Overview: CADIn's Role in Portugal's SEN Landscape
CADIn (Centro de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Infantil) stands as Portugal's most established private multidisciplinary center serving children and families with developmental and learning challenges. The center provides critical English-language SEN services that fill a significant gap in Portugal's predominantly Portuguese-language special education system.
For expat families arriving in Portugal with children requiring learning support, CADIn represents the primary gateway to English-language assessment and therapy services. The center has earned strong reputation within both expat and Portuguese professional communities for comprehensive evaluation batteries, evidence-based interventions, and deep understanding of international education systems including US IEP and UK EHCP frameworks.
CADIn operates two locations serving the greater Lisbon area, with services concentrated in regions where most international families settle. While this geographic limitation excludes families in Porto, Algarve, or other regions without significant travel, the center's English-language capabilities and international expertise make it essential for English-dominant families requiring professional SEN support.
Locations and Contact Information
CADIn maintains two centers in the Lisbon metropolitan area, each serving different geographic populations with identical services.
Cascais Center (Primary Location)
The Cascais center serves as CADIn's primary location, positioned in the coastal region where many international families establish residence.
Address: Rua Jaime Rebelo, 19, 2750-371 Cascais, Portugal
Phone: +351 214 858 240
Service Area: Greater Lisbon area, Cascais, Estoril, Sintra regions
Transportation: Accessible by car with parking available; public transit limited
Clientele: Primarily international and expat families; Portuguese families seeking bilingual services
Lisboa Center (Secondary Location)
The Lisboa center provides central city access for families preferring urban location or closer proximity to Lisbon proper.
Address: Campo Grande, 380, 1700-097 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351 213 530 071
Service Area: Central Lisbon, surrounding municipalities
Transportation: Public transport accessible via metro and bus routes
Clientele: Mixed international and Portuguese families; English and Portuguese services
Both locations offer identical services with English-speaking providers available. Families should select location based on geographic convenience and transportation preferences.
Geographic Limitations
CADIn's services remain concentrated in the Lisbon metropolitan area, creating significant access challenges for families residing in Porto, Algarve, Coimbra, or other Portuguese regions. Families outside the Lisbon area face limited local English-language options and must consider alternatives including distance learning, telehealth services, or extensive travel for in-person assessment and therapy.
Comprehensive Assessment Services
CADIn provides comprehensive psychoeducational assessments that serve as foundation for educational planning, school accommodations, and therapy interventions.
Full Psychoeducational Evaluation
The comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation represents CADIn's core assessment service, providing thorough analysis of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and learning processes.
Assessment Components:
- Clinical interview with parents (1.5 hours) gathering developmental history, educational background, current concerns, and family context
- Cognitive assessment (2-3 hours) using standardized intelligence tests measuring verbal reasoning, nonverbal reasoning, working memory, and processing speed
- Academic achievement testing (1.5-2 hours) evaluating reading, writing, mathematics skills relative to grade expectations
- Processing evaluation examining visual processing, auditory processing, executive function, and attention capabilities
- Teacher and parent rating scales providing behavioral observations across home and school settings
- Report writing (3-5 hours) synthesizing findings with standard scores, interpretation, diagnosis, and recommendations
- Feedback session with parents (1 hour) explaining results, answering questions, and planning next steps
Timeline: Assessment typically requires 2-4 weeks from initial contact to completed written report. Comprehensive evaluations involve 6-8 hours of direct testing distributed across 2-3 sessions spaced over approximately two weeks to minimize fatigue and optimize performance.
Report Content: Final reports include detailed findings with standard scores and percentile ranks, interpretation of results in accessible language, diagnosis when applicable, functional impact description explaining how findings affect daily learning, accommodation recommendations with specific examples for classroom implementation, and intervention suggestions with evidence-based approaches.
Report Suitability: CADIn reports meet requirements for Portuguese public school EMAEI documentation, international school learning support requests, private school accommodation planning, insurance reimbursement documentation, and transition documentation when relocating schools or returning to home countries.
Specialized Learning Disability Assessment
CADIn provides targeted assessment for specific learning disabilities including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other processing disorders.
