Psychological & Educational Testing
I provide strength-based assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults. Each evaluation is customized to the unique needs of the individual. Assessments are designed to provide a better understanding of the individual’s weaknesses and to help identify strengths. Results of the testing are used to generate recommendations, with the goal of and helping the individual reach their true potential. Providing comprehensive information regarding unique abilities and needs can be used to guide both treatment and enrichment.
Sometimes testing is conducted to verify and document a specific diagnosis, which can lead to the availability of specialized services. Other times, challenges are present, but testing is needed to better understand the causes (e.g., is a child having trouble remaining focused in school – is it because they have an attention deficit, or do they have a learning difficulty that hinders them from completing work in a timely manner). Testing is a collaborative process between the psychologist, the individual being tested, caregivers and other informants, clinical observations, and results from objective assessment tools.
Some reasons for testing may include:
- Identification as gifted or Twice-exceptional (2e)
- Early entry into Kindergarten
- TAG (Talented and Gifted) identification
- Difficulties with focus and distractibility
- Trouble finishing work on time
- Procrastination
- Declining progress in school
- Social difficulties
- Difficulties following instructions
- Challenges with reading or writing
- Behavior challenges
- Frequent worry
- Nervousness and fears
- Sadness and irritability
- Emotional intensity
Some of the diagnostic areas that I provide testing for:
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD/ADD
- Autism spectrum (including the ADOS-2 measure)
- Intellectual disability
- Dyslexia
- Anxiety disorders
- Selective mutism
- Social Anxiety
- OCD
- Behavior challenges
- Depression
Together with the caregivers and/or the individual being tested I will create a unique testing plan that will target the questions at hand. A referral source will also be consulted when appropriate.