Diagnostic Evaluation and Monitoring

All new patients go through an initial evaluation that includes a review of psychological history, a neuropsychiatric interview, and contact with all pertinent providers and/or school-based personnel. Assessment measures are also delivered to cross-reference stakeholder observations across settings. Dependent on the particular presentation, the patient may also require direct observations conducted by the clinical staff and/or the completion of a functional behavior assessment. The data that are collected are then presented to the treatment team who translate the findings into a personalized treatment program. As part of our routine assessment procedures, all patients undergo frequent progress monitoring to determine rates of improvement and to inform the clinical team on any treatment adjustment that may be needed. Here at the Child Anxiety Center we believe that assessment is an iterative process that should be adjusted to the patient's current levels of functioning and inform future steps in real-time. By the end of our assessment you and your child will have a clear understanding of where you have been, where you are at, and where you are going.

Neuropsychological Testing

For most children the terms neuropsychological, psychoeducational, or plain psychological testing are interchangeable. They refer to assessments that measure specific facets of cognitive, motor, behavioral, and/or linguistic functioning in children. There are, however, occasions (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury) where different brain functions such as hearing, sight, or movement would need to be tested by a Neuropsychologist with specialized training. We do not provide those specialized services. At the Child Anxiety Center our neuropsychological testing program is targeted at identifying the cognitive and learning strengths and weaknesses of each child. In complex cases, it also allows us to provide patients with the most sophisticated means of differentiating between psychological disorders. We know that mapping of one's psychological profile can be both illuminating and intimidating to families and their children. However, you will find that at the Child Anxiety Center our reports are written to the family and for the child. The evaluation is not the end, but the beginning of a journey. We use our findings as a starting point for informing parents as to what steps should be taken next and collaborating with their child's school and other healthcare providers to ensure that their needs are being met.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

If you, your phyisican, or your child's teachers have developed concerns surrounding attention, executive functioning (e.g, organization, problem solving, goal oriented behavior et...), or impulsivity, it may be appropriate to determine whether or not your child may be living with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our ADHD assessment program utilizes the most advanced objective computor based instrumentation combined with clinical interviews, direct observation, multi-informant rating scales, and expert analysis of results. We promise to provide accelerated, accurate, accessible, and actionable results to you and those who serve your child. We can also connect you will the best in behavioral interventions and supports. Please click here to see the full DSM-5 checklist to get a preliminary sense of your child's risk.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a particularly complex condition to diagnose because there are no clear biological markers, and its always has a unique presentation in each individual child. Early detection is critical because it promotes early intervention, and early intervention promotes an improved prognosis. According to the DSM-5 the two core features of ASD are deficits in social communication/interactions and restrictive/repetive patterns of behaviors. To evaluate whether or not your child meets these criteria, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation that adheres directly to best practice guidelines.

• Records review
• Developmental and medical history
• Gold standard parent structured interview (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
• Parent and teacher ratings of social competance
• Gold Standard direct observation (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Ed.)
• Cognitive assessment
• Academic assessment
• Adaptive behavioral assessment
• Communication and language assessment

Independent Educational Evaluation

If you are being referred by your school or educational advocate for an IEE, we would be happy to consult with you about our process and fees. Please let us know any time constraints/deadlines for the evaluation. We will work hard to accommodate your needs. Please be aware that not all school districts cover the total cost of our evaluations and parents are responsible for any remaining fees.