Our assessment services provide insight into various aspects of cognitive, academic, processing, and behavioral functions.
It is a highly individualized and interactive process. Its purpose is not just to gain scores or make a diagnosis. It is a comprehensive process that yields helpful information about the unique strengths and weaknesses that we each possess.
Here are just some of the questions that this comprehensive assessment process can answer:
AD/HD Assessment & Differential Diagnosis
This includes an individual IQ Test, individual academic achievement testing, comprehensive social/developmental information from parents, review of school records, and behavior ratings forms completed by parent(s), teacher(s) and sometimes the student.
There is not one “test for ADHD” or other diagnoses. It is a comprehensive evaluation process that provides a full picture of the student’s current functioning and developmental history.
Our report provides specific academic and behavioral interventions that may bring improved functioning. We will discuss these fully in the final conference.
Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities
(Psycho-educational Battery including IQ & Achievement testing)
This assessment process is similar to the AD/HD evaluation as far as the time spent with the student. However, there will not be behavior ratings forms completed, other than a quick screening completed by the parent(s). If concerns are raised in evaluation observations or findings, we may additional assessment services to gain further insights.
Updated assessment for existing IEPs/504 Plans
Students with diagnosed disabilities (such as SLD) usually have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) written by their school; those with medical conditions impacting the learning process (e.g. AD/HD) often have a Section 504 Plan to accommodate for that condition.
By the end of high school, students with diagnosed disabilities or Section 504 Plans often need updated assessment for these — for ACT or SAT accommodations, and/or for access to services in college. Colleges usually require an updated psycho-educational assessment (individual colleges differ from one to three years). We can meet these needs!
Consultation Services:
Many times parents need help dealing with the challenges parenting – yet not in a counseling format. They need consultative help to know how to best help their student learn, succeed in school, or follow through with responsibilities at home.
We can offer the following consultative services relative to the educational or parenting process:
Parent support & recommendations for student educational or behavioral challenges
We can provide consultation to parents who need professional expertise to work out a student learning plan, discipline plan, proper accommodations for a previously made diagnosis, and a range of other possibilities. We can also provide liaison help working with school personnel as needed.
Review of prior testing/consultative services
The student may have been tested previously but the parent is uncertain of the implications and needs help with next steps.
IEP Advocacy
Sometimes after assessment, schools might balk at providing certain services or accommodations. IEP advocacy may be requested if a parent wished to have professional support to advocate for their student’s special needs and develop an appropriate written plan with school personnel.
Adult Assessment
More and more adults are saying, “My child has been diagnosed with AD/HD and I struggled similarly in school. I also am struggling at my job. How can I find out if I have AD/HD?”
We assess for AD/HD in adults. The process is similar to assessing for students but often does not require the academic battery that is part of our student evaluation. We undertake a complete developmental history and often include feedback from those closest to you, such as a spouse, parent, or sibling.