Before the Testing Session
- If a child if being evaluated, prepare them by letting them know what to expect on the day of testing.
- Avoid the term testing, as it may cause unnecessary nervousness. Just explain that the child will be doing tasks to help their parents, doctors and/or teachers understand how to best help them.
- Let the child know that they will be meeting with the person conducting the testing alone.
- The testing process involves a variety of tasks, including drawings, puzzles, building with blocks, questions, and reading and math. Some of the tasks may be challenging, but most will be fun.
- Make sure the person being tested gets good nights rest and eats a good breakfast.
- If medication is prescribed for ADHD, you will be notified prior to the testing session whether to take the medication on the day of testing.
- Depending on the type of testing, the age of the person being tested, and the referral question, the testing process will vary and may take anywhere between 2-8 hours to complete.
- Test sessions begin in the morning and, when possible, will be completed in one day. In some circumstances, testing may require two days to assure optimal functioning and performance.
- During the testing session breaks may be taken for restroom or snacks as needed to avoid fatigue.
- Plan to arrive early to become familiar with the space and examiner.
- For children 9 and younger being tested, parents are required to stay on the premise for the duration of testing.
- For children over 9, parents may leave as long as they provide a number where they can be immediately reached in case of emergency.
- Test results will be scored, interpreted, and integrated into a report within 2-3 weeks.
- A feedback session to review the testing results, discuss recommendations, and get answers and concerns addressed, is held.
- After a child is tested, parents are asked to come to the feedback session alone.
- A separate feedback session can be scheduled for older children as they may benefit from understanding their strengths and limitations, if parents desire.
- A written report will be provided during the feedback session.
- The report is a comprehensive write up of the testing results, and specific recommendations tailored to individual needs and include accommodations when appropriate.
- Recommendations are designed to help parents, teachers, doctors, and others develop a plan of treatment, intervention, accommodations, or modifications.
- If there is a desire for the report to be shared directly with other professionals, a signed release of information will be required.
