The Testing Process: What To Expect
While each assessment is personalized, any evaluation follows a standard flow with some key components. An evaluation with me will include an initial parent intake/interview, the direct testing session(s), a feedback session to review findings, and a write-up of the conclusions and recommendations.
Initial Interview
During the initial interview, I will meet with you to gather information about your child's medical, developmental, academic, and psychosocial history. This meeting is completed via telehealth (though in-office appointments can be accommodated if preferred), and typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Testing
Your child's neuropsychological or psychological testing is completed in the office, one-on-one with me. The testing process can last anywhere from 1.5/2 hours to 6 or 7 hours depending on a child's age and the areas we are exploring. Testing may be completed in one day or across multiple visits.
Feedback/Report
Once the testing is completed, we will meet to review all results and recommendations. This feedback appointment is completed via telehealth (in-office appointments can be accommodated if preferred), and typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Following the feedback session, you will receive a comprehensive written report.
Steps in the Assessment Process
Additional Components of an Assessment
Interview with Outside Sources
With permission, I often find it helpful to speak with school staff, treatment providers, and/or physicians who are familiar with your child. This helps me learn more about your child's learning, behavior, and social interactions.
Behavioral Questionnaires
Parent and teacher questionnaires are included in almost all evaluations to attain information about a child's functioning across settings. While it is important for me to observe your child's behavior directly, these questionnaires provide valuable data about strengths and challenges outside of my office.
School
Observation
I can observe your child in the classroom/childcare setting. I find that this is particularly helpful when attention, behavioral, and/or social concerns are occurring in the school setting. This observation often occurs after the initial interview, but before the testing session(s).
Individualized Feedback
It is important to me that you and your child fully understand the evaluation results. In addition to the formal report provided at the end of the assessment, I may also use supplemental written or visual methods (e.g., a parent letter, a letter or personalized story for your child, and/or results in powerpoint form) to illuminate findings.