Dyslexia Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation examining phonological awareness, phonological processing, rapid naming, decoding skills, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. Assessment distinguishes between dyslexia and reading difficulties arising from language acquisition challenges in bilingual children.
Dyscalculia Assessment: Evaluation of number sense, mathematical reasoning, calculation skills, and math problem-solving. Assessment identifies specific areas of mathematical difficulty and provides targeted intervention recommendations.
Dysgraphia Assessment: Analysis of fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, written expression quality, spelling patterns, and writing fluency. Recommendations include assistive technology options and remediation strategies.
Timeline: Focused learning disability assessments typically require 3-5 hours of testing across 2 sessions. Reports delivered within 10-14 days of testing completion.
ADHD Comprehensive Assessment
ADHD evaluation provides thorough assessment of attention, executive function, and behavioral regulation critical for accurate diagnosis and intervention planning.
Assessment Components:
- Comprehensive clinical interview examining developmental history, symptom onset, current functioning, and impact across settings
- Behavioral rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and child when age-appropriate
- Executive function assessment measuring working memory, planning, organization, task initiation, and sustained attention
- Continuous performance testing using computer-based attention measures
- Academic impact analysis examining how attention difficulties affect learning
- Differential diagnosis consideration ruling out anxiety, learning disabilities, or other conditions mimicking ADHD symptoms
Diagnostic Clarity: CADIn assessments distinguish between primary ADHD, learning disabilities affecting attention, anxiety-related attention difficulties, and language processing challenges that may present similarly. This differential diagnosis proves critical for appropriate intervention selection.
Report Content: ADHD reports include DSM-5 diagnostic criteria analysis, severity rating, subtype classification (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation), recommendations for school accommodations, behavioral intervention strategies, and coordination with medical providers when medication evaluation warranted.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment
Autism diagnostic evaluation provides comprehensive assessment using standardized diagnostic tools combined with clinical observation and developmental history analysis.
Assessment Components:
- Detailed developmental history interview examining early development, social communication patterns, restricted interests, and sensory sensitivities
- Standardized diagnostic instruments including ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) when appropriate
- Behavioral observations during structured and unstructured activities
- Social communication assessment examining reciprocal social interaction, nonverbal communication, and relationship development
- Restricted and repetitive behavior analysis including patterns, intensity, and impact on functioning
- Cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment providing comprehensive profile
Timeline: Autism assessment requires 6-10 hours across multiple sessions. Comprehensive report delivered within 3-4 weeks of testing completion given diagnostic complexity.
Intervention Planning: Reports include specific intervention recommendations with evidence-based approaches, service recommendations (speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral intervention), school accommodation suggestions, and family support resources.
Bilingual and Multilingual Assessment
CADIn's bilingual assessment capability represents critical advantage for expat families, accurately distinguishing language acquisition from learning disabilities in multilingual children.
Assessment in English and Portuguese: CADIn provides testing in both English and Portuguese, examining performance across languages to identify whether difficulties reflect language proficiency gaps or underlying learning disabilities persisting across languages.
Language Development Evaluation: Assessment analyzes language development trajectory in first language and Portuguese, considering duration of Portuguese exposure, quality of instruction, and home language usage patterns. This context proves essential for accurate interpretation of academic performance.
Bilingual vs Learning Disability: The center's expertise distinguishes between:
- Normal second language acquisition showing stronger performance in native language with developing Portuguese skills
- True learning disabilities showing consistent difficulty patterns across both languages
- Combined language acquisition and learning disability requiring both language support and specialized intervention
Critical Value for Expat Families: Many children arriving in Portugal show academic difficulties that may reflect either normal language acquisition processes or genuine learning disabilities. Accurate assessment prevents both under-identification of actual learning disabilities and over-identification of language learners who simply need more time and support for Portuguese acquisition.
Developmental Assessment for Young Children
For children ages 2-5, CADIn provides developmental milestone assessment examining growth across multiple domains.
