TESTING SERVICES

Academic Achievement

An evaluation of academic achievement provides an assessment of current level of academic functioning. This evaluation can be generalized to assess functioning across a range of academic areas, or it can be more focused to assess functioning in one or more specific areas. Information and recommendations obtained through this evaluation can be shared with your child’s school to aid in academic planning and decision-making. This type of evaluation is also useful for homeschool parents who wish to obtain an assessment of their child’s academic progress as compared to a nationally normed sample of peers.

Attention (ADHD) and Executive Functioning

This evaluation is appropriate for parents who are concerned about their child’s ability to focus, sustain attention, maintain an appropriate activity level, organize their tasks or materials, regulate their emotions, shift from one task to another, or remember multi-step instructions, for example. This comprehensive evaluation provides information regarding broad academic achievement, cognitive/intellectual functioning, presentation of characteristics consistent with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and current level of executive functioning skills. Parents are provided with a written report during a feedback session with recommendations for next steps, including medication evaluation, school accommodations, and/or behavioral plans at home.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

An evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder may be considered by parents who are concerned about their child’s developmental progress. This evaluation may be appropriate if your child does not seem interested in interacting with others, has difficulty understanding social cues or other people’s feelings, is resistant to changes in routine, has restricted interests, or has unusual reactions to different sensory inputs (e.g., lights, sounds, textures, etc.). An evaluation for ASD includes a comprehensive measure of cognitive/intellectual functioning, as well as structured observation of sensory use and interests, language and communication, and social relationships and emotional responses. Rating scales are completed by parents and teachers to assess social and behavioral functioning across settings, executive functioning, and social responsiveness. Parents receive a written report during a feedback session with recommendations for next steps including parent education and advocacy, school-based services and supports, and behavioral plans for the home and school settings.

Cognitive/Intellectual Functioning

This evaluation is helpful to understand a child’s cognitive processing skills and provides information regarding individual patterns of strengths and weaknesses. This information can be helpful in determining the best instructional approach for a child and in developing targeted interventions that capitalize on individual strengths. This evaluation includes a comprehensive measure of cognitive/intellectual functioning (IQ) that assesses verbal comprehension, visual-spatial processing, fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and overall IQ. Parents receive a written report during a feedback session that includes recommendations based on findings from the evaluation.

Gifted

Parents may suspect their child is gifted if they display a need for a more challenging academic environment, are curious and motivated to learn, demonstrate leadership capabilities, and think creatively. This evaluation includes an assessment of overall cognitive/intellectual functioning using one of the most commonly accepted IQ tests for placement in the school setting. In some cases, the addition of academic achievement testing is considered. Upon completion of the evaluation, parents are provided with a written report during a feedback session. Gifted evaluations can be shared with your child’s school for validation and use in determining eligibility for the gifted program.

Intellectual Disability

This evaluation is appropriate for parents who believe that their child may be low cognitively as compared to other children their age. Parents may be concerned about their child’s ability to complete daily living tasks, their ability to learn new concepts, or their ability to interact appropriately with peers. This evaluation includes comprehensive assessment of cognitive/intellectual functioning, an assessment of current academic functioning, as well as adaptive skills and social/emotional functioning. This evaluation also includes a clinical interview and record review. Parents are provided a written report during a feedback session with recommendations for next steps including parent education and advocacy, school-based services and supports, and behavioral plans for the home and school settings.

Psychological Evaluation

This evaluation is appropriate for parents who are concerned about their child’s behavioral, social, or emotional functioning. Psychological testing is helpful in distinguishing what disorders may be present as well as the level of emotional distress and functional impairment related to a psychological disorder. As part of this evaluation, information is collected from multiple sources to assess anxiety symptoms, depressed mood, functional impairment, coping skills, etc. This evaluation includes a clinical interview and record review. Parents are provided with a written report with recommendations for next steps. Results from this evaluation are often helpful for counselors and clinicians working directly with children and families to help determine the most effective approach for therapy.

Specific Learning Disability

An evaluation for Specific Learning Disability in Reading (Dyslexia), Writing (Dysgraphia), or Math (Dyscalculia) may be appropriate if you are concerned about your child’s academic progress, grades, or their ability to grasp academic concepts. This evaluation includes an assessment of academic skills across core academic subject areas, as well as a comprehensive assessment in the child’s academic area of weakness. Additionally, a comprehensive measure of cognitive/intellectual functioning is administered. Information regarding the child’s emotional and behavioral functioning is obtained from parents and teachers. Parents receive a written report during a feedback session. Recommendations are provided for interventions that can be implemented in the home and school settings. This information can be shared with your child’s school and other professionals working with your child.

Since 1993, Life Connections Counseling Center is a registered non-profit (501-c-3) organization. We strive for excellence in all professional counseling and testing services. We maintain high accountability as a Center. We intentionally offer below-market fees to better serve our local community.