daily life, goals, and wellbeing.
Assessment Services to Support You & Your Family
Practical recommendations and a plan that fits home, school, and work.
You or your child may be experiencing challenges with focus, learning, communication, or managing daily tasks. You might also have questions about physical or mental health and need a clearer understanding in order to access the right supports and interventions.
We offer a range of assessment services designed to support both children and adults. Our Psychology team provides Psychological, Psychoeducational, and Neuropsychological evaluations to explore concerns related to learning, attention, brain–behaviour relationships, and mental health. Nurse Practitioner assessments are available to investigate physical and mental health conditions. We also offer Occupational Therapy assessments focused on sensory processing and fine motor skills, as well as Speech‑Language assessments that address communication abilities and literacy skills.
If you’re unsure which assessment is the best fit for you or your child, we’re here to guide you.
- Identifying learning strengths and challenges
- Diagnosing ADHD, Autism (ASD), and learning disabilities
- Assessing brain functioning, memory, and processing speed
- Understanding attentional, behavioural, and emotional regulation
- Determining eligibility for gifted programming or specialized supports
- Guiding school recommendations, accommodations, and IEPs
- Providing clarity to help families make informed decisions
- Addressing women’s health concerns, including menopause and PMS
- Facilitating referrals to appropriate specialists or additional services
- Establishing cognitive baselines for ongoing monitoring
- Identifying cognitive changes related to neurological or medical conditions
- Evaluating physical and mental health concerns
- Diagnosing dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions
- Assessing sensory processing and fine motor skills
- Examining speech, language, and communication abilities
- Supporting workplace accommodations and access to community resources
- Enhancing self-understanding and self-advocacy
- Assessing decision-making capacity and functional independence
An assessment can help you see the whole picture, then move forward with confident next steps.
Assessments | Kitchener & Waterloo
Assessments We Offer
Assessments can help children, teens, and adults understand how they learn, think, remember, pay attention, communicate and manage emotions. We combine standardized measures, interviews, and observation to build a clear picture, with next steps that work in real life.
Psychoeducational Assessments
Learn more
For children (age 7+), teens, and adults.
These comprehensive assessments provide insight into cognitive and academic abilities, ADHD, and aspects of psychological functioning such as mood, anxiety, and depression.
Psychoeducational assessments help identify learning profiles and learning disorders (such as dyslexia or dyscalculia) and offer recommendations for supports and accommodations, including suggested strategies for school Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or workplace accommodations.
The assessment process may include clinical interviews, behavioural observations, standardized questionnaires, academic and cognitive testing, and psychological screening.
ADHD-Only Assessments
Learn more
For adults.
ADHD-only assessments are specialized evaluations focused on determining whether an individual meets the criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These assessments involve a thorough review of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms, as well as their impact on daily functioning at home, school, or work.
The assessment process includes clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, and behavioural observations. In-person cognitive testing may or may not be included, depending on the presenting concerns. The goal is to provide a clear diagnosis and tailored recommendations for treatment, support, and accommodations specific to ADHD.
ASD-Only Assessments
Learn more
For adults.
ASD-Only Assessments are specialized evaluations focused on determining whether an individual meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The assessment process includes a detailed clinical interview, developmental history, standardized behavioural observations, and completion of questionnaires by the individual and an informant. In-person cognitive testing may or may not be included, depending on the presenting concerns.
This assessment examines social communication, interaction patterns, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. Findings are summarized in a comprehensive report with diagnostic conclusions and tailored recommendations for interventions, supports, or accommodations.
Neuropsychological Assessments
Learn more
For children (age 7+), teens, and adults.
Neuropsychological assessments are comprehensive evaluations that measure cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and executive functioning.
These assessments help identify patterns of strengths and challenges related to brain functioning. They are valuable for evaluating brain-behaviour relationships related to dementia, epilepsy, stroke, acquired brain injuries, prenatal/perinatal complications, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
The results inform personalized recommendations and support strategies for improving daily functioning, academic performance, or work-related skills.
Giftedness Assessments
Learn more
For children (age 7+) and teens.
Giftedness assessments are integrated into Psychoeducational Assessments to identify exceptional intellectual potential.