Assessment Areas:
- Gross motor development including balance, coordination, and movement patterns
- Fine motor development examining manipulation skills, drawing, and writing readiness
- Cognitive development assessing problem-solving, concept formation, and early academic readiness
- Social-emotional development including attachment, peer interaction, and emotional regulation
- Language development in both receptive and expressive domains
- Adaptive functioning examining self-care and daily living skills
Early Identification Benefits: Early assessment identifies developmental delays or concerns allowing for timely intervention during critical developmental periods when interventions show strongest effects.
Giftedness Assessment
CADIn provides cognitive evaluation for giftedness identification, particularly important for twice-exceptional children showing both high intellectual ability and learning disabilities or ADHD.
Assessment Components: Comprehensive cognitive testing using measures appropriate for high-ability children, achievement testing examining academic performance relative to intellectual potential, and creativity assessment when relevant.
Twice-Exceptional Identification: Assessment identifies children showing both exceptional abilities and learning challenges, providing recommendations for enrichment combined with specialized support for areas of difficulty.
Therapy and Intervention Services
Beyond assessment, CADIn provides ongoing therapeutic services addressing identified needs through evidence-based interventions.
Speech-Language Therapy
Speech therapy addresses language development challenges, articulation difficulties, fluency disorders, and communication delays.
Services Provided:
- Articulation therapy for speech sound production difficulties
- Language therapy developing receptive and expressive language skills
- Fluency therapy for stuttering or cluttering
- Pragmatic language intervention for social communication challenges
- Literacy support addressing phonological awareness and reading development
- Bilingual language therapy supporting development in both English and Portuguese
Session Format: Individual 45-60 minute sessions weekly or twice weekly depending on need severity. Therapists provide home practice activities and parent training for skill generalization.
Cost: €70-100 per 45-60 minute session
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy addresses sensory processing, fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, and daily living skills development.
Services Provided:
- Sensory integration therapy for children with sensory processing challenges
- Fine motor skills development for handwriting, cutting, and manipulation tasks
- Visual-motor integration therapy supporting writing and copying skills
- Self-regulation strategies for emotional and behavioral control
- Executive function coaching for organization and planning
- Daily living skills training for independence development
Session Format: Individual or small group sessions 45-60 minutes focusing on functional skill development through meaningful activities. Therapists collaborate with parents and teachers for strategy implementation across settings.
Cost: €70-100 per 45-60 minute session
Educational Psychology and Learning Support
Educational psychologists provide individual therapy and academic intervention addressing learning strategies, study skills, and academic self-concept.
Services Provided:
- Individual therapy for learning-related anxiety, frustration tolerance, and motivation challenges
- Academic skills intervention targeting reading comprehension strategies, writing processes, and mathematics problem-solving
- Study skills training developing organization, time management, and test-taking strategies
- Executive function coaching for planning, task initiation, and sustained attention
- Self-advocacy training helping students understand learning profiles and request appropriate support
Session Format: Individual 45-60 minute sessions focusing on specific academic or social-emotional goals. Therapists coordinate with schools when appropriate.
Cost: €70-100 per 45-60 minute session
Specialized Education Tutoring
CADIn provides one-on-one academic tutoring with specialized training in learning disabilities, using evidence-based multisensory approaches.
Dyslexia Intervention: Structured literacy approaches using Orton-Gillingham or similar multisensory methods teaching reading systematically. Tutoring addresses phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension using explicit, structured instruction.
Math Intervention: Concrete-representational-abstract approach building conceptual understanding before procedural fluency. Intervention addresses number sense, fact fluency, problem-solving strategies, and mathematical reasoning.
Writing Intervention: Explicit instruction in sentence structure, paragraph organization, and essay construction. Tutoring incorporates graphic organizers, model texts, and systematic revision strategies.
Cost: €70-90 per 45-60 minute session
School Collaboration and Support Services
CADIn provides consultation and advocacy services facilitating communication between families and schools.
EMAEI Process Support
CADIn assists families navigating Portuguese public school EMAEI (Equipa Multidisciplinar de Apoio à Educação Inclusiva) assessment and support planning.
