The focused ADHD evaluation assesses cognitive functioning, symptoms of ADHD, executive functioning, and select academic skills as they relate to symptoms of ADHD. As part of the evaluation, an in-school behavioral observation is often recommended for children ages 5-12 to help identify ADHD symptoms. Most clients seek the focused ADHD evaluation to:
a) Specifically measure the presence and clinical significance of symptoms of ADHD.
b) Assess the level of interference symptoms of ADHD are causing in school, at work, and/or in relationships.
c) Clarify the presence of ADHD versus other psychological disorders that also affect client’s attention and ability to succeed academically or at work.
The neuropsychological evaluation measures cognitive functioning, academic achievement, expressive and receptive language, memory, attention and executive functioning. Clients often seek the neuropsychological evaluation to:
a) Obtain a thorough understanding about their cognitive ability and learning style in order to determine the need for interventions and accommodations that can optimize academic success.
b) Assess for memory loss, intellectual deterioration, or other declining mental functions.
The psychoeducational evaluation primarily measures intellectual functioning and academic achievement in order to determine cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation frequently includes an assessment of attention and executive functioning. Clients often seek a psychoeducational evaluation to:
a) Gain insight about their cognitive ability and learning style in order to determine the need for interventions and accommodations that can optimize academic success.
b) Assess for specific learning disabilities in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.
The psychological evaluation assesses personality characteristics and clinical symptom patterns. Clients often seek the psychological evaluation to:
a) Expose personality characteristics and interpersonal patterns that may be causing functional interference in social, occupational, and/or academic domains.
b) Clarify diagnoses and offer recommendations in regards to a treatment plan for a client.
The admissions testing evaluation measures intellectual functioning using either the Wechsler Scales (typically the WPPSI-V for pre-k and kindergarten, WISC-V for children under age 16, or the WAIS-IV for older adolescents and adults) or the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities. Clients and their families primarily seek admissions testing to:
a) Gain an understanding of a child or adolescent’s intellectual functioning.
b) Plan for appropriate academic placement.