Many parents seek an early developmental assessment when they notice their child may be developing differently and want guidance on next steps.
An early developmental assessment looks at a young child’s language, thinking, motor skills, behaviour, and daily routines to understand how they’re developing. For children aged 4–5, it’s adapted to be play-based and flexible, helping identify early signs of neurodiverse conditions, developmental delays, or learning differences.
DCS, C. Psych. Assoc., RP, PhD
Dr. Paula Conforti is licensed to perform the controlled acts of diagnosis and psychotherapy. She obtained her Doctorate from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, where she researched suicidality, mental health literacy and early intervention/prevention. Her training has occurred exclusively at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about developing interventions that assist youth in mastering therapeutic principles through literary means to improve wellness and learning. Paula has spent the last 22 years conducting assessments and providing intervention services to children and youth with various concerns. She is Registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a Psychological Associate and cross Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. While Paula’s approach is client centred, modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as utilization of the principals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Positive Psychotherapy and ADHD coaching. She sees children and teens up to the age of 18. Paula is the Director of Clinical Services at Springboard in Oakville and practices exclusively at this location. In her role, she oversees, through supervision and/or consultation, all services offered to children and youth by the Clinic.
BSc (Hons), MD, PhD, FRCPC
Dr. Hierlihy provides medical treatment and care to Springboard assessment clients under the age of 25, applying the insights she gained in completing her pediatric residency at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She is passionate about helping children and adolescents achieve their full potential and believes firmly in our multidisciplinary approach to ADHD management: “All members of our team work together to understand how ADHD impacts client lives and wellbeing, as well as other mental health concerns that may be involved in its diagnosis. We tailor care to the individual, providing them with tools to confidently move forward.”
Early developmental assessments have structure but are designed to be flexible for young children. These assessments focus on how young children communicate, learn, regulate emotions, and navigate daily routines. Psycho-educational assessments for older children use more structured cognitive and academic testing to understand learning profiles, school readiness, and academic needs.
In some cases, we can diagnose a 4- or 5-year-old when the developmental signs are clear and consistent across home, daycare, or preschool. When that happens, we’ll walk you through the diagnosis in a straightforward, supportive way and explain what it means for your child’s next steps.
In other situations, especially with younger children, it may still be too early to make a formal diagnosis — but that doesn’t mean you won’t get answers. The goal is to help you understand what your child is experiencing right now, why certain challenges may be happening, and what supports can make a meaningful difference.
Even without a diagnosis, families leave with early intervention recommendations, practical strategies for everyday routines, and guidance on how to support their child’s development at home and in early learning environments.
Our assessment is designed to be gentle, engaging, and paced in a way that works for young children. Most of it feels like playing with a new adult who’s paying close, supportive attention.
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