A comprehensive evaluation looks at an individual’s cognitive abilities (verbal and visual), academic skills (reading, writing, math), executive functioning, processing, memory (visual and verbal), personality, over-excitabilities, mood and behavior. Evaluations are often helpful in solving “mysteries” about a person’s learning, behavior, and emotional reactions. The goal is to assess abilities and determine areas of strength and weakness, providing a “road map” for understanding so they can maximize their abilities and reach their fullest potential . The evaluation will provide information on how to best support a child at home with parenting or at school with intervention and/or differentiation. It also can help an adult with relationships or career questions. An evaluation might explain why the past has been challenging and help the individual have a more successful time in the future. Better understanding the “why” of someone’s behavior often provides relief to parents, teachers, friends, partners, and the individuals themselves.
Typical reasons that someone might request an evaluation include:
· Why is my child having so much trouble learning to read, write, or do math?
· Why do I worry so much?
· Why is it so hard for my child to pay attention and stay organized?
· Do I have ADHD?
· If my child is so smart, how come he/she is not performing in school?
· Why do I have trouble finding and maintaining meaningful relationships?
· Why does my child have such a difficult time making and keeping friends?
· Why does my child have meltdowns so often?
· Have I or my child been misdiagnosed?
· How can I find meaning and perform to my potential?
Learn more about Evaluations and Assessments