ACUMEN understands that beginning the process of psychological testing for your child can raise many questions. The clinical team at ACUMEN has provided this Q&A to help walk you through the process. Each year, our team of licensed psychologists conducts numerous evaluations tailored to fit each child/adolescent’s specific needs.

A. Psychological testing refers to the battery of tests administered to evaluate the intellectual, learning, emotional and/or behavioral functioning of children and adults. Children are typically referred for an assessment by their parents, pediatrician, therapist or school for evaluation. Psychological testing helps parents better understand their child’s unique needs, strengths and weaknesses, and provide information about diagnosis. In addition, as many research studies indicated, early detection of underlying issues can lead to better outcomes in terms of intervention and treatment.

• Clarify diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, learning disability, dementia, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and psychosis).

• Provide information about intellectual ability and cognitive functioning.

• Identify neuropsychological problems (e.g., problems in attention, information processing, executive functioning, and memory).

• Diagnose personality disorders. Personality disorders are characterized by long-lasting rigid patterns of thought and behavior. Such patterns are inflexible and pervasive, causing impairment in functioning.

• Understand the causes of serious conduct or behavior problems.

• Inform decisions regarding treatment (e.g., psychotherapy versus medication, residential versus outpatient treatment).

• Estimate risk for specific kinds of problematic behaviors (e.g., suicide and self-injury, assault, and substance abuse).

• Assist in educational disability identification, placement, and planning.

• To plan for the future to help the client reach his or her full potential.

• Complicated treatment issues. Often individuals can have compounding factors in their history that present as therapeutically complicated. Psychological testing can help understand the effects of complicated treatment issues, such as, dysfunctional family environments, difficult living situations, history of trauma and abuse, and how these events have impacted the individual.

• Dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is used to describe a comorbid condition where an individual has a mental disorder and a substance abuse problem.

• Medication issues. Psychological evaluation can be helpful for individuals who are not being helped by their psychiatric medication. Testing can assist psychiatrists in finding more effective combinations of medication to maximize effectiveness.

• Evaluation of psychosis. Psychiatric evaluation can help diagnose any underlying psychosis.

• Entrance into Gifted and Academically Talented Programs

• Updated Testing for College Entrance and Accommodations

A. Testing can help the parent, child’s teachers, therapist and others who are helping get the specific interventions and assistance needed. Psychological testing is also used to answer questions about diagnosis or functioning or to help solve problems. Often when problems are evident, psychological testing can refine and clarify what problem should be worked on first and with what emphasis. Additionally, if there is a problem, the evaluation helps know how to best help the client. Psychological testing is also helpful when others disagree on the problem. An independent evaluation answers questions and gives parents perhaps new directions to pursue in the client’s development.

A. Children and adolescents tend to be referred for testing by their school, therapist, parents or pediatricians, especially if they seem to be having difficulties at school and/or at home. For adults, if you are having trouble interacting with others or performing activities at work, testing might be necessary. Before initiating psychological testing, it’s recommended that you rule out all other medical or physical factors that may be causing any issues (such as a vision or hearing impairment).

A. Upon referral for special education services, a team of professionals and the parent will meet to determine if a special education evaluation is needed. If the team deems it necessary, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted by the school psychologist and the team will meet again to determine qualification for special education and related services. If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you have the right to obtain an independent evaluation at public expense, if you disagree with the school evaluation. If a parent obtains an independent evaluation at private expense, the results of the evaluation must be considered by the school when making educational decisions. At ACUMEN, testing information is confidential and will not be shared unless the parent or guardian authorizes its release.

A. ACUMEN follows best practices for evaluation in psychology and education. However, eligibility for special education services is determined by the educational team, including the parent. We are more than willing to meet with you and school personnel to present and explain our findings. We will also help with the intervention process so long as all parties involved agree to accept our services.

A. The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns. The psychologist will gather important information regarding your or your child's development, education, and medical and family history. This information will help determine next steps and the best course of action. The psychologist will explain the types of services available and provide specific recommendations.

A. The assessment process usually requires at least two office visits. The number of visits varies depending on the nature of concerns, the developmental level of the child, the course of treatment, and a number of other factors. For children, testing sessions are usually scheduled during the morning when most children function at their best.

A. The psychological assessments (which consists of multiple tests) provide a scientific and objective method of gathering information concerning abilities and skills and help to identify specific learning, emotional, behavioral and social issues. The test battery varies depending upon the referral question(s), and can include a structured interview, assessment of intellectual capability, learning/processing measures, measures of attention and memory, academic achievement measures, projective measures, self-report surveys, parent and teacher checklists, and a school observation. Your ACUMEN psychologist can answer any questions that you may have regarding specific names of tests that will be administered to your child. ACUMEN’s team of professionals specializes in providing comprehensive neuropsychological, psychological and psychoeducational testing to diagnose, assess, and develop treatment recommendations for such conditions as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD), developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder), learning disabilities and social-emotional disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.). 

A. Neuropsychological Testing. ACUMEN utilizes a comprehensive assessment process that addresses a client’s functioning in the following areas:

• Cognitive functioning and general intellectual abilities, including reasoning and problem solving

• Social cognition and emotional functioning

• Attention, distractibility and concentration

• Information processing, learning and memory

• Executive functions – regulating behavior, organization, planning, controlling focus

Psychological Testing. ACUMEN’s comprehensive psychological assessment can provide diagnostic clarity and aid in treatment planning for issues related to:

• Cognitive functioning and general intellectual abilities, including reasoning and problem solving

• Social cognition and emotional functioning

• Attention, distractibility and concentration

• Underlying personality or emotional issues that affect behavior and treatment

Psychoeducational Testing ACUMEN’s comprehensive psychoeducational testing examines a client’s abilities in the following areas to determine whether a learning disability is present and to provide a picture of the child’s academic functioning:

• Cognitive functioning and general intellectual abilities, including reasoning and problem solving

• Strengths and weaknesses in specific academic areas

• Attention, distractibility and concentration

A. The information will help determine difficulties or problem areas and provide invaluable information concerning the best treatment options. A comprehensive assessment will include the evaluation of cognitive functioning, academic performance, behavior, and social/emotional functioning. Additional assessments may be conducted, as necessary, to further explore strengths and weaknesses. Assessment information will be integrated and a written report will be provided, which includes a detailed analysis of information obtained with appropriate recommendations.

A. After testing is completed, ACUMEN's team will provide comprehensive, individualized assessments, a detailed analysis of test results, personalized intervention strategies, and support in implementing recommendations. ACUMEN’s team will also link parents with a variety of community resources and supports including: tutors, therapists, educational advocates, assessors, beneficial technology and opportunities for enrichment (such as gifted educational experiences and arts activities).