Evaluations
We provide a variety of testing and evaluations to help you understand your child's strengths and challenges, typically for ages 2 through 21 years. Evaluations provide diagnostic clarification and individually-tailored recommendations for your child's unique presentation and context. Regardless of whether your child receives a formal diagnosis, your family will receive thoughtful, comprehensive feedback and recommendations to better understand and support your child's growth.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing
Our evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes the administration of the ADOS-2, which is a semi-structured interactive assessment that allows us to observe your child's communication skills, social skills, and behaviors. The ADOS-2 is considered the "Gold Standard" when evaluating for ASD. We also gather information in a variety of other ways, including a diagnostic interview, questionnaires, language testing, cognitive testing, record review, and communicating with your child's school and other providers. This approach helps us truly understand your child, allowing us to provide a differential diagnosis if needed. Dr. Cara and Dr. Alex are both trained to reliability on the ASD-specific tests, meaning that you can count on their results!
Neuropsychological Evaluation
Comprehensive evaluations provide insight into your child's cognitive, learning, and social-emotional profile. Although evaluations are targeted to fit the needs of each family's primary concerns/questions, assessment is often conducted across domains of intelligence, academic achievement, attention, executive functioning, memory, speech-language, and social-emotional skills. Common presenting concerns include questions regarding possible Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay, learning challenges, and social-emotional or behavioral challenges.
We also provide developmental evaluations for children ages 2-5 years. These are approached from an engaging, play-based perspective through the use of evidence-based assessments. Common presenting concerns include questions regarding possible Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech-Language Disorder, and challenges in the areas of foundational social-emotional, school readiness, and pre-academic skills. Early identification and support of a child's developmental strengths and areas for growth is critical. Some families are looking for the opportunity to learn more about their child's current developmental profile. Others may have specific concerns regarding their child's development that have been observed within their home, school, or community settings.
Learning / Educational Evaluation
Learning evaluations provide valuable information about your child's academic strengths and challenges, as well as their learning style. While these evaluations are targeted to fit your primary questions/concerns, assessments include in-depth academic achievement testing, and also may include testing for intelligence, attention, executive functioning, memory, speech-language, and social-emotional skills. Common presenting concerns include questions regarding possible Learning Disorders and other school or academic challenges.