Gathering the right paperwork before your initial intake appointment is one of the most effective ways to streamline the assessment process. While standardized testing gives us a precise snapshot of how a brain processes information today, historical records provide the essential timeline. They show how these patterns have manifested over time across different environments.
Do not worry if you cannot find every item on this list, but bringing what you have helps paint a complete clinical picture.
For Children and Adolescents
- Recent and Past Report Cards: Try to gather report cards going back as far as possible, not just the most recent term. Teacher comments from early elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 3) are incredibly valuable for tracking early signs of attention or learning differences.
- School Support Plans: If your child already has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or documentation from an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC), bring the most recent versions.
- Standardized Test Results: Any available provincial testing data (such as Ontario EQAO results) or school board cognitive screenings (like CCAT scores).
- Previous Specialist Reports: Copies of any past speech-language pathology (SLP) evaluations, occupational therapy (OT) assessments, physical therapy notes, or psychological screeners.
- Medical History: Relevant pediatric or medical records, including vision and hearing screening results (to rule out sensory barriers to learning).
For Adults
- Historical Report Cards: If you are seeking an evaluation for ADHD or a learning disability, documentation showing that symptoms were present before age 12 is required for diagnosis. Look for childhood report cards with teacher notes regarding focus, organization, or hidden potential.
- Academic Transcripts: High school, college, or university transcripts. We look for patterns—such as a sudden drop in grades when moving from a structured high school environment to an unstructured university schedule.
- Past Accommodations: Any formal letters or expired IEPs showing you received extra time or specialized supports in high school or during your undergraduate degree.
- Previous Mental Health Records: Documentation or brief summaries from past therapists, psychiatrists, or medical professionals detailing diagnoses you have received or treatments you have tried (e.g., anxiety, depression, or burnout treatments).
For Everyone
- Current Medication List: A list of any medications, supplements, or treatments currently being used, along with dosages.
- Completed Intake Questionnaires: Any initial consent forms or developmental history packets provided by our clinic prior to your appointment.
About the Author:
Dr. Amanda McKerracher, CPsych is a Registered Psychologist and the Psychology Assessment Lead at the Toronto Psychology Clinic in Toronto, Ontario.
She offers assessments for children, teens, and adults.
Once you have gathered your records and are ready to map out a clear path forward, the next step is straightforward. At the Toronto Psychology Clinic, our psychologists are highly experienced with a strong track record of providing comprehensive assessments.
To move forward, contact the Toronto Psychology Clinic today at 416-551-1759 ext.2 or intake@torontopsychology.com to schedule an intake call and book your assessment.