What to expect.
The assessment process will begin with an in-depth interview with you and/or your child. As a parent, I believe that you are the expert on your child, and this process will begin with me listening to you. If you are seeking assessment for your school-age child, I may request to conduct a classroom observation. I may also ask to talk with other professionals involved with you or your child, such as your doctor, psychiatrist, or teacher. In order to get as thorough an understanding of your concerns as possible, I also may ask to review the following types of records if available or applicable.
· Birth and prenatal records
· Complete medical records regarding the test taker and birth mother, including any neurological testing ever done
· Complete school records
· All mental health records, including treatment records
· Previous evaluations or assessments, including any previous neuropsychological testing
· Records from social service or adoption agencies
· Regional Center evaluations
· Any other records that exist involving the test taker's functional abilities and birth mother's alcohol and drug consumption at any point in her life
The next step in the assessment process will be face-to-face testing. Each testing battery is individually tailored to you or your child’s specific needs, and therefore the time commitment varies. Several hours are usually required and many times, more than one appointment is necessary. My assessments are comprehensive in order to ensure that all concerns are addressed, any diagnoses are fully understood, and to rule out other difficulties that can mimic the suspected problem. Because each person is unique, each assessment battery will be unique.
For children, common referral questions include
Learning Disorders
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
Cognitive impairments or developmental delays, including Mental Retardation
Emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, or acting out
Neuropsychoogical impairments related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
· Birth and prenatal records
· Complete medical records regarding the test taker and birth mother, including any neurological testing ever done
· Complete school records
· All mental health records, including treatment records
· Previous evaluations or assessments, including any previous neuropsychological testing
· Records from social service or adoption agencies
· Regional Center evaluations
· Any other records that exist involving the test taker's functional abilities and birth mother's alcohol and drug consumption at any point in her life
The next step in the assessment process will be face-to-face testing. Each testing battery is individually tailored to you or your child’s specific needs, and therefore the time commitment varies. Several hours are usually required and many times, more than one appointment is necessary. My assessments are comprehensive in order to ensure that all concerns are addressed, any diagnoses are fully understood, and to rule out other difficulties that can mimic the suspected problem. Because each person is unique, each assessment battery will be unique.
For children, common referral questions include
Learning Disorders
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
Cognitive impairments or developmental delays, including Mental Retardation
Emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, or acting out
Neuropsychoogical impairments related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
For adults, common referral questions include
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
Learning disorders that may be impacting performance in school or at work
Mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression
Personality traits, including strengths and weaknesses
Neuropsychological impairments related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
Learning disorders that may be impacting performance in school or at work
Mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression
Personality traits, including strengths and weaknesses
Neuropsychological impairments related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
After the testing is completed, the results are scored and interpreted, and a thorough formal diagnostic report is written. Generally, the final report will be ready two weeks following the final assessment appointment. When this is completed, we will meet for a final time to talk about the results of testing. We will discuss the implications of the findings, and how they fit into the big picture of your personality, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. Copies of the report will be provided to you. I will also guide you through the process of getting the help and services you or your child may need. I will continue to be available to you following the feedback session should you have additional questions or need further assistance in accessing services.
