Evaluation
Is My Child Too Young for an Evaluation?
When parents of a young child start to observe developmental differences with language, attention, behavior, school readiness, social connections, and more – they often wonder… Is my child too young for a neurodevelopmental evaluation? Let’s talk about what an evaluation at a young age actually does—and what it does not do. An Evaluation Is Not…
Read MoreWhen Parents Need Direction, Not Just Schools
Families often come to me after a prior evaluation with a diagnosis in hand—and lingering questions about what to do next. The report may be detailed. It may include diagnostic clarity and thoughtful recommendations. The school received guidance about accommodations or services. Yet parents frequently describe feeling unsure how to translate that information into everyday…
Read MoreHow Do I Know If My Child Needs a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
At some point, many parents find themselves asking a quiet but important question,“Are we missing something?” This question often comes after you’ve already taken steps to help your child. Maybe your child has been evaluated before. Maybe they’re in therapy, receiving school supports, or taking medication. On paper, it can look like you’re doing everything right—yet…
Read MoreIs it normal for my child to have meltdowns?
Your child is having an intense emotional outburst — screaming, crying, seeming unable to calm down. Is this normal? Will they outgrow it? The honest answer: it depends on what’s driving it, not necessarily their age.
Read MoreADHD Screenings: Be Careful
Screenings for ADHD may be quick, affordable, and convenient (especially if done with the pediatrician), but their results should be interpreted cautiously. This information is only a tiny glimpse of your whole child. If you plan to try medication, you may not be addressing the cause of the attention problems. Let me explain. Pretend you…
Read MoreWondering About Early Signs of Autism?
As a parent, you know your child best. You notice the little things—how they respond to your voice, their facial expressions, and how they play, interact, and explore the world around them. If something feels “off” or different from what you’ve seen in other children, it’s completely natural to wonder whether it could be autism.…
Read MorePrepare in Advance for Teacher Conferences
Teachers don’t always have time to communicate with parents on a regular basis. Things get missed – all the time. Parents can be surprised by how much they learn when information is directly requested. If you are already aware of things you need to monitor, write down your questions so you don’t forget. If your…
Read MoreThe Limitations of a Psychoeducational Evaluation
It’s distressing to sit with parents after they’ve taken a long winding path, and they’re still searching for answers about their struggling child. They are frustrated and anxious. They may question the diagnosis given to their child or worry about minimal progress with tutoring or therapy. When the child had a prior psychoeducational evaluation, they…
Read MoreIf Your Child Needs Help in the Public Schools…
There is a formal process for getting your child the help they need. The details will vary by state, but the general steps are similar. Also keep in mind that some schools have more resources than others, so delays can be quite long (e.g., 3-6 months or more). Begin to advocate as soon as possible!…
Read MoreDo You Need A Second Opinion About Your Child’s Development?
Has your child already been evaluated by a psychologist or the school system, but you still have a lot of questions? Maybe you wonder about a diagnosis. Or maybe the evaluation was completed years ago, and you need an updated perspective. When it comes to understanding a child’s thinking, learning, behavior, emotions, executive functioning, academics,…
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