Neurodevelopmental Evaluations

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As a practice, we provide a suite of psychological assessments for children, teens and adults. Assessments are tailored to the individual, are the most current/updated instrument, and are strengths-based. Each assessment is specifically crafted to answer the referral source's question. The assessment is followed by an in-depth feedback session, which reviews the results and offers a comprehensive treatment plan including specific recommendations and accommodations as necessary.

Neurodevelopmental assessments are available for individuals 4-17 years old. For individuals 18 years and older, click here for information on neuropsychological testing.

A review of the presenting problem. The presenting problem(s) is the reason the individual is seeking treatment or an evaluation. 

Examples of presenting problems include: difficulty with attention/restlessness/hyperactivity, trouble falling and staying asleep, poor organizational skills, frequent forgetfulness, depression or sad most of the day, anxiousness throughout the day, difficulty letting go of things, relational problems/poor social skills, etc. Before the initial session, an in-depth developmental history form must be completed by the client to give a general background on their symptoms.

A psychological interview. The initial session (1 hour) with the psychologist is an opportunity for them to get to know the client personally and in-depth. A review of current symptoms, history of symptoms, and developmental issues are collected so that an accurate picture of the individual can be made. Questions are asked in the areas of family, social, medical, and work/school.

Psychological testing related to the presenting problem. Based on the information obtained in the developmental history form and psychological interview, the psychologist will then identify appropriate testing to obtain specific information about the noted problem areas. Psychological tests typically consist of answering specific questions on standardized instruments. The tests selected may measure mood, personality, aptitude, pathology, skill, intelligence, or cognitive ability. Assessments are administered to the client in person by a testing technician, in addition to several assessments which are sent via email to parents, relatives, and/or teachers. Testing sessions vary in length depending on the age of the client. A typical session lasts between 1-3 hours and includes a variety of testing methods, such as paper and pencil, iPads, and a laptop.

A summary of the results and feedback session. After testing is complete and all assessment measures have been collected from the representative parties, the psychologist pulls together all the information gained from the interview and testing to create a clinical picture of the client and generate appropriate diagnoses.

Common diagnoses include:

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Specific Learning Disorders in Reading, Writing, or Mathematics
• Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  Major Depressive Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• Personality Disorders
  Developmental Coordination Disorder
• Language and Communication Disorders
• Non-Verbal Learning Disorder
• Intellectual Disability (and Borderline Intellectual Functioning)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar Disorder (I and II)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Schizophrenia

After reviewing the information with the client, the psychologist creates a list of recommended interventions to address the problems identified in the assessment. These recommendations are typically treatment interventions that have been proven through research and practice to effectively work on the problems identified. The psychologist will refer the patient to appropriate resources/other practices and providers to obtain the interventions recommended. For example, if the psychologist has diagnosed the individual with bipolar disorder and recommended a medication consultation, he will likely refer the patient to a psychiatrist for medications. Sometimes, the psychologist will provide the treatment interventions themselves—depending upon their scope of practice (e.g. using cognitive behavioral therapy in treating a client diagnosed with depression/anxiety).

Comprehensive Report. Finally, a complete comprehensive psychological assessment report will be provided containing the five essential elements listed above. The report may be used for: obtaining necessary services based upon particular diagnoses, collaborating with teachers and schools regarding services needed to address attention/learning concerns (typically called an IEP or 504 plan), for clarity and accuracy when dealing with multiple healthcare professionals (psychologist and a psychiatrist), and for the tracking of symptoms over time.