I provide comprehensive and carefully tailored psychological evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults.

 

Typically, testing begins with a diagnostic interview with the parents or individual adult in order to obtain an

in-depth understanding of the client's concerns and questions, as well as the personal history, family history,

and life circumstances that provide me with a context for integrating the test scores into an understanding of

the whole person.

 

Following the diagnostic interview, I generally conduct four 2-hour testing sessions.  In those sessions, I use a variety of standardized diagnostic tools to assess:

 

• Cognitive functioning;

• Components of "neuropsychological" functioning, as indicated, including:

  • Attention;

  • Impulse Control;

  • Executive Functioning;

  • Language Processing;

  • Visuospatial Processing; and

  • Visual-Motor INtegration;

• Academic functioning, including reading, writing, and mathematics; and

• Social-Emotional Functioning.

 

I am also trained to administer the ADOS-2, the gold standard instrument for the diagnosis of autism spectrum

disorders.  In addition, I use standardized behavior rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and clients,

to assess executive functioning and social, emotional, behavioral, and adaptive functioning in a variety of

settings in clients' lives.  When relevant, I also incorporate classroom observations into the assessment of students, and talk with clients' teachers and treatment providers to obtain a fuller understanding of the

client's strengths and challenges.

 

Approximately 2-3 weeks following the final testing session, I meet with parents or individual adults to review

the results of the testing, explain how the results fit together into a comprehensive understanding of the client,

and share diagnostic impressions.  In addition, I provide comprehensive and detailed recommendations tailored

specifically to each client, building on the client's strengths to optimize functioning in all environments.  Parents

or individual adults are provided with a hard copy of the full report at this feedback appointment.

 

For older children and adolescents, I also offer a separate feedback appointment.  At that appointment, I do not

provide a copy of the report or discuss specific scores.  Rather, I focus on helping children and teens develop a

clearer understanding of their strengths, their needs, and strategies that may be helpful to them.  I give them the

opportunity to ask questions and express concerns in order to receive the clarification they need.  This

understanding helps many children and adolescents manage their challenges more effectively and become

stronger self-advocates.