Clinical Services

psychological and educational testing

Testing (or assessment) can involve a variety of tests (measures) and look at a wide range of abilities. Psychological assessments can include cognitive evaluations, ADHD assessment, learning disability assessment and assessment of emotional functioning. Children who may be considered for gifted placement can also be assessed. Private school admissions testing is also offered through our practice.

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions about Psychological Testing below.

types of testing offered:

• Learning Disability Assessment: Determining a learning disability requires cognitive, educational and, often, ADHD assessment. In addition, neuropsychological processes are assessed in order to determine if there is a pattern consistent with a learning disability. Learning obstacles can be in the form of dyslexia (a reading disability), math weaknesses or difficulties with writing.
• Educational Testing: Educational or academic testing involves determining a person’s current level of academic strengths and challenges. Grades K – post college can be assessed. The Wechsler Individual Achievement Scale is typically administered.
• Cognitive Testing: Cognitive testing includes IQ assessment using the Wechsler scales (WPPSI, WISC or WAIS). While an IQ assessment is often administered as part of a learning disability assessment, an IQ profile alone cannot determine a learning disability or attention deficit. Cognitive testing by itself is used for gifted placement, admission to private schools and a variety of other purposes.
• Gifted Testing: Children may need cognitive testing for inclusion in programs at school or for attendance at special camps. The WISC test is typically administered for gifted placement and is accepted by most school systems. Several of our staff members have particular expertise in assessing and understanding the needs of children who are considered cognitively gifted.
• Private School Admission Testing: The Wechsler tests (WPPSI or WISC) are often required for admission to private schools. Usually, the psychologist will meet with your child for an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the age of your child. Immediately following the testing, the results will be reviewed with you. If your child is young or uncomfortable waiting alone, you may want someone to come stay with your child or take them home while you meet with the psychologist to review the results.
• ADHD Testing: There is no specific “test” for determining a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, ADHD assessment includes an interview determining behavioral and academic history. Questionnaires for parents, teachers, coworkers, spouses and/or other raters are provided. A computerized test of attention may also be used in the diagnostic process. ADHD testing often involves a “rule out” process where other factors that are contributing to inattention, restlessness or impulsivity are ruled out.
• Emotional Testing: Assessment of emotional issues is typically accomplished by clinical interview and personality tests that are either administered by a clinician or completed by a child or adult.
• Autism Testing: Read about our autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) services