Neuropsychological evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation specifically is meant to study brain-based correlates of an array of concerns relating to intelligence, memory, language-based capabilities, visual-spatial skills, and prefrontal cortex functions such as executive control. Depending on referral concerns, evaluations may also assess social functioning, adaptive skill sets, and academic achievement.
The purpose of the evaluation is not only to better understand a child’s functioning in these areas, how they learn, and what type of educational environment they would thrive in, but also to provide parents, caregivers, teachers, and other service providers guidance in adopting such measures in the most practical way possible. The aim, ultimately, is to both help the child as well as empower the adult(s) involved in their instruction and/or care to facilitate qualitatively significant outcomes.
Gifted and Talented & Twice Exceptional Evaluation
If there are questions regarding your child’s match with their educational setting due to their advanced cognitive and learning capabilities being underserved or underutilized, a gifted and talented or twice exceptional evaluation may be an option worth exploring.
College Age Student Evaluations
If your child has received educational resources throughout primary and secondary schooling, they may be able to continue receiving accommodations and educational support when they enter higher education. However, most colleges require college age student evaluations in order to offer these accommodations at the university level.
neurodevelopmental evaluation
Neurodevelopmental evaluations focus on toddlers and preschoolers identified with concerns in meeting developmental milestones, particularly as related to identifying ‘red flags’ associated with an autism spectrum disorder. Early detection of autism spectrum disorders allows for early access to empirically validated treatments that can significantly improve the developmental trajectory of the child, particularly in later years.
Educational consultation and Services
School is a big part of your child’s life, and ensuring they have the resources they need to be academically successful is important. I offer a range of school-based evaluations, classroom observations, and other assessment services to ensure your child achieves their educational goals. Specifically, I provide the following services:
School/Program Observation - a school/program observation may be needed in addition to a neuropsychological evaluation in order to understand whether a program or an educational setting is well-structured, developed, and implemented with respect to instruction, accommodations, cohorts, and developmentally appropriate social opportunities in order to meet a child’s needs.
Attendance at IEP Meetings - these annual meetings are required by federal statute to ensure that students continue to receive the most appropriate educational resources. Many parents feel a little outnumbered in these meetings, and it can be beneficial to have a knowledgeable professional in attendance who can help you understand the school’s perspective and your child’s options.