Understanding diagnostic assessments

"To test or not to test - that is the question"

Even if no financial barriers existed in accessing diagnostic assessments for adults, there still would be a great debate as to the merits of formal assessment and whether it is beneficial for adult learners. It is not the practitioners' role to enter the debate, but instead, to recognize the pros and cons of both sides. Practitioners should ensure that learners understand all points of view and the decision to pursue formal testing should be left to the learners. However, there are times when accessing an official diagnosis should be encouraged:

• If learners want to obtain their GED or require an official diagnosis to obtain certain compensations within the workplace
• If a learning disability is suspected and, after an informal assessment is conducted, both the practitioner and the learner have no clear understanding of the learners' challenges
• If learner financial supports may be impacted

When formal diagnoses are pursued, it is important that both learners and practitioners understand what is involved in the process. This knowledge helps to increase the benefits gained from the experience. Learners can prepare questions, and both practitioners and learners will be in better positions to understand the results.