PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

 

Why might a child need an evaluation?

  • To gain a better understanding of their:

    • General level of intellectual functioning

    • Cognitive strengths and weaknesses

    • Present level of academic achievement

    • Abilities in areas not assessed by IQ and achievement tests, such as attentional functioning, language skills, information processing, executive functions and memory

    • Current psychological functioning and symptomotology

    • Overall personality structure

  • To understand the causes of difficulties with schoolwork

  • To obtain accurate diagnoses

  • To determine an appropriate course of treatment

  • To receive services at school

  • To obtain extended time or other accommodations on standardized testing

  • For placement at a specialized school

 

Common referral questions for psychological testing might include (but are not limited to):

Is my child exhibiting symptoms consistent with:

  • ADHD?

  • A learning disability?

  • A disruptive behavior or impulse control disorder?

  • An anxiety or mood disorder?

  • ASD?

Does my child need:

  • An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes:

    • Special Education services

    • Accommodations and/or modifications within the school environment?

    • Extended time on school assessments and standardized exams?

  • Tutoring or other cognitive remediation services outside of school?

  • Psychotherapy? 

  • Social skills training?

  • Occupational or Physical Therapy?

  • Speech-Language Therapy?

  • A medication consult?

  • A specialized learning environment?

  • A therapeutic school?

 

What might be assessed in a comprehensive evaluation?

  • General cognitive functioning

  • Verbal abilities

  • Nonverbal abilities (e.g. visual-spatial skills)

  • Fluid reasoning skills

  • Academic achievement

  • Language skills

  • Information processing abilities

  • Attention and concentration

  • Executive functions

  • Processing speed and efficiency

  • Visual-motor skills

  • Memory

  • Personality structure

  • Psychological symptoms

 

What types of treatment or intervention might be recommended after reviewing the results?

  • Testing or program accommodations or modifications, including extended time (e.g., 504 Plan)

  • Special Education services within the school environment (e.g., IEP)

  • Tutoring outside of school (e.g., cognitive remediation)

  • Study skills training/executive function coaching

  • Educational consultation (to explore alternate academic/therapeutic options such as specialized schools)

  • Individual psychotherapy

  • Group psychotherapy

  • Social skills training

  • Psychiatric consultation

  • Medical consultation

  • Speech-Language Therapy

  • Occupational or Physical Therapy