By measuring cognitive domains such as verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, and visual-spatial skills, these assessments determine eligibility for specialized gifted programming.
The results provide a detailed profile of a student’s cognitive strengths, informing recommendations for academic enrichment and tailored educational strategies to ensure appropriate intellectual engagement.
Occupational Therapy Assessments
Learn more
For children (age 4+), teens, and adults.
Occupational Therapy Assessments evaluate both sensory processing and fine motor skills to determine how individuals respond to sensory input (such as sounds, lights, or textures) and perform tasks requiring hand coordination and dexterity.
These assessments identify challenges that may affect daily functioning, learning, or behaviour.
Based on the findings, personalized recommendations and strategies are provided to support optimal participation at home, school, or work.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Assessments
Learn more
For teens (16+) and adults.
DSO Assessments are the standardized process for determining eligibility and support needs for individuals with developmental disabilities in Ontario.
The process includes clinical interviews, behavioural observations, assessment of Intellectual (IQ) and Adaptive Functioning, and completion of standardized questionnaires.
Speech-Language Assessments
Learn more
For children, teens, and adults.
A Speech-Language Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to assess an individual’s communication abilities.
This assessment examines speech clarity, language comprehension and expression, social communication, and, when relevant, voice and fluency. For younger children, an assessment of literacy skills may be included.
Results inform the development of personalized intervention strategies and recommendations to support effective communication at home, school, or work.
Nurse Practitioner Assessments
Learn more
For adults.
We offer Nurse Practitioner-led Women’s Health, Adult ADHD, and Adult Mental Health Assessments. Adult Autism (ASD) Assessments are conducted on a case-by-case basis, depending on complexity.
The assessment process includes a 60- to 90-minute Intake Appointment, and a 30-minute Follow-Up Appointment for lab review, diagnostics, referrals, and initial medication management (where applicable).
The results of Nurse Practitioner-led assessments can inform the diagnosis and management of physical and mental health conditions, guide the selection of appropriate treatments or interventions, and identify the need for further specialist referrals.
Understanding strengths and needs can bring relief, direction, and a brighter path forward.
Assessments | Kitchener & waterloo
Why Work With Us?
At Colibri NeuroWellness, assessments go beyond labels and provide meaningful, personalized insight. We take the time to understand the full picture, your strengths, challenges, and how they show up in daily life, so you leave with clear answers, practical recommendations, and support you can actually use.
Neuro-affirming, whole-person care
We honour different brains and nervous systems. Assessments are tailored to sensory needs, communication style, and executive functioning needs.
Clear results, plain-language reports
No jargon. You’ll understand what the findings mean and what to do next at home, school, and work.
Actionable next steps
Concrete recommendations, accommodations, and everyday tools you can start using right away.
Support under one roof
Psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, executive functioning coaches, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and a nurse practitioner collaborate so you don’t have to piece together care.
Help across the lifespan
We provide compassionate, evidence‑based assessment services for children, teens, and adults of all ages. Whether you’re seeking clarity about learning differences, attention and focus, communication, or mental health, our team supports individuals and families through every stage of life.
We collaborate when it helps
With your consent, we liaise with schools, workplaces, and health providers to make supports easier to access.
Meet Our Team
Connect With An Assessment Provider in Kitchener-Waterloo or Online
Heather Wesselo
MN. NP. CNE.
Nurse Practitioner
Amita Verma
M.Sc., R.SLP, S-LP (C)
Registered Speech-Language Pathologist
Elizabeth Scanlon
BPH, M.Sc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
Naomi Stager
M.Sc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.), B.Sc., AEC
Occupational Therapist
Katie George
M.Sc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
Dr. Kathy Smolewska
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Director/
Clinical Psychologist &
Neuropsychologist
Dr. Krista Mitchnick
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Our psychologists, nurse practitioner, speech‑language pathologists, and occupational therapists work together to provide comprehensive, integrated assessments for individuals of all ages. You leave with clear results and practical recommendations you can use at home, school, and work.
Our Approach
How Assessments Work
Understanding Your Needs
We start with a brief screening call or email with our administrative assistants to help you choose the right assessment for your needs. You will be emailed an Intake Form so you can describe why you are seeking an assessment and what your goals are.
