The formal assessment should include:

1. An initial interview.
2. Tests of cognitive functioning and information processing including specific measures of:
   • Short and long term memory
   • Receptive and expressive language
   • Verbal and non-verbal abstract reasoning or logic
   • Attention span
   • Visual perceptual abilities including various spatial tasks
   • Sequencing, right-left orientation and fine motor dexterity
   • Organizational and planning skills
3. Tests of academic achievement levels (reading, spelling, written expression and mathematics).
4. Social and emotional evaluations (use formal tests to explore anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem and attention deficit disorder).
5. A feedback interview to share results and discuss suggestions for remediation to improve weaknesses or compensatory strategies and accommodations to cope with problem areas. In addition, strengths should be explored and a written report should be provided.¹⁴