What information can evaluations provide?
Evaluations are used to develop insight into the learning style, personality, and unique strengths and weaknesses of an individual. Results are used to identify specific strategies for parents, teachers, and the child to help enhance the child's academic and interpersonal functioning. These strategies will include a variety of techniques and accommodations to be incorporated into home and school life.

 

How long do the evaluations take?
The time required for comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations is approximately six to seven contact hours. Testing typically can be completed over the course of two mornings, but can be completed in one full day for some adolescents. In addition, for comprehensive evaluations there are intake and feedback appointments of approximately one hour each.

Selective testing, such as admissions testing for private schools or testing for eligibility for gifted program in the public school system, is completed in one morning.

 

How can I prepare my child for testing?
Using age appropriate language, it is helpful to explain to your child that the visits will provide an understanding of how he/she learns best. They will be completing various activities and tasks during the sessions, many of which seem like games. It may be helpful to avoid using words like "test" or "testing" because those words can create stress for your child and may imply that they will either "pass" or "fail." The evaluation process explores your child's strengths and weaknesses and does not involve any components where they can "fail."

Children are asked to complete various activities such as answering questions, looking at pictures, and solving problems. I feel that it is an important part of my role to engage them in a manner which will elicit their best performance. Thus, most children enjoy the evaluation process since efforts are made to ensure that ample positive feedback is provided, and they enjoy the individualized attention.

Please make sure your child has a good night's rest the evening prior to the session, and that they have eaten appropriately the day of the evaluation. If your child wears glasses or hearing aids, be sure he/she has them for the evaluation. Children and teens are permitted to bring snacks and beverages for consumption during the breaks. I also have bottled water and some healthy snacks available, so please alert me if your child has any food allergies.

 
How long does it take to get the results?
A feedback session is typically scheduled within two weeks after the testing has been completed. The evaluation findings are discussed, specific recommendations are offered, and a comprehensive written report of the evaluation is presented to the family. If there is a specific time frame within which a family needs to receive test results, this can be discussed.

How much do evaluations cost?
Costs are determined by the nature of the evaluation and services needed. My fees include: the initial parent interview, the direct contact hours spent administering the psychological tests, a feedback meeting, and a comprehensive written report with practical and specific recommendations. Contact me by e-mail or call my office at 703-938-5234 ext. 3 for information on fees. If you are unsure about whether or not your child needs an evaluation, I will be happy to provide you with a brief complimentary phone consultation.

 

Can I have my child evaluated by the school system?
Yes, testing can be completed through the public school system at no cost to you. However, often before the school will agree to proceed with an evaluation, a student must display significant difficulties as evidenced by low report card grades or significant behavioral problems. Testing completed by the public school system usually takes a couple of months and may not cover all the areas included in a comprehensive evaluation completed privately. Parents are encouraged to contact the principal of your child’s school prior to scheduling an appointment with me should you wish to explore the possibility of testing through your child’s public school system. You can also contact the Parent Resource Center of your school district. If you are unsure about whether or not you should approach the school for an evaluation, I will be happy to provide you with a brief complimentary phone consultation.

 

Do you provide therapy, counseling, or consultation?
I provide short-term counseling to children and teens to address academic, adjustment, or social/emotional problems. I also provide parent consultation for behavior problems and other concerns. I am available for consultation to empower parents to advocate for their child’s educational rights and services within school.

 

Are there things I can do rather than having my child evaluated?
Yes. There are resources for additional support in the schools which are available to children in regular education. Most public schools have a team, often called an “Intervention Assistance Team” or “IAT” which can be contacted to discuss school-related problems. This is not a special education process, but may be very helpful to your child and to you, in developing regular education interventions.

In addition, most local Departments of Human Resources (DHS) offer parenting classes. These can be very helpful to you if you are having discipline or other parenting problems and would like to increase your skills.

Furthermore, your child’s pediatrician can assist you with discussing healthy lifestyles, and can determine if any underlying medical condition (such as diabetes or anemia) could be contributing to the concerns you have.

If you are unsure about whether or not you should proceed with evaluations or approach other professions for assistance, I will be happy to provide you with a brief complimentary phone consultation to help organize your concerns and weigh the options.

 

Do you accept insurance?
No. I will provide an invoice with diagnostic and procedural codes that can be submitted to insurance companies for possible reimbursement for the cost of services.