Dr. Melissa B. Singer provides individualized assessment services which are tailored to each child’s specific needs as determined by information provided by the parents, teachers and other referral sources. Assessments are conducted in the following manner:
1) INITIAL MEETING: Dr. Singer will meet with you to gather background information and determine which tests will be administered based on the concerns and questions regarding your child. She will also have a brief meeting with your child to explain the testing process and get to know them before the evaluation.
2) GATHERING RELEVANT INFORMATION: Prior to the initial meeting, Dr. Singer will provide forms for you, your child’s teachers and your child to complete at home. Prior to beginning the testing, and with your consent, Dr. Singer may also consult with any other practitioners working with your child (e.g. therapist, tutor, etc.) regarding their independent observations.
3) TESTING: Following the initial meeting, Dr. Singer will decide on an appropriate battery of tests designed to meet the specific needs of your child and to answer the referral questions. Testing sessions are scheduled on weekdays with Dr. Singer, between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00 PM. The number of testing sessions will depend on your child's age and temperament, but typically the testing takes 8 to 12 hours and is completed in two sessions that include lunch and other breaks. This may seem like a long time, but it is equivalent to a regular school day and is completely one-on-one and interactive with Dr. Singer, who is invested in making the process fun and interesting. It also allows Dr. Singer to observe your child throughout the course of the school day hours. Dr. Singer conducts all evaluations personally and does not use a testing technician to administer or score any tests.
4) REPORT: When the testing sessions have been completed, Dr. Singer scores and interprets all measures and prepares a comprehensive written report that describes in detail the test results by integrating the data into a cohesive picture of your child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, personality structure and psychological functioning. It will also include detailed and specific recommendations. This report will include an Appendix with all quantitative test results and will typically be completed within one month after the final testing session.
5) FEEDBACK: Once the report is completed, Dr. Singer will schedule a meeting with you to discuss her findings, review the report and make recommendations for your child. She will present suggestions for ways to provide assistance to your child both within the school setting and outside of school, and will make referrals to experienced practitioners when appropriate. With your consent, feedback will also be given directly to your child in a relaxed manner with the goal of motivating them to engage in the recommended treatments.
6) ADVOCACY: Should you decide to pursue obtaining additional services within the school, Dr. Singer often attends Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings as an advocate for her patients. She can assist with developing appropriate goals and will work collaboratively with your child's school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that best meets your child's specific needs.
7) RELEASE OF INFORMATION/CONFIDENTIALITY: Maintaining confidentiality is of utmost importance to Dr. Singer. Since many parents wish to share the results of the assessment with their child’s teachers, therapists and other professionals, you will have the option of signing a “Release of Information” form. If you choose to sign this form, Dr. Singer will gladly speak directly with other professionals about your child and the testing results with the goal of assisting you in obtaining the appropriate services.