A brief overview of psychological testing:  A psychologist will complete a detailed written report of their findings, diagnostic impressions, and potential recommendations. Most, if not all, provide a feedback session with the patient. Furthermore, they will likely work collaboratively with other providers, parents, and school officials to ensure continuity of care and clarify any concerns or questions.

Why is fall a pivotal time for this type of research and impacts a student’s success immediately?

Usually, academic and/or behavioral concerns become more apparent after the first two months of school have started, so often, we get requests for evaluations around Thanksgiving time. This is important as it allows us to work with a child or teen (or adult) to gather data and determine the issue.

Accessible tips for parents to identify the need for testing?

Is your child/teen/young adult struggling in school? If so, how? (I.e., with a certain subject or subjects, with organizing and time lining their work, with factors such as working at speed or under time pressure, with social situations, with behaviors impacting thier learning and/or social interactions?)

Is there always a need for a neuropsychological evaluation?

Testing is thought of when there are questions about why a child/teen/young adult is having difficulties. It’s not something that is considered lightly or casually. Testing can help determine diagnoses, differentiate between potential diagnoses, and clarify why things are happening (or not). Neuropsychological testing is like any other kind of health test: it’s suggested when there seems to be a need for it, not otherwise.  

Testing should always be in person, and why?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were attempts to administer tests remotely. This did not work well, and it became clear that remote testing is far from in-person testing. Some surveys can be sent via unique email links. However, many tests are normed to be administered in person and should be done that way.  

Who should be involved in these sessions, parents, teachers, and doctors?

Neuropsych testing is usually done 1:1 individually. That said, when very young children are involved or uncomfortable/unwilling to separate from a caregiver, it is possible to have the caregiver in the room as long as they are quiet and remain unobtrusive as the examiner works with the child. Of course, additional information must be gathered from the parents, caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare professionals involved in an individual’s care as needed.  

How has the Covid Epidemic impeded this process?

In addition to what has been mentioned above, COVID-19 made it difficult, if impossible, to do school observations of children to see what was happening for them in class and other school contexts (i.e., lunch, recess).  

Are we still in a hamster wheel playing catch up on student testing?

Not as bad as before: starting in 2021, when guidance allowed us to meet in person again (albeit with masks, face shields, air filters, sanitizers, etc.), there was a significant backlog of testing. This has slowly leveled out, although scheduling time can still involve some delays, so it’s important not to wait to pursue testing if that is what has been recommended.  

Is there an age limit or starting point for this type of testing?

Depending on the referral questions, testing of various kinds can be done with infants to the elderly.  

Is there a different approach for adolescents vs. children vs. adults?

Instruments (specific tests) used may vary, and the method of administration can also vary depending on someone’s age and developmental level.  

Suggested treatments or protocols that need to be in place by the parents?

It’s helpful to explain to a child/teen that they will be doing “special work” to see how their brains and minds think and solve problems. It’s not “fun & games” but more “let’s see what’s easy for you and what may be more difficult .”It’s also helpful to state that this process is to get information so that the child/teen’s teachers and parents can better understand and help the child/teen.  

Confidentiality for the patient/child vs. parent.

Confidentiality laws vary by state, but generally, if someone is 18+, they must sign consent for healthcare procedures (including testing) themselves. They also must grant permission for results to be shared with others, including parents.  

Does insurance cover these types of services?

This depends upon individual plans and carriers. Most Departments of Education will provide psychoeducational testing for free. However, this tends to focus on academic achievement (understandably) and usually cannot provide a diagnosis.

 When does being a psychologist cross over into more of a social work environment?

Sometimes, when individuals are not able to come to my office, I will see about going to where they are to provide assessment or treatment. Of course, it’s important to determine if their environment will permit me to provide either service in an appropriate way (i.e., privacy, and in the case of assessments, WiFi or at least sufficient bandwidth to hotspot is important). This permits the delivery of services even when there might be some barriers that would otherwise prevent it from being possible.