testing

services /psychological testing
& evaluation

Main reasons for testing:

School Systems
In order for child to get services, his or her needs need to be documented...schools develop IEP and 504 plans based on test reports...usually schools will have IEP or parent conferences to address the need for testing; however, it usually takes 3/4 months to have the child tested; much better for parents to come to these meetings with documentation in hand; they will then get at least some resource help for their child before any additional major decisions will be made (e.g., retaining child in same grade, placement in alternative school).

ADHD
Seems to be the most "popular" reason for testing these days. Documentation is needed to gain additional time on standardized tests and to take tests with lessened distractibility (smaller classroom). Population for this testing also includes SAT/GRE testing, as well as asking for accommodations in college/professional school. Also, pediatricians and child psychiatrists are reluctant to prescribe controlled substances (Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta) without some justification that is documented. Again, the reports (which are time consuming) are crucial.

Entrance Into Private Schools
A must for children/adolescents competing for private placement.

Differential Diagnosis
Many children carry multiple diagnosis. Mostly parents and professionals want to know "is the child's lack of progress in school part of a depressive process, low self-esteem, or a learning disability (that includes ADHD, information processing difficulties or pervasive developmental disorders like Asperger's). Of course, physicians need input justifying choice of medication.

Usual Test Battery:

Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test
Assesses perceptual maturation, visual memory, fine motor coordination, and brain damage in rare cases)

House-Tree-Person and other Figure Drawings (developmental maturation)

WISC III/IV
Major part of evaluation to assess intellectual strengths and weaknesses, to include Verbal Reasoning and Knowledge/Perceptual Organization/ and Working Memory/Freedom from Distractibility

Wide Range Achievement Test/Wechsler Individual Achievement Test
Achievement screening in reading, spelling, math, and comprehension

ADD and Behavioral Rating Rorms
Completed by student and parent, and sometimes teachers -- self-view of attentional problems and related frustrations

TOVA
Computerized test of intelligence (continuous performance
task)....takes about 25 minutes

Additional Personality Scales (depending on referral question)

Rorschach Inkblot
Assesses perceptual distortions

TAT
Assesses personality traits (motivation, depressive tendencies)

Incomplete Sentences/Self-report
Completing sentence stems, eg., "I LIKE...", "A MOTHER..."

Evaluation takes 3/4 hours with parent interview.

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There are several reasons to request psychological testing :

* To determine and document current intellectual and academic functioning, including strengths and weaknesses.

* To evaluate the appropriateness of educational placement, and to determine the need for supplemental services or specific accommodations.

* To explore the impact of particular circumstances or stressors on emotional and behavioral functioning.

* To explore underlying issues which may impact functioning.

* To provide a more accurate picture of diagnosis for medical and therapeutic intervention.

* To plan for the future to help the child reach his or her full potential.

Families are encouraged to bring previous school records, test reports, and counseling reports so we can gain a comprehensive view of the child. The parent will be interviewed during the initial portion of the psychological testing session. The psychological evaluation report will provide comprehensive feedback and recommendations to the parents and the child.

Future recommendations may relate to the need for medication, educational suggestions for assisting everyday school performance, or specific accommodations for standardized education. If counseling beyond whatever your child is receiving is indicated, a decision is made whether this can best be accomplished at the Expressive Therapy Center or by referral to another agency.

It is important to remember that all information provided is strictly confidential.

Parents who have concerns about their children's learning, achievement, emotions, or behavior have the opportunity to receive information about the child's functioning through psychological evaluations. Psychological evaluations generally include a series of tests which most typically assess intellectual and social/emotional functioning. In addition, psychological testing often includes school achievement testing.

Questions about ADHD?