A psychoeducational evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation that is focused on learning and academic performance. It includes a clinical interview which reviews developmental history, assessment of intellectual functioning and academic skills, and screenings for emotional and behavioral disorders that may impact academic performance. A review of previous records (such as the most recent IEP or 504 plan, prior evaluations) is also included. This type of evaluation is most appropriate for children entering or already in school, as well as college/graduate students. A psychoeducational assessment is most helpful in identifying possible learning differences or disabilities, and making recommendations for academic accommodations and/or modifications.

Parents should seek out psychological testing if their child is engaging in challenging behavior, showing concerning symptoms, and/or having difficulties in their daily life. These include:

– Struggling in school or experiencing a drop in academic performance

– Difficulty concentrating

– Acting out in class

– Social challenges/quirks/behaviors that seem peculiar

– Frequently missing school or not completing work

– Bullying or being bullied

– Overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, or hopelessness

– Frequent or dramatic mood changes

– Substance use

– Interest in understanding/identifying the way that their child/teen learns best to provide them with holistic support that builds upon their strengths and strategies to address some of their challenges

At PeaceTree, we utilize the gold standard assessments in the field of autism which includes the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) to evaluate and determine if a person’s history and clinical presentation is consistent with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. We include caregiver and/or teacher questionnaires to gather additional information about the individual's social, emotional, and behavioral functioning across contexts. Following the completion of the evaluation, a report describing all of the testing results is generated and recommendations specific to the individual's needs are provided. This type of evaluation is appropriate for individuals 12 months of age through adulthood.

A neuropsychological evaluation is focused on broad cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. It includes a review of relevant records (e.g., most recent IEP, previous evaluations); a clinical interview which includes a review of developmental history, assessment of the following cognitive domains: intellectual functioning, verbal and nonverbal reasoning and problem-solving, attention and executive functioning, memory and learning, and fine motor and visual-motor integration; and screenings for emotional and behavioral disorders. This type of testing is most appropriate for school-age children, adolescents, and adults.

The length of testing varies depending on the individual’s age, the identified concerns, and the type of evaluation that is being conducted. Additionally, testing is also affected by the individual’s need for breaks, endurance, attention and focus, and pace of working. PeaceTree tailors the testing process to your individual needs based upon how you are progressing through the testing process. PeaceTree charges a flat rate for evaluations so that you know how much it will cost, regardless of the specific number of hours required.

It is important to talk to your child about what will happen before any procedure. Children feel less anxious when they know what to expect. Be sure your child knows that there will be no physical exam, so no needles or medicine. For younger children, it is often helpful to tell them that they are going to play some learning games to show what they know. Older children and teens should be told that these “tests” are different from tests they take in school, they do not get a “grade,” and their performance will not affect their grades in school. Emphasize to your child that it’s most important for them to put in their best effort and to request breaks when needed!

To prepare for the evaluation, you should get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast. It is also often helpful to arrive for the evaluation about 10 or minutes before the appointment to give yourself time to acclimate to the environment. You may bring drinks and/or snacks to the evaluation to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

If you (or your child) wears glasses or a hearing aid, please make sure to bring these to the assessment. If possible, bring copies of recent report cards and any reports of previous assessments of any kind (e.g. psychological, psychiatric, speech and language, OT). If your child currently has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 Plan, please bring a copy of this as well.

The psychologist will meet with you for feedback to discuss your testing results. A written report will be completed, outlining the results of the assessment and the specific recommendations for interventions. You will receive a copy of this report. A copy is also placed on your child’s record at PeaceTree. A private psychological assessment is completely private and confidential. If you require a copy to be sent from our office to another professional involved with your child such as other physicians, therapists, or your child’s school, you will be required to sign written consent to our office to release your records. Sharing of reports and results is always your decision. Children over the age of 14 will be made aware of their rights to privacy as identified by Health Information and Privacy Act.