🌟 Going to Riverwise for My Assessment 🌟

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Note for Parents & Caregivers

This story is meant to help prepare your child for their assessment at Riverwise Psychological Services. It introduces what to expect in a clear and reassuring way. You are encouraged to adapt the language to suit your child’s age and needs, and to read it together with your child.

Feel free to add details your child may find helpful or comforting, such as who they’ll meet, what the space looks like, or what they might do with you after the appointment. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. We’re here to help!

🧠 What is an assessment?

An assessment is a way to find out how I learn, think, and feel.
It helps adults understand what I’m good at and what I might need help with.
It’s not a test I can pass or fail, it’s just about me.
I’ll be visiting the Riverwise office two or three times for my assessment.

🏠 Before I go

My parent will help get everything ready. I can bring a snack, water, or even a special toy.
My parents might fill out some forms and send in school stuff like report cards.
They will also talk to someone at Riverwise about me.

👩‍⚕️ Who will I meet?

I’ll meet a kind adult called a psychologist, psychometrist, or clinician. The person working with me is named (add clinician’s names from your confirmation email here).
They want to get to know me.
They will ask questions, play games, and do activities with me.

🪑 What will I do there?

There might be:

• Talking

• Drawing

• Puzzles on an iPad

• Memory games

• Looking at pictures

• Reading, writing, and math

I will get breaks, and I can ask questions any time.
If I feel worried, I can tell the person I’m with.

👨‍👩‍🛋 What will my parent or caregiver do while I’m there?

While I’m in my appointment, my parent or caregiver might:

• Wait for me in the cozy waiting room

• Leave and come back later when the session is done

I’ll know where they are and when they’ll be back. We’ll make a plan so I know what to expect.
The clinician will make sure I feel safe and comfortable while we work together.

❓What if I have questions?

It’s always okay to ask questions.
If I don’t understand something, I can say,
“Can you explain that again?” or “I’m not sure what to do.”
The person I’m with is there to help me.

🧸 What if I don’t know the answer?

That’s okay!
I’m not supposed to know all the answers, no one does. I just try my best.
It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” or “Can you help me understand?”

👫 What happens after?

The clinician will meet with my parent or caregiver to talk about what they learned.
They might also talk to me to share a little about what they found out.
Then they write a report to help my family and teachers understand me better.

💙 Why am I going?

I’m going for my assessment so people can understand how to help me learn and grow.
Every brain is different. This is how we learn about mine.
It’s okay to be curious or nervous. I am safe, and I am cared for.