At Milestone Neurodevelopment Center we provide evaluations for the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning Disabilities
- Intellectual Disability
- Processing and Sensory Disorders
- Giftedness/Academic Potential
- Memory problems
- Social/Emotional Functioning
- Depression and Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Mood Disorders
- Behavior problems
What is an evaluation?
An evaluation is a battery of tests administered to answer specific questions about an individual’s current level of functioning. It is a specialized activity that involves the administration, scoring, and interpretation of a battery of tests as well as the preparation of a written report and a feedback session to discuss the results and recommendations. This information is often used to inform intervention and treatment options as well as help individuals access services and accommodations. Psychological evaluations are commonly recommended when clarification of diagnosis is needed, when there is a history of developmental problems, when treatment such as medication or therapy isn't working, or when there are questions about a individual's cognitive and/or academic strengths and needs. Social/emotional, behavioral, and adaptive functioning are also common reasons for evaluations. Children and adolescents are commonly referred for evaluation by their parents, pediatricians and family practitioners, truancy and juvenile justice courts, or schools. Adults may be referred by various agencies including vocational rehabilitation, counselors, and Social Security. Because of the breadth and complexity of psychological evaluations, functioning is generally assessed in multiple areas, which may include cognitive abilities, academic achievement, memory and learning, emotional/psychological functioning, behavioral functioning, fine and gross motor development, language development, attention, and executive functioning.
At Milestone Neurodevelopment Center, we offer a range of evaluation options designed to fit the needs of our clients. These include Neuropsychological, Psychological and Psychoeducational evaluations.
Psychoeducational Evaluations
Psychoeducational and learning evaluations are appropriate when the referral question has to do with school performance that is suspected to be related to a learning disorder or difficulties with memory and learning. We evaluate for learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia among others. Our psychologists are highly trained in the assessment of specific learning disabilities that may not be easily identified by other psychologists or school evaluations. If your child is struggling in school, and you are looking for answers and recommendations to help with your child's learning, a psychoeducational evaluation can be invaluable.
Psychological/Neuropsychological Evaluations
Psychological evaluations are appropriate when the purpose is to clarify clinical diagnosis and identify behavioral, emotional, and psychological factors that may be affecting the individual.
Neuropsychological evaluations are appropriate when purpose of the evaluation is to gain a comprehensive profile of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, rather than simply a diagnosis. An important component of neuropsychological evaluations is highlighting strengths, as these strengths help inform effective interventions and treatment. When you better understand an individuals strengths and weaknesses, supports can be put in place in all settings that are tailored to their specific needs. Neuropsychological evaluations can be extremely helpful in developing accommodations and appropriate goals in the schools, adapting and accommodating systems at home, and directing treatment approaches.
What does an evaluation involve?
The evaluation consists of four parts: intake, assessment, scoring and report writing, and feedback.
During the intake session, you meet with a licensed psychologist to present your concerns and provide background information. The psychologist will formulate an assessment plan and schedule the testing session(s) with you. During the intake session, a testing contract will be completed identifying the type of testing to take place and your agreement to pay for this evaluation.
Testing is generally completed over the course of one or two testing sessions, which may range from two to four hours in length. The tests administered vary based upon the referral question and may include a structured clinical interview, individually administered tests assessing some or all of the domains mentioned above, self-report measures, and parent and teacher checklists. Testing sessions are generally scheduled in the morning.
After the testing sessions have been completed, the psychologist scores the tests, interprets the results and writes a report. This report details the nature of the referral question, relevant background information, the results and analysis of the current assessment, and recommendations tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Once the report is completed, the psychologist schedules a feedback session to present the results of the testing and discuss recommendations. Parents are provided with a copy of the report. The information contained in this report can be used for a variety of purposes, such as diagnostic clarification and treatment planning with physicians and therapists; the development of school-based interventions, IEP goals and 504 accommodations; and family-based parenting and child skill development.
When can I expect the results?
At Milestone Neurodevelopment Center, we believe it is important to complete evaluations in a timely manner. When individuals are referred by other professionals, quicker evaluations generally lead to quicker implementation of treatment and intervention options. For this reason, we try to schedule feedback sessions one to two weeks after the testing session (s).
How much is an evaluation?
Deciding to have an evaluation done is often a big step, both emotionally and financially. Because psychological testing is a specialized, time intensive activity that requires a high degree of expertise, it is rarely inexpensive. Testing is often best viewed as an investment in the future. Unlike many other places where psychological testing is often completed by graduate students or psychometricians under the supervision of a psychologist, all testing at Milestone Neurodevelopment Center is performed by psychologists with expertise in these areas of assessment. Fees for assessment are based on the type of evaluation completed and the number of hours required to complete the evaluation. Evaluations are billed at an hourly rate, so the more comprehensive the evaluation the more hours it will take to complete. Comprehensive evaluations typically cost $1500-2000. We do our best to give you an idea of how many hours of testing will be required to answer your referral questions at your intake appointment.
Will my insurance cover the cost of an evaluation?
Insurance will often cover testing provided that the policy includes testing benefits and the diagnosis is considered "billable". We will check your testing benefits prior to your first appointment for insurance companies that we are contracted with and do our best to inform you of what you will be responsible for paying during your intake appointment. We can also provide superbills if we do not take your insurance so that you can attempt to be reimbursed directly from your insurance company if your plan allows for out-of-network providers. Currently we are contracted as in-network with the following insurance companies: SelectHealth, Educators Mutual (EMI), Deseret Mutual (DMBA) and PEHP.
Why not just have the school test my child?
Parents have the right to request an evaluation at their local school, though the specifics of that process can vary from district to district and even from school to school. While the school system is capable of offering many types of testing, generally their focus is limited to whether the child is succeeding academically. As such, they are looking at whether the student requires specialized instruction or accommodations through one of the educational classifications listed under Special Education law. If all that is required is an evaluation so that your child can be classified under one of the education classifications to receive services through the school, a school-based evaluation may be enough. If the purpose of the evaluation is to provide a more comprehensive assessment of your child’s strengths and weaknesses or to provide a specific diagnosis, an outside evaluation is more appropriate.
Can this testing be used to help my child receive services through their school?
Schools are required by law to consider any information offered by the parent, such as the results of outside testing (including an Independent Educational Evaluation), as part of the evaluation process for services through special education. As a member of the school-based team that determines eligibility for these services, parents have the right to present relevant information and have their own professionals represent their child’s needs at eligibility meetings. If you feel you need more help navigating this process, we would love to help you advocate for your child. Click here to learn more about our consultation services.
What happens after my child has been evaluated?
During the feedback session, the results of the evaluation as well as recommendations will be reviewed in detail. If further assistance is needed in obtaining services through the schools or other agencies, we are available for consultation services. That may be meeting with the psychologist or a qualified coach/parent advocate to make a plan for a 504 or IEP meeting, or having a member of our team accompany you to your meeting with the school. Click here to learn more.