Initial Consultation or Interview
During your first appointment, we will gather a full-picture of your experiences, needs, and goals so we can work together with you to determine the scope of the assessment.
For Psychological Assessments, you will also complete a Background Questionnaire before your first appointment, which will be reviewed and used to help guide your discussion together.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Depending on the type of assessment, such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Women’s Health, Mental Health, Speech-Language, Fine Motor, or Sensory Processing, you may complete different types of evaluations. These can include cognitive tasks, academic skill checks, language or communication assessments, and emotional or behavioural measures to better understand how you think, learn, communicate, and function day to day.
Reviewing Your Results
After the assessment, you will meet with your provider for a Feedback Session or Follow-Up Appointment to go over your results in detail. This is an opportunity to ask questions, clarify findings, and discuss next steps so you leave with a clear understanding of your results and a plan moving forward.
Receiving a Report or Diagnostic Letter
Depending on the type of assessment you participate in, you may be provided with a comprehensive report or brief diagnostic letter:
A Comprehensive Report will explain the assessment results in a clear and accessible way. This includes what the findings mean, how they relate to your experiences, and how they connect to your specific assessment type (e.g., ADHD, ASD, mental health, learning concerns, etc.).
A Diagnostic Letter briefly summarizes key findings and diagnoses, which can be used for school, workplace, or other documentation purposes as needed.
Personalized Recommendations
Based on your results, you will receive tailored recommendations designed to help support your needs. This may include strategies, therapies, suggestions for accommodations, or resources to help you function more comfortably and effectively in everyday environments.
Assessments | Kitchener & Waterloo
Questions About Assessments
What concerns do I need to have to seek an assessment?
People may seek an assessment when ongoing challenges are affecting how they function in daily life, whether at school, work, home, or in relationships. This can include difficulties with attention, organization, learning, communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, or overall mental and physical wellbeing. What matters most is noticing patterns of struggle, feeling “stuck,” or wanting a clearer understanding of what’s going on and what supports might help.
Depending on the area of concern, this may look like persistent focus or executive functioning difficulties (ADHD), social communication or sensory differences (ASD), mood or anxiety-related concerns (mental health), cycle-related or life-stage changes affecting wellbeing (women’s health), challenges with speech, language, or communication (speech-language), or difficulties with daily functioning, routines, or independence (occupational therapy). An assessment helps clarify these experiences and identify meaningful next steps and supports.
What types of assessments are offered at Colibri NeuroWellness?
We offer a range of different assessments to help support individuals of all ages:
- Psychoeducational Assessments for children, teens, and adults focus on cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses, often in response to school challenges and suspected learning disabilities (for example, dyslexia, dyscalculia). They may also evaluate for ADHD, Autism, and psychological functioning concerns.
- ADHD & ASD-Only Assessments offer a focused assessment for adults. Both assessments are designed to address specific concerns and help individuals access the resources they need to thrive.
- Neuropsychological assessments evaluate cognitive, psychological, emotional, and behavioural functioning as a whole. A neuropsychological assessment may be appropriate if there is a history of concussions, brain surgery, epilepsy, complex medical/ psychiatric needs or prenatal/ perinatal/ neurodevelopmental factors (for example, prematurity, low birth weight, missed milestones). These assessments may also evaluate for ADHD, Autism, and psychological functioning concerns.
- Giftedness Assessments help identify advanced cognitive abilities, unique learning strengths, and areas where a child or teen may benefit from enriched or accelerated learning opportunities. These evaluations look beyond academic performance to understand problem‑solving skills, reasoning, and how an individual processes information. By gaining a clearer picture of a person’s strengths and potential, giftedness assessments provide guidance for appropriate educational programming, enrichment opportunities, and supports that help individuals thrive in ways that feel both challenging and fulfilling.
- Occupational Therapy Assessments evaluate both sensory processing and fine motor skills to determine how individuals respond to sensory input (such as sounds, lights, or textures) and perform tasks requiring hand coordination and dexterity.
- DSO Assessments support applications for services through Developmental Services Ontario related to developmental disabilities.
