And choosing a qualified provider to complete the evaluation is equally important. Our evaluations are comprehensive and include both psychological and behavioral evaluations conducted by a licensed psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Testing is individualized and always conducted in a thorough, measured manner. We strongly believe that meeting the child on several occasions will give us a better understanding of their behavioral, emotional, academic and cognitive functioning. Diagnosis of specific psychiatric disorders or developmental delays will be made when clinically appropriate.
There are a number of reasons parents and schools request an evaluation for a child. Our comprehensive evaluations will be helpful in answering questions regarding your child’s overall developmental profile and learning styles (including strengths and weaknesses), as well as emotional and behavioral functioning. Testing can be done for many reasons, but common referral reasons are to provide diagnostic clarification regarding:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning Disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, nonverbal, processing, etc.)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS))
- Disruptive Behavior Problems (Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, etc.)
- Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar)
- Socials Skills/Functioning
- Study Skills, Organization and Executive Functioning
- Early Childhood and Developmental Concerns
Upon completion of the testing, extensive time is spent interpreting the results and explaining them in a manner that is understandable to the reader, thereby providing practical and useful suggestions and goals. The written report will serve as a guideline for treatment to help your child succeed within a variety of settings.
At times, parents are unsure whether or not their child needs an evaluation.
If you are unsure of this, an initial Parent Interview and History consultation can be set to assess if an evaluation is needed. The initial interview fee would be applied to the testing fee if testing was recommended. Such testing and recommendations can also serve as the basis for requesting special education services and aid in the development of your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).