Why obtain an evaluation?

In some cases, a client needs a diagnosis from a licensed psychologist in order to receive services. In other cases, providers already working with the client need clarity and guidance to better understand and help the individual. Some caregivers pursue evaluations to help inform decisions about school placement, therapies, or pharmacological treatment. Through assessment, recommendations can be made for therapies/services, and specific ways that caregivers can support the individual. Understanding the individual differences in learning, cognition, and emotional functioning can illuminate current and future expectations, and provide recommendations for development and remediation.

We customize our evaluations for the individual client, using the appropriate measures to obtain a comprehensive profile of the client’s strengths and weaknesses as a learner, as well as identify any learning, processing, attentional, or social/emotional challenges. We typically assesses the following areas:

• Overall Intellect (i.e., intelligence and problem solving) 

• Academics: Reading, Math, Writing

• Language: Receptive, Expressive, Social

• Visual & Spatial Skills

• Motor Coordination and Sensory Processing

• Learning and Memory

• Attention and Executive Functioning Skills

• Visual and Auditory Processing

• Speed and Efficiency of Processing

• Emotion and Behavior

• Personality

• Developmental and Adaptive Functioning 

Assessments involve a series of appointments, beginning with a parent intake meeting. Evaluations for elementary and pre-school aged children include an observation of the child at school. Dr. Barinholtz will also make every effort to collaborate and obtain valuable information from teachers, parents, and other individuals who may have insight into the child's behavior and functioning. Testing is usually conducted over the course of either two full days or four mornings.

Approximately two weeks after the last day of testing, parents return for a feedback meeting to review results, discuss a plan of action including recommendations for school and accommodations as needed, potential recommendations for outside intervention, and recommendations for the home. A full written report is also prepared and provided to the family. We also offer a developmentally appropriate meeting with the child to discuss what we have learned about him or her, as well as to explain the plan moving forward as agreed upon by parents and the evaluator.