Psychoeducational Evaluations
Testing to Assess for Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, and Other Learning Problems
We specialize in psychoeducational evaluations and the identification of learning disabilities and giftedness in children. Our individualized testing batteries are specifically chosen to answer the questions you have about your child. All of our psychoeducational evaluations provide diagnoses, highlight strengths, and recommend interventions for you and your child’s teacher(s). Our recommendations are based on the latest research studies, which demonstrate the effectiveness of interventions for the specific problem identified. Once the evaluation is completed, we will hold an extensive feedback meeting with you to make sure that you understand the results so that you can then pursue the appropriate services. We also provide ongoing consultation services, including attendance at IEP meetings or advice regarding appropriate educational programs.
Learning Disability Evaluations
Parents often notice that their children are struggling to learn information they are taught in school, as early as in kindergarten. Some children have difficulty learning the alphabet, for example, or have difficulty learning number concepts. What we know about the human brain is that the earlier learning disabilities are identified and the earlier children are provided interventions, the better off children are. Learning disabilities are the result of underlying cognitive differences, and once those differences are identified, individualized and targeted interventions can be implemented to improve areas of academic weakness. Our evaluations are designed to identify these differences in cognitive processing, including memory, processing speed, among others. If your child is struggling in reading, for example, we will perform an evaluation that is not only designed to identify potential dyslexia, but will also help generate recommendations to effectively remediate the skills that are contributing to the problem.
A comprehensive learning disability evaluation may include:
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A clinical interview, where we learn about your child’s academic history and current difficulties
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A comprehensive examination of underlying cognitive processes (i.e., an “IQ” test)
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An assessment of academic skills
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An assessment of behavior, based on rating scales completed by parents and teachers
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Follow-up assessment of any identified weaknesses, which may include an extended memory battery of or tests of executive function
College Students and Adult Learners
Some college students and adult learners find themselves having academic difficulties either for the first time or to a greater degree than in high school. Some adult students are returning to college or graduate school after years in the workforce or raising children. The transition to college can be very stressful, even for strong high school students. If you’re in college or graduate school and are experiencing problems completing classwork or performing well on exams, our evaluations can help to determine what factors are contributing to your current difficulties and strategies that may help you perform to the best of your abilities. If the evaluation identifies an area of weakness, you may qualify for accommodations such as extended time, testing in a separate location, note-taking services, among others.
Our comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations may include:
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A clinical interview, where we learn about your academic history and current difficulties
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A comprehensive examination of underlying cognitive processes
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An assessment of academic skills
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Self report measures of attention, anxiety, depression, personality factors, and other psychological symptoms
Gifted and Talented Evaluations
Many parents of high-achieving students wish to take advantage of accelerated learning programs available within the school district or their local community. Often, these programs require results of an IQ test to determine whether or not children are eligible. Some children who aren’t challenged enough in the classroom become bored and find it difficult to sustain attention. A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation can help to distinguish between reported inattentive behavior resulting from an underlying attention disorder and inattentive behavior resulting from lack of sufficient academic stimulation. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation can identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses to inform appropriate academic programming.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.