Typical Assessment Questions

Circle thinking

ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes difficulty with attention, concentration, hyperactivity, impulsivity, organization, and planning.

Circle Puzzle

AUTISM

Autism spectrum disorder involves challenges with social skills, repetitive speech and behaviors, and nonverbal communication. Obsessive interests, rigidity, and sensory differences are also often present.

Circle Thoughts

ANXIETY

There are many types of anxiety, which are diagnosed depending on symptom presentation.
In general, anxiety includes excessive worry or panic that causes significant distress.

DEPRESSION

Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and/or guilt. It can also involve irritability, restlessness, and/or suicidal ideation/intent.

Circle Learning

LEARNING

Learning disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders that involve a persistent impairment in one of three major areas: reading, written expression, and/or math.

Circle brain

ID & GIFTEDNESS

Intellectual Disability (ID): significantly below average intelligence and adaptive skills that impact everyday life.
Giftedness: individuals who perform or who have the ability to perform at much higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment.

Types of Assessments Offered

  • Looks at all domains of cognitive skills (IQ, language, nonverbal skills, executive functioning, memory and learning, fine motor skills, academics, and emotions/behaviors).
  • Helps to rule in or out many things that could be causing difficulty since many symptoms overlap.
  • Most common type of evaluation.
  • Tests all areas of cognitive skills but typically shorter (3-4 hours) in duration.
  • Only assesses IQ, academics, and emotions and behaviors.
  • Typically done for school entry at particular schools.

Humans are complex!

  • Most people come into the assessment process with a main concern, such as one of the above. While the main concern may be the most pressing matter, it is not always the only challenge.
  • As such, it is important to look at each individual as a whole person. This includes looking at different aspects of their life (birth, development, academics, emotions, social skills, etc.), as well as different domains of cognitive skills.
  • By doing so, we can better understand the individual’s unique mind, how they learn, and why they may be experiencing struggles.

Note About Testing

  • Testing is a complex process that requires expertise and particular knowledge.
  • Parent and teacher input is essential and the evaluation process is meant to be collaborative.
  • With that said, the neuropsychologist decides which tests will be used during the evaluation.

Assessment Process

  • 60 minutes long via telehealth.
  • Gather background information.
  • Discuss concerns in more detail.
  • Explain the evaluation in detail.
  • Decide on type of evaluation and answer questions.
  • Occurs in-person, in Bellevue.
  • Lasts 3-5 hours, depending on assessment type.
  • Child is given different tasks that tap into different areas of the brain in order to reveal strengths and weaknesses.
  • As part of the assessment, a comprehensive report is written that includes the following:
  • Referral question
  • Child and family history
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Diagnoses (if present)
  • Recommendations
  • Occurs 3-4 weeks after the evaluation.
  • 60-90 minutes long and done online.
  • Discuss the results of the assessment, the recommendations, and answer any questions.
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