Getting assessed for LD or ADHD.
A formal assessment can unlock supports at school or work, and give you a clearer picture of how your brain works. Here's what to know about the process in Manitoba.
Do you need a formal assessment?
Not everyone needs a formal diagnosis. You don't need one to access our programs, counselling, or support. For many people, understanding their own learning profile is enough.
A diagnosis can provide clarity, help children and adults better understand how they learn, validate their experiences, and make it easier to access the right supports and accommodations when needed.
A formal assessment becomes important when documentation is required for school accommodations, post-secondary supports, workplace accommodations, or, in some cases, medication for ADHD.
Ways to access an assessment
FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Through your school division
for children and teens
Manitoba school divisions provide psycho-educational assessments at no cost to families. Start by speaking with your child's teacher or school resource team to begin the referral process.
Wait times vary by division and may be lengthy. Some families choose to pursue a private assessment if they need answers or support sooner.
PRIVATE ASSESSMENT
Through a registered psychologist
for adults, children and teens
Private assessments are available through registered psychologists. Some extended health plans may cover part of the cost of a psycho-educational assessment.
Appointments are generally available sooner than through the school system and offer more flexibility in scheduling.
What to expect
1.
Intake conversation
The assessor gathers background — school history, family context, current challenges, and what you're hoping to learn.
2.
Testing sessions
Standardized tests of reading, writing, math, attention, processing, and reasoning. Usually 4–8 hours, often split across multiple visits.
3.
Results and report
A written report explaining findings, diagnoses (if any), and recommendations for support. Followed by a feedback meeting to discuss.
A note on ADHD specifically
ADHD can sometimes be diagnosed by a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist — not always through a psycho-educational assessment. If you're an adult primarily wondering about ADHD, talking to your family doctor about a referral is often the fastest first step.
Psycho-educational assessments are most useful when you want to understand a fuller picture. It can identify learning disabilities, cognitive strengths and challenges, and other co-occurring conditions helping guide accommodations, supports, and educational planning.
How LDAM helps
Whether it's for you, or someone you care about, counselling can help process the emotional side of a diagnosis or build confidence in self-advocating. Body doubling can help with staying focused on tasks and projects alongside others. Reach out — we work with people of all ages, whatever brought you here.