Our Approach
A personalized approach
I am not a "testing machine". I offer individual, personalized attention to each client. I work on one case at a time so that each person's evaluation is handled with the utmost care, consideration, and focus. I am available for discussions or to answer questions.
Fast turn-around
One of the most important things you should look for when you are seeking an evaluation is how long it will take between the time of the testing and receiving the final written report. Some evaluators take as long as 1 month or more before issuing their final written report. I get a thorough report to my client within 3 to 10 days of the evaluation, assuming no unusual circumstance. Approximately one hour is spent with the parent immediately at the conclusion of the testing for oral feedback and a discussion of the results and recommendations.
A remediation perspective
I am not only a Licensed School Psychologist and Mental Health Counselor, I am a learning specialist. I have educated children in both private practice and in schools, and I previously co-owned a large tutoring center. Therefore, my recommendations about how to assist a child who is having a difficult time academically are wrought with experience. Many times, psychologists and school psychologists make recommendations, but they have never actually taught someone to read, write, or get organized. I have a keen understanding of what needs to be done, because I have done it. Having that knowledge and experience makes a real difference when planning remediation.
Warm and welcoming environment
When evaluating a young child or adolescent, it is important to establish a positive rapport and make the child feel comfortable. I have a relaxed but structured demeanor and try to make my time with a child a comfortable experience. I find this approach works well even with a shy child, an angry adolescent, or an embarrassed adult. And the child knows that the parent can watch him or her on a TV monitor (without sound), so he or she is not isolated with the examiner.
The right number of tests
My evaluations are thorough and appropriate. It is important to give enough tests to really understand someone's functioning, however I do not just "test to test". Some evaluators may over-test just to "fatten up" a report. Always remember quality is more important than quantity. For example, if there are no social- emotional issues, there is no need to do in depth personality testing, just screening is fine. If there is a question of an attention deficit disorder, there are specific tests that need to be added to the battery. Having a professional who is intimately familiar with the full inventory of available tests and who knows how and when to use them is important. I gear my practice to make the most efficient use of everyone's time. I focus on the identified issues and provide a thorough report.
It Is Personal Experience Too
Finally, what probably makes me more qualified is that I have 3 children, now grown, who all received Exceptional Student Education services in school and college.
No Financial Games
Testing is the ONLY service I provide. When I review the results and recommendations with you, I have no motivation to encourage you to seek other services with me. I am happy to refer you to outside sources, when warranted. But, be assured, that unlike facilities that offer testing, tutoring, and related services, all I do is psychoeducational testing. Thus, the recommendations are what I believe are in the best interests of the family, not in the interest of enriching my practice.
Why be evaluated?
The purpose of an evaluation is to develop an understanding of a child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Some children are better with visual image oriented material, while others are better expressing their knowledge verbally. Some may have difficulty with either short-term memory or working memory. Others may process information slowly and require extra time to complete a task. An evaluation determines a child's strengths and weaknesses and assists with his educational planning process. The recommendations from an evaluation are designed to help the child reach his highest academic learning potential.
YOU WILL VIEW YOUR CHILD'S ENTIRE TESTING SESSION ON A TV MONITOR
Here is a good YouTube video about learning disabilities:
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