How to Prepare Your School-Age Child for an Evaluation
What to say about the evaluation…
The evaluation includes all kinds of activities that are interactive. The word “activities” is best for most kids. Although the evaluation does include “tests”, that word is misleading. Unlike tests at school, there are no grades earned and the child is working with the clinician for most tasks (not independently).
For young children, it’s not a good idea to tell your child they will play “games”. That’s because some activities will be difficult and will not always be playful. The clinician wants to look at the upper limit of your child’s abilities, so activities need to get difficult (at least briefly).
Your child should be encouraged to:
- Try their best
- Guess when they are unsure
- Ask questions
- Be themselves!
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast
Reassure any worries or fears…
If your child has learning differences, the clinician wants to see firsthand what is difficult. Let your child know that mistakes are opportunities to SHOW the clinician where they need help! Use examples or recent moments from homework to explain.
For children with a fear of doctors, medical procedures, and new experiences, reassure them that there will be no painful procedures. There will be no shots! Be sure they know that the clinician (even if called “Dr”) is not the same as a medical doctor.
For children with separation anxiety, prepare them that they will separate to spend time with the clinician. A parent sits nearby in a waiting room. Depending on age, length of testing, and attention/behavioral skills, your child will take at least one or two breaks to visit with you. Bring a snack, drink, and possibly an activity for this time. Be careful with highly rewarding activities that make transitions difficult, such as a videogame.
Any uncertainty about the evaluation can show up as irritability and behavior challenges the morning of the appointment. Your reassuring, calm and supportive presence will help them try to regulate their own emotions.
A transition object can be helpful for some nervous children, such as a favorite stuffed animal or toy; however, prepare them that this toy needs to “sit” nearby during the evaluation and can’t be a distraction. The clinician can help you problem solve this if needed.
Positive reinforcement as a reward…
Sometimes kids need reinforcement to maintain their motivation and effort during the evaluation.
Positive attention and lots of structure during the evaluation (e.g., verbal praise, a sticker chart if age appropriate) are often sufficient to keep them comfortable and motivated!
If you know that sustained effort is really a challenge, a reward after the evaluation is complete may be very helpful. Consider meaningful experiences, such as lunch at a favorite restaurant, after extra time on technology with a parent or friend, museum or movie, playdate or sleep over with a friend, etc. Earning a tangible toy or prize is another option.
Provide suggestions to the clinician!
Finally, be sure to inform your clinician about any strategies that work at home. Be sure the clinician knows about specific interests that could be used (e.g. conversation, stickers, etc) to connect with your child. Also let them know any triggers that create stress. You are the expert about your child!
Lastly, be sure to prepare yourself for the evaluation!
- What to Expect During an Evaluation – some things to keep in mind for parents going into these types of evaluations
- Finding a Qualified Neuropsychologist – tips on finding a qualified neuropsychologist
Contact us to schedule your own Neuropsychological Evaluation here: https://pedneurocenter.com/contact/
