- When should a child be referred for testing?
When parents, providers, teachers, or the child feels as though something “is not quite right” with respect to development, academic performance, skills such as attention or memory, or behavior. Behavioral or social difficulties can often mask underlying learning problems. - What does psychological testing entail?
Psychological testing is a term used to refer to a broad array of evaluations including intelligence, academic, neuropsychological, and emotional. - What types of questions can be answered through a psychological?
A test referral can often clarify a diagnosis such as ADHD or Dyslexia. It can also help to understand how the individual processes information and what type of teaching strategies would be most beneficial. - What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is defined as “a disorder in basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or use mathematical calculations. The term includes conditions such as perceptual disability, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. See a glossary here. - How do I explain the testing process to my child?
It is important to explain to them that everyone has learning strengths and learning difficulties. A book called Straight Talk about Psychological Testing for Kids by Ellen Braaten & Gretchen Felopulos is very helpful in answering questions about different types of evaluations, what tests are commonly used, and what to expect throughout the evaluation process. The book also describes how testing is used to evaluate specific disorders such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, Mental Retardation, and Giftedness. - How soon can I expect to receive the results?
You will receive a written report within 4-6 weeks after the testing is completed. At around the same time a feedback session will be scheduled. At the feedback session the findings of the evaluation will be discussed and questions answered. Your child is encouraged to attend this meeting.