Developmental Assessment | Mariani and Associates

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Developmental Services Ontario, commonly called DSO, is the access point for ministry-funded adult developmental services in Ontario.

A written psychological assessment may be required to confirm that an individual meets the criteria for a developmental disability. The assessment must be completed by a psychologist or psychological associate and provide information about cognitive functioning, adaptive functioning, and the age at which the developmental difficulties began.

Depending on the referral question, the assessment may examine:

Reasoning and problem-solving abilities
Planning, organization, and judgment
Reading, writing, mathematics, and money skills
Social and communication skills
Daily living and personal-care abilities
Work and community-living skills
Health, safety, transportation, and routines
Developmental history and age of onset

The assessment process may include interviews, standardized testing, questionnaires, a review of available records, and information from family members or other people who know the individual well.

Following the assessment, the findings are explained during a feedback appointment and summarized in a written report. This documentation may be submitted to DSO as part of the eligibility process.

The assessment does not guarantee eligibility. Final eligibility decisions are made by Developmental Services Ontario.