For parents in Los Angeles and Orange County, early childhood is a time filled with developmental milestones, new experiences, and sometimes, unexpected concerns. If your child is showing signs of emotional, social, behavioral, or academic struggles, it may be difficult to determine whether these challenges are part of a normal phase or a sign of something more significant. At Starleaf Psychological Services, we provide specialized early psychological assessments to help families gain clarity, identify needs, and take action with confidence.

Psychological testing is not just about labeling a diagnosis—it is about understanding the whole child, identifying how they process the world, and creating a roadmap for support that improves their quality of life both at home and in the classroom.

What Is an Early Psychological Assessment?

An early psychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that explores multiple aspects of your child’s development, including:

• Cognitive functioning (IQ, processing speed, working memory)
  
  
• Academic skills (reading, writing, mathematics)
  
  
• Executive functioning (attention, organization, impulse control)
  
  
• Behavioral and emotional patterns
  
  
• Social communication and interaction
  
  
• Adaptive functioning and daily life skills
  
  

These assessments are conducted using standardized tools, clinical observation, and input from both caregivers and teachers. The goal is to develop a detailed understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges in order to recommend the most effective supports and interventions.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Research consistently shows that early identification and intervention significantly improve outcomes for children facing neurodevelopmental, emotional, or learning challenges. Key benefits of early psychological assessments include:

1. Timely Access to Support

Early assessment opens the door to critical services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, counseling, or school-based support, when the brain is most responsive to intervention.

2. Improved Academic Performance

Children struggling with undiagnosed learning differences or attention issues often fall behind in school. Psychological testing can help clarify the root of academic difficulties and support the development of effective accommodations, tutoring plans, or IEP/504 eligibility.

3. Better Social and Emotional Development

When a child struggles to regulate emotions or connect with peers, their mental health and self-esteem can suffer. Understanding these difficulties through an evaluation can lead to more effective emotional support, therapy, and social skill-building strategies.

4. Empowered Parenting and Advocacy

Parents often feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help their child. An evaluation provides concrete answers, personalized recommendations, and a framework for navigating educational systems, therapy providers, and medical professionals.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from a Psychological Evaluation

Not all challenges require formal testing, but certain patterns may indicate that a comprehensive psychological assessment is appropriate. These include:

• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
  
  
• Difficulty focusing, sitting still, or completing tasks
  
  
• Struggles with reading, writing, or math despite adequate instruction
  
  
• High levels of anxiety, worry, or mood swings
  
  
• Rigid thinking, difficulty with transitions, or sensory sensitivities
  
  
• Avoidance of social situations or difficulty making friends
  
  
• Behavioral issues such as frequent tantrums, aggression, or withdrawal
  
  

If your child’s teacher, pediatrician, or daycare provider has expressed concern—or if you have noticed these patterns over time—it may be wise to consider an evaluation.

What the Assessment Process Looks Like at Starleaf Psychological Services

At Starleaf Psychological Services, we take a child-centered, developmentally appropriate approach to every assessment. Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that evaluations are supportive, informative, and individualized.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Parent Interview

We begin by gathering a full developmental and family history, discussing concerns, and reviewing relevant records. This step ensures we tailor the assessment to your child’s unique profile and needs.

Step 2: Testing Sessions with Your Child

Testing is conducted over one or more sessions, depending on the child’s age, endurance, and the scope of the evaluation. We use engaging, standardized tools to measure various domains of functioning in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Step 3: Parent and Teacher Questionnaires

To get a broader understanding of your child’s behavior across settings, we ask for feedback from caregivers and educators.

Step 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation

Our psychologists carefully analyze the data, compare it to developmental norms, and integrate behavioral observations and contextual information to create a comprehensive picture.

Step 5: Feedback and Action Plan

We meet with you to review the results in detail and discuss next steps. Our reports include individualized recommendations that may include school accommodations, therapy referrals, behavioral strategies, or additional medical evaluations if needed.

Who We Serve

Starleaf Psychological Services works with children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 5–25) from all backgrounds and presenting concerns. With convenient locations in Pasadena and Newport Beach, we support families from across Los Angeles, Orange County, and neighboring communities.

We specialize in:

• ADHD and executive functioning assessments
  
  
• Autism spectrum evaluations
  
  
• Learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
  
  
• Anxiety and mood-related assessments
  
  
• Gifted and Twice-Exceptional (2E) testing
  
  
• School readiness and psychoeducational evaluations
  
  

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. If you’re seeing signs that your child is struggling—academically, emotionally, or socially—trust your instincts. An early psychological assessment is not a judgment; it is a tool for understanding. With the right information, you can help your child access the resources and support they need to flourish.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering a psychological evaluation for your child in Los Angeles or Orange County, we invite you to contact Starleaf Psychological Services today. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help your family take the next step with confidence.