Our Psychologists employ state-of-the-art testing measures. Some of the cognitive/intelligence tests that may be used include the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-V) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Educational testing assesses academic achievement levels including reading, writing, mathematical skills and comprehension abilities to determine concerns in these areas. Among the testing measures that may be used are the Woodcock Johnson Third Edition (WJ-IV) or the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT- III), both of which are considered to be the gold standards in assessing achievement functioning.
Instruments are used to evaluate for personality, social and emotional factors (e.g. Behavior Assessment Scale for Children, Second Edition (BASC-III) as well as basic daily living and adaptive skills when appropriate (e.g., Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition). When the referral concern involves issues of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, The Psychologist assesses symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents and adults using standardized and well-regarded measures of these concerns such as the Conners Rating Scale, Third Edition. Clients with this referral concern are evaluated for executive skills and functioning including attention span, self-control, working memory, planning and organizational abilities also utilizing the measures of ability and achievement listed above. Psychological Testing or a Psychoeducational Assessment by a Psychologist can be extremely useful when there is lack of clarity or understanding regarding the reasons and causes of various emotional, psychological, learning, or behavioral problems of a child or adolescent.
Common reasons why a psychological or psychoeducational evaluation may be recommended include:
- Behavioral and conduct problems
- Concerns about cognitive and intellectual factors which may be leading to problems in the learning process at school
- Learning and academic problems; learning disability
- Determine cause of attention and concentration problems, such as ADHD or otherwise
- Understanding causes of emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, social skills deficits, low frustration tolerance or extreme anger, poor impulse control, mood instability, poor coping or emotion regulation skills
- Speech and language problems
- Recommendations for school or residential treatment placement
- Determine eligibility for special education services
- Identify factors underlying problem behaviors
- Determine if there is a specific cause for a child's academic, social, or psychological difficulties
A Full Diagnostic Psychoeducational Evaluation with a Psychologist consists of a customized battery of tests and assessments based upon the specific concerns presented for the individual who will be assessed. After the assessment and testing sessions are completed, a follow up professional feedback session is scheduled for a separate appointment with the parents or guardian to review the results, scoring and interpretation of the person’s performance on the tests and measured used. In that session, a customized, confidential written report with specific recommendations regarding the individual’s performance and recommendations is provided to the parents. At this feedback conference, all results and recommendations are explained and reviewed.