A neuropsychological evaluation examines how a child's development shapes learning, attention, behavior, and emotions. It clarifies not just what is hard, but why, and what will genuinely help.
What it is
Rather than a single test or score, an evaluation brings together standardized measures, observation, developmental history, and input from home and school into one integrated picture. It can clarify questions about ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, anxiety, and related concerns, and it distinguishes between difficulties that can look alike on the surface. Autism and adaptive skills are assessed as needed, when they are part of the question.
Who it's for
Consider an evaluation if your child is struggling with learning, attention, emotions, or behavior, or if you simply need clearer information to guide decisions at home or school. Evaluations are available for children, adolescents, and young adults.
What's assessed
Each evaluation is tailored to the referral question, drawing on the domains that matter for understanding the whole child:
- Intellectual functioning: reasoning and problem-solving
- Language skills: understanding and use of spoken and written language
- Attention & executive functioning: focus, organization, planning, and impulse control
- Learning & memory: acquiring, retaining, and recalling information
- Academic achievement: reading, writing, math, and related skills
- Motor skills: fine and gross motor coordination and planning
- Social & emotional functioning: social skills, emotional regulation, and relationships
- Adaptive skills: everyday skills for independence, such as self-care and communication (as needed)
- Autism spectrum: social communication, reciprocal interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors (as needed)
What to expect
An opening conversation
We begin with a meeting to gather your child's developmental history, educational progress, previous supports, and current concerns. It's also your chance to ask questions about the evaluation.
Records review
I review relevant medical, educational, and psychological records to understand your child's background and identify areas for further assessment.
Rating forms & questionnaires
You, your child's teachers, and others who know your child well complete rating forms, offering perspectives on functioning across settings.
School observation (optional)
For some children, particularly young children, a daycare or school classroom observation can provide valuable insights into your child's functioning that cannot be gained through questionnaires or testing.
Comprehensive testing
Most evaluations are completed over two to four sessions, paced to keep your child comfortable and engaged.
Integration & scoring
I review records, school information, and testing results together, interpreting them as a whole rather than in isolation.
Parent feedback meeting
After testing, I meet with parents or guardians to review findings, including diagnoses, explain what they mean, and provide individualized recommendations. This typically runs about 90 minutes.
School feedback meeting (optional)
With your permission, I can share results and recommendations with your child's school to support educational planning.
Written report
You receive a detailed report summarizing all findings, interpretations, and recommendations for use at home, at school, and with other professionals.
Have a question about your child? Let's start there.
Tell me a little about what's on your mind, and I'll help you understand whether an evaluation makes sense for your family.