When Should My Child Be Assessed?
- Little Sparks
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Many parents ask: “Is my child’s development on track?” While every child grows at their own pace, there are times when a professional child assessment can provide clarity.
A child development assessment is not about attaching a label. It’s about understanding your child’s unique strengths and challenges so that parents, teachers, and professionals can provide the right support at the right time.
At Little Sparks Development Centre, our team of registered educational psychologists, speech therapists, and special educators supports families across Hong Kong with evidence-based assessments and early intervention services.
Why Child Assessments Matter
A child psychological assessment provides valuable insight into:
How your child thinks, learns, and communicates
Why they may be struggling with behaviour, emotions, or academics
What strategies and interventions can help them thrive
When Should My Child Be Assessed?
Parents may consider an assessment if their child shows:
Developmental delays – slower in language, motor skills, or social interaction compared to peers
Learning difficulties – struggles with reading, writing, or maths despite support
Attention and behaviour challenges – difficulty focusing, managing impulses, or regulating emotions
Emotional concerns – frequent anxiety, mood swings, or meltdowns
External concerns – teachers, doctors, or caregivers raise repeated worries
Parent’s intuition – the feeling that “something isn’t right”
If these signs sound familiar, a professional child development assessment can provide the answers you need.
Types of Assessments at Little Sparks
We provide comprehensive assessments tailored to each child’s needs:
Cognitive / IQ Assessment
Understand verbal and nonverbal reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and processing speed. Useful for identifying giftedness or learning challenges.
Learning Difficulties Assessment
Assess children’s reading and writing, identifying dyslexia, to better understand children’s academic learning abilities.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment
Explore communication, social interaction, play, and behaviour. Early ASD identification in Hong Kong helps with school and home planning.
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder AD/HD Assessment
Clarify difficulties with focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Distinguish AD/HD from other behavioural causes.
Speech & Language Assessment
For children with delayed speech, unclear pronunciation, or limited vocabulary. Helps plan early speech therapy.
Emotional & Behavioural Assessment
Explore mood, anxiety, and coping skills. Supports children with selective mutism, anxiety, or behavioural concerns.
The Assessment Process at Little Sparks
Our process is clear and supportive:
Parent Consultation – review child’s background and parent concerns
One-on-One Assessment – standardized testing and play-based observation
Feedback Session – educational psychologist explains results in detail
Written Report – comprehensive recommendations for home and school
Follow-Up Support – additional sessions or referrals if needed
This ensures parents not only get results, but also practical strategies to support their child.
Why Early Assessment Is So Important
Early intervention →Reduced need for later special education. One longitudinal study showed only 12% of early intervention participants needed special education, compared with 48% of the control group (Penn State Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, 2023)
Clear recommendations for school accommodations
Reduced stress for families and children
Empowered parents with the knowledge to support their child
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