Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychological assessments evaluate intellectual and cognitive functioning, as well as underlying neurocognitive processes in several domains:
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Language use and understanding
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Reading comprehension
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Visual perception
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Processing speed
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Reasoning
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Attention/Executive functions
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Learning and memory
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Social-Emotional functioning
The purpose of neuropsychological assessments is to identify an individual's cognitive, emotional and behavioral strengths and challenges, in order to provide interventions and strategies that will enhance function across environments.
Neuropsychological assessments can be used to identify and diagnose underlying neurocognitive conditions, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and mood disorders.
Academic Testing
Academic assesses a student's achievement levels in academic domains such as reading, writing and math. One purpose of academic testing is to determine if a difference exists between a child's cognitive capabilities and their academic performance. From these findings, specific recommendations are made to improve a student's success within the classroom. IEP eligibility may also be determined.
Academic testing can be used to identify the presence of certain learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
Testing can also be used to identify the presence of giftedness, or those that are twice-exceptional (2E).
FAQs
Testing Process
Q: What ages do you provide neuropsychological and academic testing for?
A: We currently offer testing for children ages 5 - 26 years old.
Q: What can I expect from the testing process?
A: The testing process includes several elements. First, you will be asked to complete some online questionnaires about your child and their needs. You will then have an intake meeting with Dr. Baker to have your specific questions about testing answered, and to provide details about specific questionnaire topics. At this point, a testing date will be scheduled.
Testing itself typically lasts between 4-6 hours, depending on the questions being answered. Younger children and those with a lower frustration tolerance may need testing broken into 2 days. Testing consists of a combination of paper and pencil tests, answering questions, and completing tasks that may feel like games for many children. Usually, appointments are scheduled from 8 am - 1 pm, including breaks as needed. It’s helpful to bring water, snacks, or fidgets your child may need to get through a busy morning. Caregivers are asked to wait in the lobby and can come and go as needed, but must be available during the scheduled testing window.
Once the testing process is completed, a one-hour caregiver feedback meeting will be scheduled within 3-4 weeks to review your child's strengths, growth areas, and an action plan. At the conclusion of this meeting, a formal, written report will be provided.
Clients may also schedule a 30-minute follow-up review meeting at no additional charge, to address any additional questions about testing and results.
Depending on the age of the child, they may also participate in a separate feedback meeting involving more pictures and fewer words! This feedback may take different forms, based on the child's age and presentation.
Q: Will I be present during my child's testing?
A: It is highly preferred to have children complete assessments independently. Caregivers are asked to wait in the lobby and can come and go as needed, but must be available during the scheduled testing window.
Q: What should I tell my child about testing?
A: Be as honest as you can be for their age. For children ages 5-11, it may be helpful to tell them that they will meet with a doctor to help them learn about what has been difficult for them. For children ages 12+, they may be more interested in being part of the intake process, sharing their ideas on what might be occurring, and getting their input on how testing can help them understand themselves and their needs better.
Q: I don't want my child to miss school. Can testing be completed after school?
A: Research has shown that children perform their best during morning hours, as that is when they’re used to structured and stimulating settings. Children that complete testing after a long day of thinking at school are typically much more exhausted, and their performance might not be an accurate reflection of their skills. Efforts are made to keep the testing process efficient to minimize academic disruptions, and Dr. Baker will provide you with a school absence note for the date of the testing.
Q: Will my child have breaks during testing?
A: Yes! Breaks are given during extended testing blocks to maximize client performance.
Results of Testing
Q: What kinds of questions can testing answer?
A: While testing provides clarification on any diagnoses your children may have, it also offers a roadmap for what is underlying their mood and behaviors. This can be helpful when children are struggling with school, organization, frequent family conflicts, and navigating social relationships. Some diagnoses commonly addressed include:
● Autism
● ADHD
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Learning Disorders
● Trauma and Adjustment Disorders
Testing can also determine a child's cognitive and emotional strengths. This includes identifying children who are gifted, or those who are twice exceptional (2E) and experience challenges regulating their emotions and goal-directed behavior, in order to perform to their potential.
Q: Will my child receive a diagnosis?
A: Not necessarily. Results of testing will be used to determine whether an underlying diagnosis is present. Completing the testing process does not guarantee that a diagnosis will be given.
Q: What diagnoses may be given to my child?
A: While diagnostic results vary, common diagnoses that we assess for include ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities.
Q: What kind of recommendations are made in reports?
A: Testing recommendations often include types of therapy (i.e., OT, speech, sound, play, talk, etc.), different ways to structure the home environment that are attuned with your child’s thinking style, referrals to specific programs, or potentially a medication consultation. Pro’s and con’s of each option will be discussed, but the decision on what to pursue to your child is yours.
Q: Does testing guarantee that my child will get an IEP?
A: No, completing testing does not guarantee that your child will qualify for an IEP. Results of testing will be used to determine IEP qualification.
Q: Will this get my child into the program they need?
A: Testing cannot guarantee a specific outcome, including a diagnosis or admission into a specialty service/school/program. However, testing can help you understand why your child behaves the way they do and what directions to pursue in order to support their current stage of development.
Q: Who will have access to my child's testing results?
A: You will be provided with an electronic and/or written copy of testing that you may share with others at your discretion. Project CHILLD will only share reports with outside providers, organizations, or individuals if signed consent has been received.
Q: Are schools involved in the testing process?
A: As children spend a large part of their lives in school, input from their teachers is essential to answer many questions. This may include having teachers complete behavioral questionnaires, scheduling phone calls, or through classroom observations. Although not required for testing, many questions cannot be adequately answered without some degree of input from their school. You can help with the timeliness of your child’s results by engaging teachers in this evaluation process.
Q: What is the turnaround time for reports?
A: Our turnaround time for feedback meetings and written reports is typically between three and four weeks.
Q: Can I expedite my child's evaluation and report?
A: Reports can often be expedited for an additional fee.
Cost and Reimbursement
Q: What is the cost of testing?
A: While the total cost depends, based on testing time and case-complexity, our costs are typically as follows:
Neuropsychological Assessment: $2500-$3500
Additional Academic, Gifted, Dyslexia and Learning Disability Testing: $1500
Q: Is testing covered by my health insurance?
A: We are not accepting insurance for neuropsychological assessments at this time. However, our office is able to provide a detailed report of payment that clients may submit directly to their insurance company for potential reimbursement.
Academic testing is never covered by insurance companies and must always be paid for privately.
Q: Is there a deposit to book testing?
A: Yes, we require a $500, non-refundable deposit at the time of scheduling. This deposit will be applied toward the total testing amount.
Q: When is payment due?
A: $500, non-refundable deposit is taking at the time of testing. This deposit will be applied toward the total testing amount. Half of the remaining balance will be due on the testing day, with the other half due prior to receiving the completed report.
Q: What is included with the cost of testing?
A: Neuropsychological testing includes the following:
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One 60-minute intake meeting with caregivers (may include child, based on age)
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Testing, lasting 4-6 hours on average, completed in one or more visits
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One hour-long feedback meeting with caregivers to discuss findings and recommendations
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One written report detailing the findings of the assessment and recommendations
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One, optional, 30-minute follow-up meeting for questions/clarification about report
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Optional, age-dependent feedback with the child
Academic testing also includes:
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Supplemental testing to assess academic achievement
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Description of child's learning profile, including strengths and challenges
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Additional, school-specific recommendations