- Speech-Language Assessment examine speech clarity, language comprehension and expression, social communication, literacy skills, as well as voice quality and fluency.
- Nurse Practitioner-led Assessments include Women’s Health, Adult ADHD, and Adult Mental Health evaluations. These assessments inform diagnosis, treatment planning, management of health conditions, and guide referrals. They also support individualized care plans, medication recommendations, and accommodations.
How long do assessments take?
The length of the assessment greatly depends on the type and complexity involved. Most assessments include an Intake/Initial Appointment plus Testing or Evaluation over several in-office or virtual sessions.
In general, Psychoeducational, Psychological, and Neuropsychological Assessments are finalized within 3 to 4 months from start to finish. However, some simpler assessments, such as a Sensory Profile, may be completed in as little as 2 weeks.
Do you offer assessments for adults as well as children?
Yes. While assessments often begin in childhood or adolescence when teachers or caregivers notice concerns such as learning difficulties, attention challenges, or signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), many adults also seek or are referred for assessment later in life. Adult assessments can help clarify long-standing or emerging difficulties related to work performance, daily functioning, mental health, or other life stressors by better understanding how neuropsychological functioning may be contributing to these experiences.
What will I need to provide for my assessment, and what does an assessment entail?
To help inform your assessment, we ask that you share any relevant documents such as medical records, school reports, past assessments, or other testing, as these help increase accuracy and provide a more complete picture.
During the assessment, you can expect questions about your or your child’s history, including pre- and post-natal development, home life, school experiences, physical health conditions, developmental milestones, social wellbeing, learning or attention challenges, and any other factors related to your concerns. The more information you’re able to share, the more comprehensive the understanding will be.
Standardized questionnaires and tests are also used to assess areas of cognitive, academic, and/or neuropsychological functioning, such as attention, memory, language abilities, and motor skills, helping to better understand strengths and areas of difficulty.
Are assessments at Colibri NeuroWellness covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover assessments completed by a Psychologist or Nurse Practitioner at a private practice. Many clients are able to use extended health benefits, employee health benefits, or private insurance plans to cover some or all of the cost, depending on their coverage.
We offer direct billing for most insurance plans for assessments, however, because details vary between policies, it’s recommend that you review your plan to confirm coverage for the services provided, any limits, and when your benefits reset.
Coverage for assessments conducted would be classified as the provider’s discipline, such as Psychologist, Speech-Language Pathologist, or Occupational Therapist. Nurse Practitioner (NP) assessments may be covered under a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) or a Wellness Spending Account (WSA).
Have more questions? See All FAQs
Assessments | Kitchener & Waterloo
How Life Can Feel After an Assessment
After an assessment at Colibri NeuroWellness, life often feels clearer, lighter, and more manageable. You finally understand what comes easily, what feels challenging, and why certain patterns have been showing up at home, school, or work. With a fuller picture of strengths, needs, and next steps, daily life begins to make more sense, and the path forward feels grounded, hopeful, and doable.
- Better understanding of why certain tasks feel harder than expected
- Clarity about long-standing focus or organization challenges
- Validation that your challenges are real and not due to “laziness” or lack of effort
- More ease communicating your (or your child’s) diagnosis, needs, and strengths
- Reduced self-doubt around academic ability
- Direction for supports that align with both physical and mental health needs
- A comprehensive report to share with school, work, and other healtcare providers
- A feeling of being seen, understood, and supported
- Growing confidence at school or work as the right accommodations are put in place
- Relief from confusion and second-guessing, replaced by next steps you can trust
- Hope about making your daily life more manageable
“Think of an assessment as a flashlight for the mind, shining where the guesswork hides.”
Colibri NeuroWellness
How To Get Started
You deserve to feel supported and understood, and connecting with us is simple. You can reach out in the way that works best for you.
Book a free 20-minute consultation online, send a message through the form, or contact us by phone or email.
226-212-4842
info@colibrineurowellness.com
826 King Street North, Unit 17, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4G8
We provide in-person therapy in Waterloo and surrounding communities, including Kitchener, Cambridge, Elmira, and St. Jacobs. For those across Ontario, we also offer secure virtual therapy so you can access support from the comfort of your home.