What to Expect

Our neuropsychological and educational evaluations bring together information about a young person’s development, learning, and everyday functioning. We work with families to understand their questions, identify strengths and areas of difficulty, and develop individualized recommendations. The areas assessed and the timing of appointments vary with the type of evaluation and each family’s needs.

Intake Interview

The evaluation begins with a conversation with parents or caregivers about their questions and concerns, along with a review of relevant developmental, medical, and educational history. The timing and format of this interview depend on the evaluation. Please share previous evaluations, school testing, and relevant educational records, such as an IEP or 504 plan. It is especially important to let us know about assessments completed during the past year, because some tests cannot be repeated within a short period.

Standardized Testing

Testing is completed one-on-one and tailored to the referral questions. Educational evaluations focus on academic skills and learning needs, including areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Neuropsychological evaluations may also examine thinking and reasoning, attention, memory, language, executive functioning, and other abilities. Your evaluator will explain the planned scope and schedule. Frequent breaks are provided throughout testing, and the pace is adjusted to help each young person feel comfortable and demonstrate their true abilities. If fatigue, frustration, or other factors interfere, additional testing time may be needed.

Questionnaires and Rating Scales

Information about everyday functioning helps us understand test results in context. Depending on the referral questions, parents, caregivers, teachers, or the young person may be asked to complete questionnaires about learning, attention, behavior, emotions, or social functioning. Interviews, school records, and information from other providers may also help us understand strengths and needs across settings.

Results and Recommendations

The findings are brought together in a written report describing the young person’s strengths, areas of difficulty, and individualized recommendations. Depending on the type of evaluation, this may include relevant diagnoses, recommendations for instruction or intervention, accommodations, and supports at school and home. Referrals to other specialists may be recommended when appropriate. Families often choose to share the report with schools, treating professionals, or standardized testing agencies.

Family Feedback

During the feedback appointment, we explain the findings, answer questions, and discuss practical next steps. Feedback typically includes parents or caregivers. When appropriate, we also meet with the young person to help them understand their strengths and needs. Our goal is for families to leave with a clear understanding of the results and a plan for support.

Follow-Up

After the evaluation, families may have additional questions as they review the report or put recommendations into practice. We offer follow-up consultations with families, schools, and other providers as needed. These conversations can help clarify findings, discuss recommendations, and support planning over time.