Jenn provides a range of assessment services. For families wondering how to move ahead with their children, a consultation to review their history and concerns may be the best place to start. This includes face-to-face meetings as well as a review of clinical and educational information, including prior testing. This allows for a road map to be developed to best meet the child’s needs.
If assessment is indicated, either as a result of this consultation or upon the recommendation of school or other professionals, there are a number of different kinds of evaluations that Jenn can administer. An appropriate test battery will be developed depending on the client’s needs and prior testing, and in consultation with the parents. The following descriptions are typical categories of evaluations:
Neuropsychological Evaluations
Children and adolescents are referred for neuropsychological evaluation to help find the causes of difficulties in learning, attention, behavior, socialization, emotional control, or developmental delay. Generally, this type of evaluation is requested in order to better understand why a child is struggling to meet age-appropriate demands in school or at home, or to monitor a child’s progress and developmental trajectory. This is an appropriate evaluation if your child or adolescent has never been evaluated before, or if you are looking for a comprehensive assessment update. This testing involves a formal evaluation of abilities such as memory, language skills, visual processing, and executive skills (organization, planning, inhibition, attention). Additional testing will provide information on general intellect, achievement skills (reading, math, etc.), social skills, and emotional functioning. A detailed description of the child’s learning profile is provided based on an integration and analysis of developmental history, observations by parents, teachers, and clinicians, and test data. Jenn will make recommendations for interventions including individualized strategies for overcoming difficulties and leveraging strengths, and referrals for treatment as needed.
Developmental Evaluations
Developmental evaluations combine aspects of a neuropsychological evaluation with a more in-depth examination of a child/adolescent’s current level of social, emotional, and cognitive development in comparison to same-age peers. A developmental evaluation is often completed when there are concerns about Autism Spectrum Disorders or social communication issues.
Psychological Evaluations
Psychological evaluations provide information on cognitive abilities and on emotional, behavioral, personality, and social functioning. An array of measures designed to explore an individual’s cognitive, personality and emotional functioning are used. Assessments of depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders are part of these evaluations. The general goal of psychological assessment is to gather information about areas of concern that may be targets for treatment, to provide a greater understanding of emotional or behavioral symptoms, and to refine diagnosis. Often, diagnosis and treatment planning are key goals for psychological assessment. This approach can be a first step in a therapeutic process and can highlight areas of concern and strength that warrant further attention and dialogue. It is helpful in understanding why a child may be experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting significant changes in behavior or social functioning.
Cognitive Profile
This type of testing is recommended if you are curious about your child’s intellectual profile, or if an independent school is requiring cognitive testing for admission. A standardized test of intelligence will be administered followed by a meeting with the parents to discuss the findings. A brief report will be sent to the family within two to three weeks of the feedback session.