PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

Why might a child need an evaluation?

• To gain a better understanding of their:

  • General cognitive abilities

  • Present level of academic achievement

  • Current psychological functioning

  • Areas of strength and weakness

• To understand the causes of difficulties with schoolwork

• To obtain accurate diagnoses

• To determine an appropriate course of treatment

• To receive services at school

Common referral questions for psychological testing might include (but are not limited to):

Does my child have:

• ADHD?

• A learning disability?

• Conduct disorder or other behavioral problems?

• An anxiety disorder?

• Depression?

• Impaired executive functions?

Does my child need:

• Accommodations and/or modifications within the school environment?

• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan?

• Tutoring or other cognitive remediation services outside of school?

• Psychotherapy? 

• Social skills training?

• A medication consult?

What might be assessed in a comprehensive evaluation?

• General cognitive functioning

• Verbal abilities

• Nonverbal abilities(e.g. visual-spatial skills)

• Fluid reasoning skills

• Academic achievement

• Language skills

• Information-processing abilities

• Attention and concentration

• Executive functions

• Processing speed and efficiency

• Visual-motor skills

• Memory

• Personality structure

• Psychological symptoms

What types of treatment or intervention might be recommended after reviewing the results?

• Accommodations, modifications or other additional services within the school environment

• Tutoring outside of school (e.g. cognitive remediation)

• Study skills training

• Educational consultation (to explore alternate academic options)

• Individual psychotherapy

• Group psychotherapy

• Social skills training

• Psychiatric consultation

• Medical consultation