Services Provided:
- Review of EMAEI assessment results with families
- Consultation on RTP (Relatório Técnico-Pedagógico) or PEI (Programa Educativo Individual) development
- Recommendations for appropriate universal, selective, or additional measures under Decreto-Lei 54/2018
- Advocacy support when school-proposed plans insufficient for identified needs
- Translation of Portuguese school documentation and explanation of processes for non-Portuguese speaking families
This support proves particularly valuable for expat families unfamiliar with Portuguese special education legal frameworks and EMAEI procedures.
International School Consultation
CADIn collaborates with international schools providing consultation on learning support implementation.
Services Provided:
- Assessment results interpretation for school learning support teams
- Recommendations for classroom accommodations and modifications
- Progress monitoring consultation tracking student response to interventions
- Transition planning when students move between schools or education systems
- Professional development for school staff on evidence-based practices
Many international schools welcome CADIn consultation given the center's expertise in learning disabilities and bilingual assessment.
School Meeting Attendance
CADIn professionals attend school meetings when families request support or advocacy.
Meeting Types:
- EMAEI meetings in public schools
- IEP or learning support team meetings in international schools
- Parent-teacher conferences requiring professional advocacy
- Transition meetings when students changing schools or returning to home countries
Cost: €100-150 per meeting depending on duration and preparation requirements
CADIn professionals provide objective expert perspective supporting families in negotiating appropriate support levels with schools.
Parent Consultation and Coaching
Beyond child-focused services, CADIn provides parent consultation helping families understand assessment results, implement home strategies, and navigate educational systems.
Services Provided:
- Parent coaching on behavior management strategies
- Home intervention strategies supporting academic skill development
- School advocacy training teaching parents effective communication and negotiation
- Stress management support for parents navigating complex special education systems
- Family planning consultation for transitions or placement decisions
Cost: €80-120 per session
Cost Structure and Financial Planning
Understanding CADIn's complete cost structure enables families to budget appropriately for assessment and ongoing services.
Assessment Costs
Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation: €1,500-2,000 depending on assessment scope and complexity. This range reflects variations in testing requirements, with younger children or straightforward presentations at lower end and older students with complex profiles or extensive testing batteries at higher end.
Cost Breakdown:
- Clinical interview and history gathering: included in comprehensive fee
- Cognitive and achievement testing: included in comprehensive fee
- Rating scales and supplementary measures: included in comprehensive fee
- Report writing and synthesis: included in comprehensive fee
- Feedback session with parents: included in comprehensive fee
Additional Assessment Components: Specialized assessments beyond standard psychoeducational evaluation may incur supplementary charges. For example, autism diagnostic assessment using ADOS-2 or comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may cost additional €200-500 beyond basic psychoeducational fee.
Ongoing Therapy Costs
Individual Therapy Sessions: €70-100 per 45-60 minute session for speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational psychology, or specialized tutoring
Session Frequency: Most children benefit from 1-2 sessions weekly depending on need severity and intervention intensity. Some children require single weekly session while others benefit from twice-weekly intervention for faster progress.
Monthly Therapy Investment:
- One session weekly: €280-400 per month
- Two sessions weekly: €560-800 per month
- Multiple therapy types (e.g., speech + OT): €560-1,600 per month depending on configuration
Consultation and Support Services
Parent Consultation: €80-120 per session
School Meeting Attendance: €100-150 per meeting
Progress Reports: €50-80 per report
School Recommendation Letters: €30-50 per letter
Package Options and Payment
Payment Methods: CADIn accepts cash, credit card, and bank transfer with flexible payment arrangements available.
Billing Options: Families may select session-by-session billing or monthly packages depending on service intensity and preference.
Insurance Documentation: While CADIn does not bill insurance companies directly, the center provides detailed invoices and documentation enabling families to submit claims independently for potential reimbursement.
Annual Cost Scenarios
Scenario 1 - Assessment Only: €1,500-2,000 one-time cost for comprehensive evaluation without ongoing services
Scenario 2 - Assessment Plus Limited Therapy: €1,500-2,000 assessment plus €1,120-1,600 for weekly therapy over four months = €2,620-3,600 total
Scenario 3 - Comprehensive Ongoing Support: €1,500-2,000 assessment plus €3,360-4,800 for weekly therapy over full school year = €4,860-6,800 total
Scenario 4 - Intensive Multi-Service Support: €1,500-2,000 assessment plus €6,720-9,600 for two weekly sessions over school year = €8,220-11,600 total
These scenarios help families budget realistically for both initial assessment and ongoing intervention services.
