TESTING SERVICES

Many areas must be tested in order to accurately diagnose cognitive (Memory, Executive functioning, Visual processing, Auditory processing), learning (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia), emotional/mood or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). To begin, a person’s overall intelligence – or cognitive ability – must be measured. All of the processing areas must also be assessed. These areas include visual/auditory memory and discrimination, executive functioning, and processing speed. Once these processing areas have been evaluated, the person’s achievement must be tested in various areas, such as speaking, listening, reading, writing and math. Before the diagnostic testing is complete, background information is examined, such as family history, medical history, school performance, emotional factors, motivational issues and his or her attention span.

Every person tested gains a large amount of valuable information, regardless of whether or not the results include findings consistent with ADHD, mood disorder, or learning disability.

• One will discover even more about his or her strengths and weaknesses. Most people arrive with a good idea about the areas that cause them problems, but fail to realize the importance of studying their strengths. This well-rounded information arms one with the background knowledge to address the possible disability and begin planning remediation strategies.
• In addition to realizing what areas are strong or weak, one will learn what makes these areas so. Knowing why one has certain problem areas will provide them with the knowledge to improve these areas.
• Once the strengths and weaknesses are identified and the causes are realized,
  appropriate remedial techniques can be provided. The person tested will receive
  recommendations for themselves, for their family, school; and occasionally, other
  professionals that work with him or her regularly.

Here are a list of evaluations we complete:

• Psychological Evaluation
• Psych-educational Evaluation
• Intelligence Evaluations
• Personality Evaluation
• Diagnostic Clarification
• Fitness for Surgery Evaluations
• ADHD Testing
• Learning Disorder Testing
• Pre-adoption Evaluations
• Neurological Impairment Screeners (Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion)

School and Testing Accommodations

Schools of all levels offer academic accommodations once eligibility is determined. Private schools, public schools, colleges, and technical schools offer a variety of academic support. Additionally, testing boards such as the ACT/SAT and professional certifications/licensures also allow for specific accommodations based on need. In order to determine accommodation eligibility, almost all schools require a comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation. There are specific requirements to meet eligibility that include specific diagnoses, evaluation procedures, and verbiage in a report that must be completed or students who meet eligibility may be denied appropriate academic supports. Dr. Townsend writes comprehensive reports and is knowledgeable regarding specific requirements that various institutions require. Many providers who offer similar services will produce a short or inadequate report that do not meet these stringent requirements for academic support eligibility. If appropriate, Dr. Townsend’s reports typically include several pages of specific academic accommodations that can be implemented into an Individualized Education Plan/504 Plan or similar individualized academic support plan. Once the report is complete, Dr. Townsend will meet with you to discuss the results and assist in walking you through the steps to initiate a plan with your school or specific testing board to help navigate their specific process to establish eligibility for accommodations