How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?

You might consider getting an evaluation if you need a thorough understanding of your child’s thinking skills and social/emotional development to identify why they are struggling and how to handle it.

Common referral questions:

• Your child is unable to attend to or focus on information long enough to retain it
• Your child has problems with learning that do not seem to be getting better, despite their efforts or receiving support
• You are unsure if your child is getting the right services and help at school
• Your child seems frustrated, anxious or sad, or is having trouble making friends
• Your child’s therapists or medical providers need information about what is going on
• The problem is affecting your child’s self-esteem, friendships, mood and/or family life
• Your child just received a new diagnosis and you are unsure what it means and what steps to take
• You would like to identify your child’s learning style, including strengths and weaknesses, in order to inform your understanding and guide future decisions

Contact us if you are unsure whether your child needs an evaluation, or what type of evaluation would be most appropriate.

 

What happens during an evaluation?

The first step is a parent consultation, where we discuss your child’s history, and the concerns you have.

Based on the information that is shared, a specific plan is generated.

The next step can include a classroom observation which permits the examiner to view how your child functions in a learning environment.

Testing is scheduled in the office (or sometimes at the school) over multiple sessions. Different interactive tasks are completed to learn more about how your child thinks, processes and learns. The following may be examined based on the presenting concerns: processing, learning, memory, attention, language, academics, and social/emotional wellness. The same tests are not used for every child; the most appropriate assessments are selected based on the specific questions and concerns you have.

After testing, a feedback session is set up so that we can discuss the findings of testing, and specific recommendations based on the results. You will also receive a written summary of your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Is insurance accepted for testing?

We are not in-network with any insurance company. This means payment is made directly to the office at the time of services. You may be able to get partial reimbursement for your child’s evaluation by submitting an in-depth receipt to your insurance company. Contact your insurance and ask about “Out of Network Coverage” (we will provide procedure codes and other information needed before your conversation, including the “NPI,” “EIN,” and possible diagnosis codes).

Coverage for evaluations depends on your insurance plan. Many times reimbursement is based on your child’s diagnosis, which the insurance uses to determine the “medical necessity.” Note that insurance companies generally do not cover for testing that is educational in nature (such as to rule out a learning disability or giftedness) and may even choose to not cover for other conditions (including ADHD and Autism Spectrum).