Booking Process and Timeline Expectations
Understanding the booking process and realistic timelines enables families to plan appropriately for CADIn services.
Initial Contact and Scheduling
Families initiate services by calling either CADIn location to request initial appointment.
Phone Contact Preferred: While email inquiries possible, phone contact proves more efficient for scheduling and preliminary consultation. English-speaking staff available at both locations.
Initial Information Gathering: During first phone contact, CADIn staff gather basic information about child's age, primary concerns, previous assessments or diagnoses, and family's goals for evaluation or therapy.
Scheduling Timeline: Initial assessment appointments typically available within 2-4 weeks of first contact. During busy periods (September-October at school year start), wait times may extend to 4-6 weeks.
Assessment Process Timeline
Week 1: Initial parent interview and first testing session (2-3 hours)
Week 2: Additional testing sessions if needed (2-3 hours)
Weeks 3-4: Report writing, scoring, and analysis
Week 4: Feedback session with parents (1 hour)
Total timeline from first appointment to completed report: approximately 2-4 weeks depending on assessment complexity and scheduling availability.
Beginning Therapy Services
Post-Assessment Start: Families wishing to begin therapy following assessment can typically schedule first therapy session within 1-2 weeks of feedback meeting.
Direct Therapy Referral: Families arriving with recent external assessments may begin therapy without CADIn assessment, subject to provider review of existing documentation.
Therapist Assignment: CADIn matches children with appropriate therapists based on child's age, identified needs, language preferences, and therapist availability.
Scheduling Flexibility
Session Times: CADIn offers appointments Monday through Friday, typically 8:30-18:00. Limited after-school appointments available but fill quickly.
School Schedule Accommodation: Therapists work with families to schedule sessions minimizing school absence when possible. Some families prefer session scheduling during school day while others prioritize after-school appointments.
Holiday Schedules: CADIn follows Portuguese school calendar with reduced availability during school holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, summer).
What to Bring to Initial Assessment
Families can maximize assessment efficiency by bringing comprehensive documentation to initial appointment.
Essential Documents
Previous Assessment Reports: Any psychological, psychoeducational, speech-language, or occupational therapy evaluations from previous schools or providers. Even assessments several years old provide valuable developmental context.
Current IEP or EHCP: Most recent Individualized Education Program (US), Education Health and Care Plan (UK), or equivalent special education documentation showing current service levels and accommodations.
School Records: Recent report cards, progress reports, teacher comments, and work samples demonstrating academic performance and learning patterns.
Medical Documentation: Diagnoses from physicians, psychiatrists, or other medical specialists. Medication lists if child takes any medications affecting learning or behavior.
Helpful Supplementary Information
Teacher Input: If possible, request current teacher complete brief questionnaire about academic performance, attention, behavior, and social interaction before assessment.
Developmental History: Written timeline of developmental milestones (when child walked, talked, read) and any concerns noted at earlier ages.
Previous Intervention History: Documentation of prior therapies, tutoring, or interventions with information about what approaches proved helpful or unhelpful.
Language Background: For bilingual children, detailed information about languages spoken at home, school language exposure, and Portuguese proficiency development.
Document Translation Considerations
English Documents: CADIn reviews English-language documents without requiring Portuguese translation. The center's English-fluent staff analyze foreign assessments directly.
Other Languages: Documents in languages other than English or Portuguese may require translation. Families should contact CADIn to discuss whether translation necessary before scheduling assessment.
Translation Cost Savings: Using CADIn eliminates the €500-1,000 cost many families incur translating extensive foreign assessments into Portuguese for public school EMAEI teams. CADIn produces reports directly suitable for Portuguese school use.
Integration with Portuguese School Systems
CADIn assessment and therapy services integrate effectively with both public and international school special education frameworks.
Public School EMAEI Integration
CADIn reports meet Portuguese public school requirements for EMAEI documentation under Decreto-Lei 54/2018.
