PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL/NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

When should I have my child tested?
There are many reasons that a child may be referred for testing.  As a parent, you know your child better than anybody and often, even when others are not concerned, you are able to recognize that something feels "off" or that your child seems to be struggling more than you might expect.  An evaluation can be a useful way to help you gain a better understanding of your child's unique strengths as well as his or her areas of difficulties so that you have the knowledge to best support his or her needs. 

Following are some reasons you might want to consider an evaluation:
  • If your child feels frustrated and says things like “I can’t do it” or “I’m dumb,” an evaluation that helps identify the source of such struggles can be beneficial. 
  • Children often feel relieved when they and the adults in their lives understand their learning style and needs so they can draw upon their strengths and get appropriate assistance.
  • Some children with learning disabilities process information differently or more slowly than their peers, even when they are equally intelligent.  Diagnosing the problem and allowing for appropriate accommodations such as extra time on school and standardized assessments, can help relieve anxiety and allow such children to perform closer to their true potential.
  •  When parents have struggled with a child’s academic and/or social-emotional difficulties they sometimes, understandably, feel frustrated, drained, and “at their wits end.”  When they have a better understanding of their child’s strengths and weaknesses, parents often feel they are better able to have empathy, be supportive, and work productively to address their child’s difficulties.  
  • Behavior problems at school, such as acting out, demonstrating impulsivity, or appearing not to be paying attention, can sometimes be signs of a learning disability or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.   Gaining a better understanding of the situation can help ensure that appropriate interventions are developed and your child is supported, rather than penalized for his or her "poor" behavior. 
  • Diagnosing disabilities early allows parents, teachers, and learning specialists to come up with strategies to decrease frustration and help keep children motivated to try hard, even when tasks are difficult.        

 An evaluation can be a useful way
 to address your concerns and
better understand your child
and his or her needs.
   

What exactly do you evaluate? 
Every assessment conducted is different and tailored to the child’s particular intellectual, academic, neuropsychological, and emotional profile.  Generally, however, administering an assessment of intellectual capabilities, academic abilities, memory, organization and planning (referred to as executive functioning), and emotional well-being is standard.  Depending on the individual’s performance and/or the particular concerns voiced, the specific battery of tests administered will vary.  For young children, a school observation can often be informative and can additionally be arranged.


How much time does an evaluation require?
Each evaluation is tailored to the specific child.  Generally, testing entails 8-10 hours of face to face time which is typically divided into 3-4 sessions, depending on the child’s age and ability to focus.  

 Dr. Wachtel’s assessments focus
on the “whole” child, not just
 on his or her difficulties. 

Do I need to share the results of the evaluation with school?
All information gathered over the course of an evaluation is confidential and will not be shared with anybody without the consent of a parent or guardian.  When a report is written, Dr. Wachtel will give the report directly to the parent.  It is entirely up to the parent who they choose to share the report with, though sharing the information with school can often help a child to feel better understood and supported. Should you decide to share the report with school or any other important service providers, Dr. Wachtel is happy to speak to relevant teachers/personnel.  School meetings can also be arranged.  

Will my evaluation be covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies will not pay for neuropsychological evaluations conducted to assess and understand academic or learning difficulties.  Depending on your insurance and your child’s diagnosis, there are some situations in which insurance companies will pay for a portion of the evaluation.  Dr. Wachtel does not participate with any insurance plans but will provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit for reimbursement.  It is important to be clear that it is not guaranteed that a portion of the evaluation will be reimbursed.

What’s special about Dr. Wachtel’s Services?
Dr. Wachtel’s assessments focus on the “whole” child, not just on his or her difficulties.  Her gentle and friendly manner puts children at ease and enables her to gain a better sense of their true capacity.  She specializes in doing evaluations that spell out how academic, cognitive, neuropsychological, and social-emotional factors interact with one another and affect a child’s behavior and performance.

Understanding a child’s particular strengths, weaknesses, and diagnoses, can be an overwhelming process.  Parents often feel frustrated that they are unable to truly understand the technical language used to describe their children in neuropsychological reports.   Taking that into account, Dr. Wachtel will provide you with a very “reader friendly” report that, while comprehensive, is also accessible and understandable to parents.  Further, Dr. Wachtel will arrange a feedback session in which you will have the opportunity to discuss the findings with her and she will also hear from you whether the findings seem to make sense.  You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, brainstorm about ideas, and voice concerns.