CUTTING EDGE  ASSESSMENT

4A ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

ACCELERATED

You need answers delivered in a timely manner and we commit to do it without compromising quality

ACCURATE

We only use gold standard instruments with the best psychometric properties in class

ACCESSIBLE

We promise to deliver a report that delivers all the important information but is written with you in mind

ACTIONABLE

The reason for an evaluation is to inform your child's treatment and thats precisely what we will deliver

O U R  A P P R O A C H

At the Cincinnati Anxiety Center we believe that optimal treatment begins with high quality assessment.  That is why every child, or adult, that comes to our center undergoes comprehensive diagnostic and functional assessments. These assessments are conducted to solidify treatment targets and ensure adequate dosage. Attempting to treat a child or adult before understanding their needs is ineffective and at its worst can lead to frustration and hopelessness. Sometimes patients need a more specialized assessment to answer questions with regards to learning, attention, executive functioning, developmental disabilities, or cognitive and memory difficulties. Our testing program was designed for those children in mind and has the goal of informing intervention development and providing families with clear answers.  At the Cincinnati Anxiety Center you will find that we deliver (4As)  accelerated, accurate, accessible, and actionable reports written for your family and directly linked to your child's treatment needs.

FOLLOW

O U R  PROCESS

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Direct Assessment

Computer Adapted

Testing

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Collaboration Accross

Settings

Multi-Informant Rating Scales

Design and Deliver Optimal Treatment

Progress Monitor

ASSESSMENT TRACKS

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
Following the completion of the evaluation, you will meet with your evaluating psychologist/school psychologist to review the results. At that time the best treatment options will be discussed with you at length. In cases of higher functioning autism with/without co-occurring psychiatric illness, the Child Anxiety Center will offer treatment options at the center. However, in more complex cases, recommendations may include autism specific behavioral intervention programming that involves a multi-disciplinary team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and behavior analysts.



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.