Intellectual Developmental Disorder

Diagnostic Evaluation

Children with an Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Down syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome may experience adaptation difficulties related, for example, limitations in reasoning, communication, or understanding social norms.

A comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluation helps establish a precise profile of their cognitive, emotional, and adaptive functioning. 

It aims to identify their specific needs in order to implement an adapted, individualized, and timely care plan.

FAQ ‍ ‍

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  • The assessment draws on previous reports (if available), clinical observations made during the sessions, and a battery of standardized tests administered in the office, both in written and digital formats. Together, these elements provide a detailed, nuanced, and objective understanding of the child’s mental functioning.

  • The first appointment is usually held with both parents present, without the child. It focuses on an in‑depth discussion of the child’s history, current difficulties, and the parents’ expectations.

    This interview aims to:

    • Determine whether a diagnostic evaluation is appropriate.

    • Clarify the assessment protocol (tests selected based on the information gathered beforehand).

    • Explain the full evaluation process (number of sessions, duration, report, and feedback session).

    • Address any questions the parents may have.

    • Establish a trusting environment, which is essential for minimizing the impact of anxiety on test performance.

  • It enables the clinician to:

    • Contribute to the diagnostic process.

    • Gain a deep understanding of the child’s strengths and difficulties, as well as their impact on daily life.

    • Provide tailored recommendations and accommodations for daily life, both at home and at school.

    • Recommend appropriate interventions such as psychotherapy, cognitive remediation, neuropsychological rehabilitation, orthoptics, speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy

  • Cognitive domains assessed

    • Intellectual abilities: logical, conceptual, and quantitative reasoning.

    • Social functions: social perception, social cognition, and social skills.

    • Attentional functions: selective and sustained attention.

    • Executive functions: cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, planning.

    • Memory functions: short- and long-term memory.

    • Visuospatial functions: visuoperceptive and visuospatial abilities in 2D and 3D.

    • Language functions: receptive and expressive language.

    • Sensorimotor functions: lateralization, motor control and programming, sensorimotor coordination.

    Adaptive domains assessed

    • Communication

    • Daily living

    • Socialization

    Psycho-affective domains assessed:

    • Emotional state: assessment of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.

    • Personality: assessment of personality organization, including pathological aspects, and identification of any underlying psychological vulnerabilities.

    • Autism: analysis of autism-related behaviors, language, communication, and social interactions; autism risk level; autism severity level.

Contact Sandra Laujin