PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

WHAT IS “PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING”?

Psycho‐educational testing is an in‐depth individualized assessment of a child's cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. Psycho‐educational testing is very helpful in developing a description of how a student learns, identifying areas that need support, and diagnosing or ruling out learning disabilities and other conditions that may require special educational interventions. Psycho‐educational testing is also helpful in identifying gifted and talented students. Psycho‐educational testing may be required to document disabilities requiring accommodations in school, college, or the workplace.

2) WHO WILL PERFORM THE PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING FOR MY CHILD?

All psycho‐educational testing will be performed, scored, interpreted and reported by Dr. Shari Giti and clinicians at South Bay Child and Family Therapy, Inc.

3) HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING?

If your child seems to be underachieving in school, chronically struggling in a certain academic area, showing very inconsistent progress across academic areas, or if you or teachers suspect that your child has a unique style of learning that presents challenges, psycho‐educational testing can be helpful.

4) WHAT’S THE PROCESS OF PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING?

The first step in a complete psycho‐educational evaluation is an interview with the parents to develop a complete history and description of the concerns. Often, rating scales, review of school records, consultation with teachers, and, sometimes, classroom observations are used to help determine what tests, if any, can be used to help address your questions and concerns.

5) HOW ARE THE RESULTS OF THE TESTING COMMUNICATED?

Dr. Shari Giti, is committed to providing clear, complete, and understandable written and verbal reports. She will provide you with a written report, meet with you in person to explain the results, and conference with schools, at your request. Every report will include educational accommodation recommendations and possible at home recommendations.

6) WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING?

The goals include the following:

~obtain information about your child's learning style and academic strengths/weaknesses,

~assess for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and/or executive functioning deficits

~ test for learning disabilities, such as Reading Disorder/Dyslexia, Disorder of Written Expression/Dysgraphia, Visual‐Motor Integration Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, Math Disorder and Auditory Processing Disorder

~document the need for accommodations in school or on standardized tests

~document eligibility for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan

~develop individualized recommendations to promote academic success

~explain behaviors such as inattention, poor organization, hyperactivity, low motivation, homework struggles, impulsivity, or low frustration tolerance

~understand poor school performance and/or academic decline

7) WHAT DOES THE PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING INCLUDE?

Testing could could intelligence testing (i.e., IQ test), achievement testing in reading, writing, and mathematic, Attention and executive functioning testingMemory testingVisual‐motor integration testingBehavioral and emotional screeningConsultation with parents, teachers, and other professionals working with your child (e.g., pediatrician, school counselor, etc.)Review of previous test results, report cards, writing samples, etc.

8) WILL MY CHILD'S SCHOOL ACCEPT YOUR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS?

I will talk with you about working with your school to optimize successful collaboration. Parents have the right to seek independent psycho‐educational evaluations. I use tests that are acceptable under state guidelines for evaluating special educational needs. We enjoy working with school personnel and have good success with schools accepting our report.

9) HOW MUCH DOES PSYCHO‐EDUCATIONAL TESTING COST?

The fee for psycho‐educational testing is based on the hours needed to perform a comprehensive assessment for your child. The process includes a parent intake session, 6‐12 hours of testing, 8‐12 hours of interpretation, scoring, and report writing. I will also have a feedback session with parents, child, and recommendation meeting with your child’s school as part of this process.Health insurance may cover some or all of these costs, depending upon the purpose of the assessment and the stipulations of your insurance plan. You will be provided a super‐bill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

South Bay Child and Family Therapy, Inc.

Southbay's Premiere Therapy Practice