The purpose of an evaluation is to provide a better understanding of a child’s intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Evaluations are often helpful in solving “mysteries” about a child’s learning, emotional reactions, and behavior. The goal of an evaluation is to determine a child’s areas of strengths and weaknesses, providing a roadmap for making parenting and school decisions. Furthermore, better understanding the “why” of your child’s behavior often provides relief to parents, teachers, and the children themselves.
Typical reasons that parents request an evaluation for their child include:
Is my child gifted?
I think my child is smart, but how smart is he/she?
If my child is so smart, how come he/she is not performing in school?
Why does my child have meltdowns so often?
Why is it so hard for my child to pay attention? Does he/she have ADHD?
Why is my child having so much trouble learning to read, do math, or write?
Why does my child have such a difficult time making and keeping friends?
Why does my child worry so much?