ICF Framework Alignment: CADIn structures reports using International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework matching Portuguese school expectations. Reports describe functional impact of learning difficulties rather than merely listing test scores.
Accommodation Recommendations: CADIn provides specific, practical accommodation recommendations appropriate for Portuguese public school classrooms. Recommendations consider Portuguese educational context and teacher training levels.
EMAEI Collaboration: CADIn professionals can attend EMAEI meetings to present findings, answer questions, and collaborate on RTP or PEI development. This consultation helps EMAEI teams understand appropriate support levels for identified needs.
Supplementing Free Services: Many families use CADIn assessment to clarify needs before requesting EMAEI evaluation, or use CADIn therapy to supplement free public school services when school-based support insufficient.
International School Integration
CADIn works extensively with Lisbon-area international schools, providing assessment and consultation informing school-based learning support.
Learning Support Documentation: CADIn reports provide comprehensive documentation international schools require for learning support enrollment. Reports clarify support levels needed and justify tiered support placement.
IEP and EHCP Transition: For families arriving with US IEPs or UK EHCPs, CADIn helps translate foreign documentation into formats international schools use. Assessment may update older foreign evaluations to provide current baseline for Portuguese school planning.
Progress Monitoring: CADIn can provide periodic re-assessment tracking student progress and informing learning support adjustments at international schools.
Private Portuguese School Coordination
CADIn coordinates with private Portuguese schools providing support services similar to international school collaboration.
Variable Quality Consideration: Private Portuguese school special education quality varies significantly. CADIn assessment provides objective documentation supporting families in advocating for appropriate services when schools inadequately address identified needs.
Questions to Ask Before Beginning Services
Families considering CADIn services should ask specific questions ensuring appropriate fit for child's needs.
Assessment-Specific Questions
What will the assessment include specifically? Request detailed description of tests administered, time requirements, and what results will reveal about child's learning profile.
Will assessment distinguish language acquisition from learning disability? For bilingual children, confirm assessor's expertise in bilingual assessment and methodology for distinguishing Portuguese language development from underlying learning difficulties.
Can you provide reports suitable for [specific school]? Verify whether reports meet requirements for child's current or prospective school placement.
What is current wait time for assessment? Confirm realistic timeline from first contact to completed report.
Who will conduct the assessment? Ask about assessor's credentials, training, and experience with child's presenting concerns.
Therapy-Specific Questions
What therapy approach do you use? Request description of therapeutic methodology and evidence base supporting approach.
How frequently should my child attend therapy? Discuss recommended session frequency based on identified needs and intervention intensity required.
What outcomes can I expect from therapy? Ask about realistic goals, typical progress rates, and how effectiveness will be measured.
Will you collaborate with my child's school? Confirm therapist's willingness to attend school meetings or provide written consultation.
What homework or home practice will be required? Understand family's role in supporting intervention goals outside therapy sessions.
Practical Logistics Questions
What is your cancellation policy? Clarify notice requirements and charges for missed appointments.
Do you provide documentation for insurance reimbursement? Confirm invoice format and diagnostic coding provided.
What payment methods do you accept? Verify accepted payment types and billing schedule.
Do you offer any package pricing or discounts? Ask whether reduced rates available for multiple sessions weekly or prepaid packages.
Alternative English-Language Options
While CADIn represents the primary English-language SEN resource in Lisbon area, families should know alternative options.
Global Minds Portugal
Global Minds provides English-language psychology and assessment services with focus on diagnostic evaluation rather than multidisciplinary therapy.
Services: Comprehensive psychological assessment, ADHD evaluation, dyslexia assessment, autism evaluation, individual therapy and counseling
Cost: €200-500 for comprehensive assessment (generally lower than CADIn); therapy session costs vary
Location: Lisbon area
Best Fit: Families seeking primarily psychology-focused services rather than full multidisciplinary team including speech therapy and occupational therapy
International School Psychologists (Private Practice)
Some international school psychologists maintain private practices offering assessment and therapy outside school hours.
Finding Providers: Ask international school learning support coordinators for recommendations; most schools maintain informal referral networks.
