Initial consultation or interview (in-person or telehealth) with the caregiver(s) and/or adult patient. We discuss history, concerns, and goals for the evaluation.
Testing – most evaluations involve at least some testing. This is done on a single day though it can be broken up into two days if needed.
Interview with the child (done during testing). I get to know him or her to better understand how I can help. I may ask about interests, feelings, concerns, and goals. We often talk about home, school, and friends.
Questionnaires completed by caregivers, teachers, and adult patients, as appropriate.
Feedback or meeting (in-person or telehealth) to discuss results and recommendations. I typically meet with caregivers or adult patients, but youth and young adults are encouraged to participate as well. I can also schedule Teen/Young Adult Follow-up Sessions
Report or brief letter that is readable and targeted to your needs. It is typically available 2-3 weeks after feedback and, with your written consent, can be shared with whomever you think is appropriate.
• Results of evaluation
• Reactions to results
• How results apply to life
• Strengths and how to capitalize on them
• Self-advocacy goals
• Support & resources
• A clear path forward with objective next steps
Family Problem Solving Therapy (FPST)
An Online Rehabilitation and Family-Based Treatment For Youth (ages ~12-20) with Brain Injury or Illness and Their Family
FPST IS:
• Research-based online treatment for youth with brain injury and illness
• Typically involving 8-12 telehealth sessions and online modules
• Focused on treating challenges that occur after injury or illness
• Educates families about the brain injury or illness
• Trains teens and families in problem-solving
• Builds communication skills to help families cope
• Covers many other topics including cognitive and organization problems, anger management, impulse control, and health
• SCHEDULE CONSULTATION TO LEARN MORE!
Skills Assessed with Evaluations include:
Intelligence & Processing
o Reasoning with language/words
o Visual reasoning (with pictures/images)
o Identifying and creating patterns
o How quickly information is taken in and processed
o The efficiency or accuracy of information processing
Language
o Expressing wants, needs and ideas
o Communicating through writing
o Understanding information shared
o Using vocabulary
o Knowing the names of things
o Understanding of sounds (phonemic awareness)
o Social language or communicating with others
Memory
o Ability to learn information you hear
o Visual memory or learning through pictures
o Working memory, or holding onto information in short term
Attention & Executive Functioning
o Focusing on important information
o Avoiding distractions
o Organization and planning
o Problem solving
o Monitoring work and behavior
o Time management
o Setting goals and following through
Visual-Spatial/Visual-Motor
o Ability to see images correctly
o Writing and drawing what is seen
o Fine motor speed
o Handwriting
o Activity level
Academics
o Reading and phonological skills
o Reading and listening comprehension
o Written expression
o Arithmetic & applied math skills
o Test taking and study skills
o Need for educational accommodations
Social-Emotional Skills
o Coping with problems
o Ability to handle emotions and distress
o Social interest and motivation
o Ability to read nonverbal social cues
o Problem solving in social situations
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Common Questions Evaluations Can Answer
Thinking and Learning
Why does my child struggle in school? Does she have a learning disability or dyslexia?
Is my child gifted? Does he need to be challenged at school?
Does my child’s medical condition or brain injury affect his learning?
How does my son learn best?
She doesn’t seem to understand things we teach her. Is this a comprehension problem?
She doesn’t remember what she learns or is inconsistent. Is her memory impaired?
Does she have a math disability?
Attention and Organization
My son struggles to focus and is often hyper. Does he have ADHD?
Our pediatrician said our daughter has attention and ‘executive functioning’ problems. What are those and can you assess them?
How can I help my son be better organized and follow through on tasks?
Teachers complain she is off-task and forgetful. Is that ADHD?
My high schooler procrastinates, lacks motivation, and doesn’t care about school or home demands. How can I help him?
Day-to-Day Functioning
What are my child’s unique strengths and weaknesses?
Can you help me understand why my child needs more help with everyday tasks compared to others?
My young adult child lacks direction. How can I help prepare her for adulthood?
Our teenage daughter gets overwhelmed easily. What contributes to her struggles and how can I support her?
My child received early intervention due to developmental delay. How is he progressing?
Social and Emotional
Anxiety is a big issue for my son. Now his grades are dropping. Is this due to anxiety or is it something else?
Our daughter has a hard time making friends and she misses social cues. How can we help?
My son struggles at school and may be depressed. Does he need school support? Should he start therapy or medicine?
We were told our child has “sensory processing” issues. What is that?
My child has emotional outbursts at home. What can we do?
