Strengths Assessment
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
— Albert Einstein
What IS a strengths assessment?!
A strengths assessment entails:
An assessment session: A period of time the child spends with the evaluator. Depending on the child’s age and personality, this can be as much as 2-3 hours (in anywhere from 1-5 sessions) or as little as about 45 minutes in 1 session.
A written report: You will receive a report within 5-7 days that details which assessment was given, what conclusions were drawn, and how the information may be helpful.
A meeting: Within 30 days of the report, you are able to schedule a meeting either in person and/or zoom. The meeting is typically about 30-45 minutes long.
Who can get a strengths assessment?
Any child ages 3-17 may receive a strengths assessment.
Children may be (seemingly) neurotypical or may have a diagnosis (identified disabilities, gifted, twice exceptional, etc.)
Children may have a 504, IEP, IFSP, or no paperwork at all!
Children may have been through a variety of ‘testing’ before (formal and/or informal) or this may be the first!
Why would someone want a strengths assessment?
Every child (every human, actually) is a genius. Each brain and body develops differently - on purpose. But because society and our education system hasn’t caught up to this yet, children often have unrecognized or underutilized strengths. Some children are even penalized for their strengths (the artist who’s told not to doodle; the musician who’s told to stop drumming on their desk; the athlete who’s told to sit still; the comedian who’s told the empath who’s told to stop being so sensitive; the list goes on and on and on.) The point is, once strengths are identified, you can begin to gain awareness, confidence, and clarity. Some may use this assessment as a tool for figuring out an education plan (whether it be how the child’s current school provides support, or maybe what school would be the right fit)
Who completes the strengths assessment?
All strengths assessments are completed by Heather DiNino. Heather worked for years in public school systems as a special educator evaluating and assessing children with and without special needs. Although the purpose of these evaluations were to determine eligibility for special education services, Heather found her passion through working with kids and using these assessments and their time together to determine their learning style, their gifts, and their curiosities. It was through these findings that Heather was able to help so many children thrive - some with even the most significant needs.
What do I receive once it’s done?
After the sessions are over you will receive a written report that details which assessment was given, what conclusions were drawn, and how the information may be helpful. You will then be given the opportunity to schedule a meeting with Heather to discuss the report further.
How much does a strengths assessment cost?
A strengths assessment (including the sessions, the report, and the meeting) is an investment of $495. The phone call consultation is free; if/when you book an appointment, a deposit of $250 is required before the first session. You can either pay in full with the deposit or pay the remainder before the report is sent. (You may pay with cash, check, venmo, or credit card)
How can I schedule a Strengths Assessment?!
Complete the form below and you will receive response within 24-48 hours. You will be asked to schedule a quick phone call with Heather to make sure she can help you with what you’re looking for, and (if she can) then you’ll schedule the session/s for your child!