Evaluations

 

Our Comprehensive, individually-tailored Neuro-psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents (ages 6-21) provide a profile of strengths as well as areas in need of further development. Specific recommendations for educational planning and placement are provided.

 

Areas assessed include:

• Attention

• Cognitive, Intellectual, & Academic functioning

• Eligibility for special education

• Executive Functions (planning, organization, problem solving, etc.)

• Giftedness

• Language &  Communication skills

• Need for support services (i.e., extended time for standardized testing)

• Personality and Emotional development

• Social skills

• Suspected developmental delay 

 

"We assess all dimensions of a child--cognitive, physical, nutritional,emotional, social, spiritual--so that the WHOLE child can be revealed and thrive!"

 

 

What does the evaluation process entail?
The process entails collecting developmental history and background information from the parents/guardians, having parents/guardians and teachers complete various rating scales, reviewing prior records, observing your child at school, face-to-face testing of your child, providing a feedback session discussing the findings and recommendations, and the completion of a comprehensive written report with individualized recommendations. When indicated, a short feedback session for your child may be scheduled to answer their questions and communicate important findings in a developmentally appropriate fashion. 

 

How long does the testing process take?
For a comprehensive neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation, the testing is typically completed over several visits with a report submitted in a timely fashion. Of course, the amount of time to complete any evaluation can vary from case to case and often depends upon multiple factors, such as how long a child can sit for each testing session, how quickly teachers respond to requests to complete checklists, if there are extensive prior records, the complexity of the case, etc.

 

How do I prepare my child for the evaluation?
Most children find the testing process to be enjoyable as they receive a great deal of one-on-one attention. We work very hard to create a supportive and encouraging environment, and often allow children to choose which tasks to complete first in order to provide them with a sense of partnership as they work. Prior to the first session, you may inform your child that they are going to work with someone doing various activities...some of which will seem like school and some of which will be more game-like (puzzles, blocks). Impart to your child that they are not going to receive a grade, and that the most important thing for them to do is relax and try their best. Older children may have more insight regarding this process, and may benefit from hearing that the purpose of the assessment is to find out how they learn best in order to make school, tests, or homework easier for them. We make every effort to ensure that children have a positive experience throughout the assessment, and welcome questions from children at all times.

 

If I obtain an evaluation from your center does my child’s school district have to utilize the findings?
According to NYS Part 200 Regulations: “If the parent obtains an independent educational evaluation at public expense or shares with the school district an evaluation obtained at private expense, the results of the evaluation: (a) must be considered by the school district, if it meets the school district’s criteria, in any decisions made with respect to the provision of a free appropriate public education for the student…”  Since our evaluations are comprehensive in nature and utilize standardized tests in accordance with current standards of psychological practice, the evaluation completed should be incorporated into the decision making process to meet your child’s educational needs.