Developmental Assessments at Toronto Psychological Services & Research Centre (TPSRC)

Understanding Developmental Assessments

A developmental assessment investigates intellectual disabilities and global developmental delay and screens for relevant mental health and behavioural concerns. This assessment evaluates the individual’s overall cognitive, adaptive, and functional development across the lifespan. It helps determine whether a person’s intellectual functioning, learning rate, or adaptive skills are below what would be expected for their age.

A person with lower intellectual functioning or slower development is often identified in infancy or early childhood. In addition to lower intellectual functioning, they may experience significant limitations in adaptive functioning — such as difficulty communicating, caring for themselves, using community resources independently, or developing academic and work-related skills.

A developmental assessment provides an opportunity to understand these challenges while also identifying cognitive strengths that may not yet have been realized. Importantly, this type of assessment is often a useful starting point for educational, therapeutic, and vocational planning.

At Toronto Psychological Services & Research Centre (TPSRC), we assess individuals aged two through adulthood who are suspected of having delays or differences in their overall development.

Our Integrated Approach

Every assessment at TPSRC follows a structured, evidence-based process designed to provide both clarity and direction. We don’t stop at identifying difficulties — we focus on translating results into solutions.

All findings are integrated into practical recommendations for intervention, education, and daily living. Where appropriate, our reports also include individualized treatment or support plans to guide learning and independence over time.

Our psychologists and psychological associates, along with their team, rely on current scientific research to ensure that recommendations are consistent with best practices. The process is professional, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs and circumstances.

Who Conducts the Assessment

All assessments are conducted by registered psychologists and psychological associates and their team who specialize in cognitive, adaptive, and developmental evaluations. Each professional contributes expertise to ensure that results are comprehensive, accurate, and clinically meaningful.

The Assessment Process

Consultation
Every assessment begins with a consultation appointment. The consultation fee is $300, paid separately before the appointment. During this session, we review your goals, background, and presenting concerns to confirm that a developmental assessment is appropriate. If you decide to proceed within 14 days of the consultation, the fee is applied toward the total assessment cost.

Structured Interviews and Testing
Before concluding the consultation, we will schedule:

1. A structured background history interview
2. A structured teacher or caregiver interview (for children age 2-5)
3. Standardized cognitive, academic, and other testing as appropriate
4. A final feedback session.

During the feedback meeting, the psychologist reviews the results, explains the findings, and discusses personalized recommendations. You will receive a detailed written report summarizing results, interpretations, and next steps, which may be shared with schools, healthcare providers, or other professionals involved in ongoing support.

The process typically involves four to eight hours of assessment activity and is completed over approximately eight weeks.

Assessment Cost

For children aged 2–5

• Promotional rate: $1,500 
• Regular rate: $2,000

For children and adolescents aged 6–17

• Promotional rate: $2,000 
• Regular rate: $2,500

For adults aged 18+

• Promotional rate: $2,500 
• Regular rate: $3,000

Payment Options

• Promotional Rate: Paid in full on or within one week of the consultation.
• Regular Rate: Pay half after intake and the remaining half at least 14 days before the feedback session.
• Bi-weekly Plan: $500 deposit after consultation, followed by $250 bi-weekly payments (requires proof of income, three recent pay slips, a utility bill dated within one month, a driver’s licence, and direct withdrawal authorization).

Price Matching

As part of our Affordable Healthcare Initiative, TPSRC will match the cost of a psychological assessment of the same investigative scope offered by another private psychology clinic in the Greater Toronto Area. To qualify, clients must provide a verifiable insurance estimate or written quote on the clinic’s official letterhead, dated within one week of scheduling the consultation with TPSRC.

Why Choose TPSRC

• Our assessments are comprehensive, evidence-based, and individualized for each client’s needs.
• We identify both challenges and untapped strengths to support learning, adaptive development, and independence.
• Our psychologists, psychological associates, and their team combine professional expertise with compassion and clarity.
• Reports are detailed, practical, and designed to guide learning, daily living, and vocational planning.
• We uphold the highest standards of integrated, evidence-informed psychological care while maintaining collegial collaboration across disciplines.

Clients and families who complete developmental assessments at TPSRC often describe the process as encouraging and illuminating — the first clear step toward understanding abilities, setting realistic goals, and supporting long-term growth.