What is a Child Psychoeducational Evaluation?
Accurate diagnosis though psychological evaluation is important in the care and treatment of pediatric mental health issues. When children are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or academic difficulties, correct identification of the nature of the presenting concerns is vital. Dr. Winner can help to answer questions that many parents have.
When should I seek psychological testing or a psychoeducational evaluation for my child?
I have found that my psychological and psychoeducational testing services are ideal for parents who are looking for answers to questions such as:
Why is my child struggling in school?
Why can’t my child remember things that have already been learned?
Why is my child having trouble comprehending what he or she reads?
Why is my child having difficulty paying attention in class?
The school is thinking about holding my child back. Is this the right decision
Does my child have dyslexia?
Three Steps to Psychological and Psychoeducational Evaluations:
A psychological evaluation usually begins with a clinical interview. During this meeting, Dr. Winner will gather information from the parents and the child, such as details about when symptoms began, the severity of symptoms, developmental information, and information about the family’s history. Parents can attend the intake without their child if they would prefer to speak more freely about their presenting concerns.
The second step of a psychological evaluation consists of the administration of standardized measures (tests) that assess various aspects of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Tests are chosen based on the nature of the psychological evaluation and the questions that are being asked. For instance, if there are questions about the child’s learning and academic performance, the psychological evaluation usually consists of a test of intellectual functioning (IQ test), an academic achievement test, and behavioral questionnaires given to the parent, teacher, and the child (if age appropriate). Additional tests can be added to assess additional areas of cognitive functioning such as visual memory, verbal memory, phonological processing, and executive functioning.
At the conclusion of the evaluation, Dr. Winner will meet with the parents to review the results and provide recommendations. The psychological evaluation results are valuable in guiding treatment options such as evaluating the need for medication, therapy, or academic modifications to help the child succeed to the best of his or her ability. While test scores are important in the psychological evaluation process, additional factors are equally important in answering the referral questions. Observations of behaviors during the test administration can provide significant insight into the way in which the child arrives at the answers. Behavioral observation can indicate the presence of anxiety, attention difficulties, and comprehension problems that may decrease scores.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my child receive an evaluation through the school?
The short answer is yes. However, the process to receive an evaluation can be long and difficult. I have seen many parents become very frustrated while waiting for school evaluations to be completed. Additionally, schools usually do not provide a diagnosis when an evaluation is done. Therefore, parents are often left confused as to the nature of their child’s struggles. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is helpful in providing these answers, and I strive to explain the results in a way that is easy for parents to understand.
What are the benefits of an ADHD evaluation?
ADHD testing can be beneficial in many circumstances. Some parents would like diagnostic confirmation before proceeding with medication treatment. Often we see other factors such as anxiety and environmental stressors that may be contributing to symptoms. ADHD testing can help to ensure that no “pieces” of the diagnostic picture are missed. Children with ADHD are also at higher risk for co-occurring learning difficulties. ADHD testing can help to provide recommendations for academic accommodations that are specific to each child. Some children continue to have academic and behavioral difficulties, even with medication use for ADHD. An evaluation can be helpful to see if there are other issues that also need to be addressed.
How long does it take to complete psychological testing?
The time needed to complete a psychological testing or a psychoeducational evaluation can vary depending on several factors. The more complex the problem that is being evaluated, the more tests and time that will be necessary to complete the evaluation. Testing is usually completed in two to three sessions, each lasting approximately one and a half to two hours. Testing is conducted in the morning or early afternoon to avoid fatigue.
Our Philosophy
Dr. Winner's mission is to provide professional, friendly, and comprehensive evaluation services for ADHD and learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. Dr. Winner strives to answer critical questions regarding possible road-blocks to academic success. It is her privilege to work with you and your family, and she is dedicated to providing the best care possible from your very first visit.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in scheduling a psychological evaluation, such as dyslexia testing or ADHD testing, email Dr. Winner directly at Drwinner@NFLBH.com or call us at (904) 250-0088.