Diagnostic Evaluations and Testing

Frustrated child sitting at a desk with head down, holding a sign that says 'HELP!' next to a stack of books and colored pencils in a tin container.

Dr. Emily offers comprehensive evaluations for a range of developmental, emotional, social, or cognitive/academic challenges. We do not offer evaluations that only assess one area of concern (“ADHD evaluations”). There are many reasons a child may appear to have ADHD symptoms and if an assessment only looks at this one domain, there are many other factors that are missed leading to inappropriate conclusions and treatment recommendations. Common challenges we assess for include:

  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

  • Oppositional, defiance, and aggression concerns

  • Autism

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • Mood concerns (depression, etc)

  • Anxiety

  • Learning Disorders (including dyslexia and dysgraphia)

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Gifted Testing

  • All assessments include:

  • - Thorough parent interview (1-3 hours)

  • - Child Cognitive testing (60-90 minutes) to assess verbal skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and visual spatial skills.

  • - Child Academic Achievement (math, reading comprehension and decoding, writing) (60-90 minutes). If reading or literacy skills are a main area of concern, we include an additional test of phonological awareness to evaluate additional dyslexia concerns

  • - Child/teen interview (15-60 minutes depending on age and function of child)

  • - Series of questionnaires for parent, child, and teacher (if applicable) on social, emotional, behavioral, developmental challenges

  • - If Autism is a concern, a structured behavioral diagnostic assessment will also be administered - (45 minutes) (ADOS-2)

  • - Parents are provided a confidential comprehensive report (8-25 pages) with testing results, diagnoses made if applicable, and a comprehensive list of recommendations for home and/or school

  • - 1 hour parent feedback to review the results of the assessment and recommendations for treatment

  • - 15-30 minute meeting with child or teen to discuss results of the assessment and things that may help them (if parents and I deem it appropriate)

  • - Optional - 2nd parent feedback meeting for parents to ask additional questions or gain additional support on next steps

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept insurance for evaluations given restrictions put forth by insurance companies which limits our ability to be as comprehensive as needed. Self-pay is required.  See costs outlined on “Insurance/Cost” page.