Advantages: Deep understanding of international education systems; familiarity with IEP and EHCP frameworks; often lower cost than specialized centers
Limitations: Part-time availability; services may be limited to specific specialties (educational psychology only rather than full multidisciplinary support)
Private Hospital Psychology Departments
Hospital da Luz, CUF Hospitals, and Lusíadas network offer psychology services with some English-speaking providers.
Services: Psychological assessment, developmental pediatrics consultation, child psychology therapy
Cost: €150-300 per session; comprehensive assessments €1,000-2,000
English Availability: Variable; request specifically when scheduling
Best Fit: Families preferring medical setting or needing coordination with pediatric medical care
Telehealth International Services
For families outside Lisbon or preferring international providers, telehealth assessment and therapy increasingly accessible.
Services: Online psychological assessment, therapy sessions, educational consultation
Providers: International licensed psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists providing services remotely
Cost: Varies widely; often €100-200 per session
Limitations: Cannot replace in-person assessment for some evaluation types; requires strong internet connection and quiet space
Best Fit: Families in Porto, Algarve, or other regions without local English-language providers; families preferring providers familiar with specific home country systems
When CADIn May Not Be the Right Fit
While CADIn serves many expat families effectively, some situations warrant alternative approaches.
Geographic Distance
Families living more than one hour from Cascais or central Lisbon face significant travel burden for weekly therapy sessions. While assessment travel proves manageable for limited appointments, ongoing therapy requiring weekly Lisbon trips may prove unsustainable for families in Porto, Algarve, or interior regions.
Alternative: Telehealth services, local Portuguese-language providers, or intensive short-term CADIn assessment followed by local therapy implementation.
Budget Constraints
CADIn's private fee structure proves prohibitive for some families. Assessment costs of €1,500-2,000 plus ongoing therapy at €280-800 monthly represent substantial investment many families cannot sustain.
Alternative: Portuguese public school free EMAEI assessment and school-based services; SNS public health system free therapy (6-12 month wait); lower-cost Portuguese-language private providers
Portuguese-Language Preference
Families committed to full Portuguese integration may prefer Portuguese-language services supporting language development rather than English-language services potentially slowing Portuguese acquisition.
Alternative: Portuguese-language psychologists through SNS or private practice; public school EMAEI assessment and services; private Portuguese therapists
Complex Medical Needs
Children with complex medical conditions, severe disabilities, or needs requiring intensive medical coordination may require hospital-based services rather than private educational center.
Alternative: Hospital da Luz, CUF, or Lusíadas pediatric development teams; SNS developmental pediatrics; medical model intervention approaches
Using CADIn Results to Navigate Portuguese School System
CADIn assessment provides strategic advantage in securing appropriate school support for children with learning needs.
Accelerating EMAEI Process
Families arriving with CADIn assessment can request expedited EMAEI review rather than waiting 2-4 months for school-based evaluation.
Strategy: Present comprehensive recent CADIn report to school EMAEI coordinator immediately upon enrollment. Request meeting to review findings and develop RTP based on existing documentation rather than conducting redundant full evaluation.
Benefit: May reduce EMAEI timeline by 8-12 weeks while ensuring needs identified and addressed immediately.
Strengthening Accommodation Requests
CADIn assessment provides professional documentation supporting requests for specific accommodations schools may otherwise resist.
Examples:
- Extra time for tests and assignments justified by processing speed scores
- Assistive technology access supported by specific learning disability diagnosis
- Reduced workload modifications backed by cognitive profile showing working memory or attention challenges
- Alternative assessment methods documented through comprehensive learning profile
Advocacy Value: Professional assessment carries more weight than parent requests alone. Schools more likely to implement recommendations coming from licensed psychologists than accommodations parents suggest without documentation.
Monitoring School Service Adequacy
CADIn assessment establishes baseline enabling families to monitor whether school services adequate for identified needs.
Progress Monitoring: If child receives school-based intervention but shows insufficient progress, CADIn can provide follow-up assessment demonstrating continued difficulties and justifying increased support level.
Advocacy Escalation: When schools resist adequate support provision, CADIn documentation provides objective evidence supporting appeals to school boards or educational authorities.
Transitioning Between Schools
CADIn reports facilitate smooth transitions when families change schools, return to home countries, or move between education systems.
