Developmental Psychology
What is Developmental Psychology?
Psychologists in Developmental Psychology provide assessment, intervention, and diagnostic services to children from birth to school entry who have developmental delays and those at risk for such delays.
What does the Psychologist do?
The Psychologist initially determines what type of assessment/intervention your child requires based on referral information. They may administer specific tests with your child as part of a comprehensive assessment of your child's development. Intervention may be provided in the form of recommended activities to work on with your child at home or direct intervention with the child during which identified skill areas are worked on. Psychologists assess many areas of development, however, a focus is on cognitive development and behavior.
Psychologists work with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and regularly consult with other services to ensure coordinated service to clients. They are active participants in the Individual Support Services Plan (ISSP) process.
Services are provided in a clinic setting. Psychologists can also conduct home visits or make observations of the child in other settings as necessary.
Psychologists are members of the Autism Assessment Team wherein they are involved in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can refer?
Referrals to this service can be made by a child's caregiver or by healthcare professionals including Pediatricians, Community Health Nurses, Speech-Language Pathologists, etc. Referrals are only accepted through the Developmental Health Central Intake referral process.
Download the Referral Form for Developmental Psychology (pdf) here.
How long will my child have to wait to be seen?
Currently, there is a wait time of several months to receive an assessment. Some children are given priority including those with an upcoming assessment with the Autism Assessment Team, children going to kindergarten in the current year, and those with severe developmental concerns for which cognitive and/or behavioral intervention is deemed immediately necessary.
How long can my child be followed?
Services are provided for children from birth to school entry. Support with transitioning to kindergarten is provided; however once a child is in school, they are discharged from this service.
OFFICE LOCATIONS
Staff are located in Corner Brook and Stephenville.
3rd Floor, Western Memorial Regional Hospital
P.O. Box 2005
Corner Brook, NL A2H 6J7
Telephone: (709) 784-5284
Rehabilitation Annex
127 Montana Drive
Stephenville, NL A2N 2T4
Telephone: (709) 643-8690
LINKS
Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board
Association of Psychologists in Newfoundland and Labrador
Canadian Psychological Association