Can you tell me about the evaluation process?
The evaluation process includes:
- A session where parents are interviewed (adolescents are encouraged to attend)*
- A session where standardized measures are given to the child or adolescent
- A session to review results
- A written report
- Review of the records and interviews with other professionals (with parental consent)
- If needed, school observations may also occur
*In the neurodevelopmental assessments, interview with the parents occurs during the same session as the assessment of their child.
For neurodevelopmental (developmental) evaluations:
Do you help provide support around an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Program (IEP) or transitioning from services provided by Early Intervention to the services provided by the school system?
Yes. Detailed recommendations for an IFSP or IEP are included in the written report. It is very important to work with early intervention programs or the school system to help ensure that children receive the appropriate remediation and support services they need to make academic, social, and emotional progress. Education around understanding the IFSP and IEP plan process is provided. If needed or requested, I can accompany families to IFSP or IEP meetings to advocate for appropriate services. Most parents opt for professional support as the parents the transition from early intervention services to the school system is their first experience working with the school TEAM. Professional support and participation in a TEAM meeting promotes positive communication among all members of a student’s team and usually leads to the most appropriate services for the child.
How long is my child working for during the evaluation?
It is important to know that for any one child, the number and type of tests administered varies. For neurodevelopmental (developmental) evaluation:
- A complete neurodevelopmental evaluation usually takes from about 45 minutes to two hours.
- The time can vary widely depending the referral question and on characteristics of the child being tested (such as developmental functioning, attention, enjoyment of activities, ability to transition to new activities, temperament).
For neuropsychological evaluation:
- A complete neuropsychological evaluation usually takes 3 to 5 hours of face-to-face contact, but can vary widely depending on characteristics of the child being tested (such as work pace, anxiety, attention).
- Testing is typically completed in one day with frequent breaks as needed. It is important to obtain the best estimate of a child’s potential, therefore, some children return to complete the assessment on a second day.
What does my child do during the evaluation?
Neurodevelopmental evaluation:
- Your infant, toddler, or preschooler participates in a wide variety of tasks, most of which are done while playing. Infants and toddlers usually enjoy the “play time”.
- If desired, these evaluations are conducted in the child’s home where the child is most comfortable and may perform best.
Neuropsychological evaluation:
- Your school or college aged child participates in a wide variety of tasks, most of which are done sitting at a table. The testing is described to children as “thinking games”.
There are no invasive procedures, no pain, no needles, or electrodes in either assessment.
For pediatric neuropsychological evaluations:
Do you help provide support around an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan?
Yes. Detailed recommendations for an IEP or 504 plan are included in the written report. It is very important to work with the schools to help ensure that students receive the appropriate remediation and support services they need to make academic, social, and emotional progress. Education around understanding the IEP and 504 plan process is provided. If needed or requested, I can accompany families to IEP meetings to advocate for appropriate services. Participation in a TEAM meeting promotes positive communication among all members of a student’s team and usually leads to the most appropriate services for the child.
Recommendations for national standardized exams such as the SATs, GREs, LSATs are provided, if appropriate.