Documentation Portability: CADIn assessments accepted by international schools worldwide, easing transitions when families relocate.
Translation Unnecessary: English-language CADIn reports require no translation when returning to English-speaking countries, unlike Portuguese-only EMAEI documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CADIn assessment take?
Comprehensive psychoeducational assessment requires 6-8 hours of testing across 2-3 sessions scheduled over approximately two weeks. Including initial parent interview, testing sessions, report writing, and feedback meeting, total process takes 2-4 weeks from initial appointment to completed report.
Does insurance cover CADIn services?
Most Portuguese private health insurance policies exclude educational assessments as "educational services not covered." Some international health insurance plans offer limited coverage for diagnostic psychological testing. CADIn provides detailed invoices enabling families to submit claims independently, but coverage remains rare. Budget for out-of-pocket payment.
Can CADIn assess very young children?
Yes, CADIn provides developmental assessment for children as young as age 2, examining developmental milestones across motor, cognitive, language, social-emotional, and adaptive domains. Early assessment proves valuable for identifying developmental delays enabling timely early intervention.
Will CADIn assessment delay EMAEI process?
No. Families can pursue both CADIn private assessment and school-based EMAEI evaluation simultaneously. Some families use CADIn assessment to accelerate EMAEI process by providing comprehensive documentation schools can review rather than conducting lengthy independent evaluation.
Does CADIn work with my child's school?
Yes, with parent permission. CADIn professionals attend school meetings (EMAEI meetings, IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences) and provide written consultation to learning support teams. School collaboration incurs additional fees (€100-150 per meeting) but proves valuable for coordinating services across settings.
What if we need assessment but cannot afford CADIn?
Families unable to afford private assessment should request school-based EMAEI evaluation, which remains entirely free in Portuguese public schools. EMAEI assessment takes longer (2-4 months) and occurs entirely in Portuguese, but provides comprehensive evaluation at no cost. SNS public health system also offers free psychological and developmental assessment after 6-12 month wait.
Can CADIn assess children who don't speak English?
Yes, CADIn provides assessment in both English and Portuguese. Bilingual assessment capability proves particularly valuable for Portuguese-speaking children from non-Portuguese families or Portuguese children requiring English-language services for international school documentation.
How often should my child attend therapy?
Therapy frequency depends on need severity and intervention intensity required. Most children benefit from 1-2 sessions weekly. Children with mild challenges may progress adequately with single weekly session, while those with moderate to severe needs often benefit from twice-weekly intervention. Therapists recommend appropriate frequency after initial assessment.
Can CADIn help with school refusal or anxiety?
Yes, educational psychologists provide therapy addressing learning-related anxiety, school refusal, motivation challenges, and academic self-concept concerns. Therapists use evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy adapted for children and adolescents.
What happens after assessment is complete?
Following feedback meeting, families decide next steps. Options include: beginning CADIn therapy services; providing report to child's school for EMAEI process or learning support documentation; seeking services elsewhere using CADIn report for documentation; monitoring and reassessing after period of time; or implementing home-based strategies with parent consultation.
Final Considerations: Is CADIn Right for Your Family?
CADIn provides essential English-language SEN services filling critical gap in Portugal's predominantly Portuguese-language special education landscape. For expat families in the Lisbon area requiring comprehensive assessment, evidence-based therapy, or bilingual evaluation distinguishing language acquisition from learning disabilities, CADIn offers unmatched expertise and service quality.
The center's understanding of international education systems, ability to produce reports suitable for both Portuguese and international schools, and English-language service delivery address core challenges expat families face navigating Portuguese special education services.
However, CADIn's geographic limitation to Lisbon area, private fee structure requiring substantial investment, and focus on educational rather than medical model services mean alternative approaches may suit some families better. Families should carefully consider child's needs, family's geographic location and budget, school type and support capacity, and long-term educational plans when deciding whether CADIn represents appropriate service choice.
For families proceeding with CADIn, the center's comprehensive assessment and therapy services provide critical foundation for educational planning, school advocacy, and support services securing children with learning differences the accommodations and interventions enabling academic success in Portuguese or international school settings.