Diagnosis and Evaluations

Services: Diagnosis, Report and Treatment

Report

The scope of the evaluation is determined during the clinical interview. Many times it is requested that an evaluation be written to address a specific need as delineated by a larger institution. For instance, evaluations are often tailored to meet requirements of the following:

• Educational Transition Evaluations
• Accommodations for clinical board/Bar testing, college/graduate level entrance examinations (e.g. ACT, SAT, LSAT, MCAT)
• Recommended goals for IEPs
• Diagnostic testing
• School readiness evaluations
• Gifted testing
• Medical/legal purposes

Diagnosis

Neuropsychological assessments work to create an understandable profile of an individual’s strengths and needs through means of gathering various forms of information: test data, parent/teacher input and clinical observations. During the assessment some of the following areas of functioning may be addressed through specifically designed test measures:

• Intelligence and reasoning
• Motor function (strength, dexterity)
• Social and adaptive skills
• Language
• Various types of memory
• Attention and regulation of behavior
• Organization and planning skills

The tests are noninvasive and differ from imaging techniques such as MRI in that they require the individual to use their brain in a variety of tasks to see how the brain is actually working.

Personality is also assessed, along with an assessment of stressors at school, in the home or on the job.

A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment requires several hours. These assessments are usually accomplished in a single day. Appointments can be scheduled to accommodate special needs. Our office staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our procedures.

Treatment

Our office provides diagnostic and consultative services only. Once a profile has been obtained of the individual’s needs, a report is prepared for the referring party and to any others that will be involved in the care and treatment of the person. The report includes any diagnostic conclusions, recommendations for multiple settings (i.e., in the academic setting, at home, in counseling) and a provider list is also offered. All recommendations are specifically developed for each individual and their unique profile of needs.
Recommended treatment may also involve psychotherapy, family therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language intervention, tutoring and other traditional methods of psychological treatment.

Consultation is also provided to schools, collateral professionals and employers to ensure clear communication and common goals. This process allows for a team of professionals to work in collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for those we work with.

Cogmed

Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence-based program for helping children, adolescents, and adults sustainably improve attention by training their working memory. Cogmed has been used successfully as a standalone treatment for ADHD-like problems, as well as a technique that could be used in conjunction with medication. Cogmed teaches people to become less frustrated by focusing tasks in their daily life and research results indicate Cogmed works even 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the training is completed. Why? What we are learning is Cogmed can help the brain seemingly “rewire” itself such that those parts of the brain involved in focusing are strengthened. Clinically proven results demonstrate that after training people improve their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behavior and better utilize complex reasoning skills. In the end, better academic and professional performance can be achieved.

For more information click here

​​Treatment​

Cogmed

Treatment