Why have my child evaluated? I don’t want a “label.”
This is an understandable worry. Evaluations can be one part of helping children best reach their potential and live a happy, full life. If an evaluation has crossed your mind, it is likely because you or someone who works with your child has concerns. An evaluation can help tease apart what may be contributing to your child’s struggles. A diagnosis will not change who your child is, but may open doors to services, school supports, and enrich our understanding of why your child is struggling and how best to help them tap into their strengths.
Does this mean you will be giving my child a diagnosis?
Not necessarily. As a clinical child psychologist, Jenn is trained in differential diagnosis and that is usually the point of doing an evaluation. If Jenn finds that your child meets criteria for a particular diagnosis due to his or her symptoms and needs, then she will give it. If not, then she will not.
What happens if a diagnosis is made? Will my child have to take medication?
Depending on the results of the evaluation, there may be times when medication management is one the recommendations. This is discussed on an individual basis with the parent/guardian. If medication is decided upon as part of the treatment plan, this is handled by the individual’s physician or psychiatrist.
What ages do you assess?
Jenn assesses children from 6 years to 17 years old, and young adults.
I’m worried that my child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Can you evaluate for that?
Yes. Jenn has training in Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. This type of evaluation includes the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition), as well as clinical interviewing for autism spectrum disorder. The ADOS-2 is the gold standard, in concert with consideration of the whole child, under Best Practice Guidelines for assessing for autism spectrum disorder.
Does autism have to be diagnosed by a medical doctor?
No. Licensed clinical psychologists are one of the types of providers who are able to diagnose autism spectrum disorders. Other professionals who may do so include pediatricians, psychiatrists, and neurologists. Most of the time, medical doctors refer to child psychologists for evaluations of ASD and other developmental/learning concerns. For more information about diagnostic evaluations for ASD, see the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html
What is involved in a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation generally consists of four appointments, two for the parents and two for the child. The first appointment is an intake, or diagnostic interview, with the parents and Jenn, which lasts for approximately one hour. The next two appointments are testing sessions for the child; those are approximately 3 hours each, with a break in the middle. Finally there is a feedback session with the parents and Jenn which lasts for approximately an hour.
We may also schedule an additional, 30 – 45 minute feedback for adolescents and young adults, apart from their parents, if this is of interest to them and their family.
Why would someone need such a comprehensive assessment?
One of the most common reasons for getting a neuropsychological assessment is that someone is experiencing difficulty in one of more areas of their school functioning. Some common difficulties are:
- Problems paying attention in classes
- Difficulty following through and completing assignments
- Reading, but not understanding what was read
- Getting frustrated trying to finish tests on time
- Taking too long to organize and write papers
- Hoping for extended time on college entrance exams
- Struggling to learn a foreign language
- Lack of motivation for school work
- Declining grades
- Impulsive behaviors interfering with school success
- Anxiety and/or depression related to school
- Disparity between honors-level grades in school and low scores on standardized tests
- Effects of social, emotional, and/or family stressors on academic and social functioning
What will a neuropsychological evaluation tell me about my child?
The purpose of neuropsychological evaluation is to gain knowledge of a child’s strengths and weaknesses and to evaluate his/her current level of overall functioning. Once the child’s learning profile is understood, recommendations can be made for direct interventions and supports at home and school to assist the child in functioning to full potential.
Results of the neuropsychological profile are often used to make specific diagnoses and to provide parents with information about a child’s level of functioning relative to same-age peers.
What will I do while my child is being tested?
You are invited to make yourself comfortable in our waiting area, where your child will join you for a 10 minute break in the middle of the testing session. Feel free to bring your laptop and use our high-speed wireless internet service. There are snacks, water, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate available. If you would like to run errands in the area, please leave a cell phone number with Jenn. In general, children between 12 and 17 years old can be dropped off and picked up after the evaluation, but a contact number is required in case of emergency. There are times that we may request parents of preschoolers and other children to remain in the waiting room. Please limit cell phone calls to the lobby or hallway outside of the office suite.
How and when will I get the report?
Evaluations completed by Jenn are lengthy and in depth, therefore, results of the testing cannot be provided the same day. A follow up appointment will be scheduled family to review the results and treatment recommendations.
Reports are typically ready to be mailed to you no later than 3 weeks after the feedback session. Bear in mind that this will be roughly 4-5 weeks after the initial parent intake session (i.e., Week 1 = parent intake, Week 2 or 3 = testing, Week 4 = parent feedback, Week 6-7 = report mailed).
Who receives the evaluation results?
Jenn will not release evaluation results to anyone not designated by the patient or parent/guardian on the Release of Information.
In most situations test results are not released directly to the school system. Parents will be provided with a copy of the evaluation, including recommendations, to share with treatment providers and educational settings.
Do you take health insurance?
Jenn does not currently take health insurance nor does she do direct billing to insurance. If you wish to seek reimbursement yourself, Jenn will provide whatever documentation your insurance requires, and that you authorize her to release. Please be aware that neuropsychological testing must satisfy medical necessity criteria, and that health insurance companies will not authorize testing that they consider to be primarily for educational purposes. ADHD and executive deficits, while neurologically-based, are no longer considered by insurers to be covered medical conditions.
Jenn’s practice accepts cash, checks, and Visa/MC. Please refer to the Rates tab for more information.