If your child has or you suspect your child has developmental delays, academic difficulties, attention issues, social/emotional/behavioral problems, or a neurological disorder that affects his or her behavior, you should consider a neuropsychological evaluation. Meyerson & Associates provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for children, teenagers, and young adults ages 4 to 22. The purpose of an evaluation is to help identify strengths and weaknesses of your child's functioning. The goal of testing is to determine specific diagnoses that your child might have, as well as to determine and develop appropriate accommodations and interventions that would make your child's life easier.
*Meyerson & Associates also provides second opinions for evaluations made outside his practice.
WHAT DOES THE EVALUATION PROCESS ENTAIL?
The evaluation process is individually based and dependent upon the age of your child. What is included for every child, no matter age or need is:
- A parent intake session in which the child’s parents (you) meet with your doctor prior to the testing in order to better determine your child’s concerns and needs
- Phone or personal contact with your child’s teachers and care providers (e.g., pediatrician, therapist, etc.)
- A comprehensive evaluation
- A parent feedback session in which you meet with your doctor to go over results from the evaluation as well as appropriate recommendations
- A child feedback session (dependent upon the child’s age) in which your child is presented with important information from the evaluation
- A written report will be provided to you within three weeks following the feedback session. At your request, a copy can be sent to third parties such as your child’s pediatrician, therapist, or a school official.
PREPARING FOR THE PARENT INTAKE
There are two things you must do to prepare for the parent intake session:
- Before the parent intake session, you will be given/emailed forms to fill out. Complete those forms before the first session.
- Bring with you all of your child's educational records, including all report cards, Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and prior evaluations, as well as any relevant medical records. The more information, the better.
AFTER THE EVALUATION
Following the completion of the report, your doctor will be available to assist you with obtaining services for your child, such as psychotherapy, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric consultation, etc. This process may include helping you and your child's school to establish an Individualized Educational Program (IEP), 504 Plan, or other needed academic accommodations.
AREAS OF A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
Testing batteries are individualized to address specific presenting problems. Your child's evaluation may include assessment of some or all of the following areas:
- Cognitive ability/Intelligence
- Academic achievement in reading, mathematics, and written expression
- Language functioning
- Visual-spatial, visual-motor, and fine motor skills
- Executive functioning (organization, planning, problem solving)
- Social/emotional/behavioral functioning
- Adaptive/independent living skills
EVALUATIONS MAY EXPLORE THE FOLLOWING AREAS
- Learning Disabilities and Learning Differences
- Reading, dyslexia
- Written Language
- Visual Processing
- Learning and Memory
- Attention and Executive Functioning Deficits
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Language Disorders
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Neurological conditions that may affect learning and behavior (e.g., epilepsy, brain tumor, hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury)
- Social difficulties
- Emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- Behavioral difficulties (e.g., hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositional behavior)
- A child's strengths and weaknesses without regard to any specific diagnosis