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What is the evaluation process like?

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A psychoeducational evaluation is an investment in your child.  It is an evaluation process used to determine your child’s abilities and how he or she learns best.  Standard psychoeducational evaluations typically include a test of intelligence, information process testing, and achievement testing.  My evaluations go beyond basic and also include a measure of self-esteem, testing for dyslexia and, if the child is in middle or high school, often times learning strategies. 

Since I am a school neuropsychologist, I often use neuropsychological measures such as the NEPSY II or Delis- Kaplan Test of Executive Functioning.  The use of these tests depends on what questions parents want me to answer.

My evaluations are based on identifying strengths as well as areas of need.  I make sure the child knows his/her strengths.  This is important because by the time parents bring their child to me, the child may not feel good about school or themselves.  I want to change this perception.

Throughout my evaluations I gather information from parents, teachers, the child, and through my observations while working with him or her.  Once the evaluation process is complete, I meet with parents to discuss the results and recommendations as well as create an action plan of key steps to take.  My recommendations are based on quality, not quantity of recommendations provided.

I also follow up with parents long after the evaluation process to make sure the child is on the right track.

After the evaluation is complete, you’ll know your child’s abilities, academic levels, and how he/she processes information.  You’ll also know how they feel about themselves and school.  You’ll leave with answers to your questions!

Is Your Child’s Education in a Recession?

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If your child has repeated a grade, is at risk for failing this year, struggles to read, or gets in trouble in school, invest in your child’s future by having a strength based psychoeducational evaluation.  Many parents think about investing in their child by funding a Roth IRA or the Florida prepaid college program but may not always invest in their child’s educational success.  A strength based psychoeducational evaluation is a process that determines exactly how your child learns best and determines if they have any learning disabilities or other childhood disorders.  We then create a plan for your child’s educational success that can be used in any public or private school. 

My evaluations are highly comprehensive and I gather information from the parents, teacher, child, and from my interactions.  By having multiple viewpoints, I am able to see the whole picture of your child’s current status across many settings.  My evaluation will allow you to know exactly how your child learns best, how they process information, insight into their innate abilities, the status of their self-esteem, and much more!  When I am finished working with your child and gathering information, I meet with you and we create an action plan with recommendations and steps you can take to enhance your child’s educational success.  As a former teacher, I know which teaching methods and support will best help your child.

The report I write can be used in any public or private school setting so your child can receive accommodations, if needed.  If your child qualifies for extra time as an accommodation, my report is also used to get extra time on the SAT or ACT.  Your investment in a strength based psychoeducational evaluation for your child will continue to pay off for years to come!  You will know exactly what steps to take to make sure he or she finds success and happiness in school.

Dr. Forgan is a licensed school psychologist who can evaluate your child for dyslexia, learning disabilities, and gifted program placement.  Call Dr. Forgan at 625-4125 to discuss your child.

Understanding Your Child Behavior

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Last month I introduced the general principles that Dr. Mel Levine describes to helping parents and teachers understand differences in a child’s learning. Dr. Levine’s ideas are presented in his book, learning systems everyone has are:

1. Attention Control –The system that controls focus, alertness, planning and completion of tasks.

2. Memory – The system that helps the child store information and retrieve it.

3. Language – The way a child uses words to speak, write, and read.

4. Spatial Ordering – How your child organizes information in visual patterns, seeing how things fit together.

5. Sequential Ordering – The system that helps your child see the steps in solving a problem, follow directions, or manage time.

6. Motor Skills – How your child writes or draws, plays a sport, or ride a bike.

7. Higher Thinking – The system that helps your child solve problems and think critically and creatively.

8. Social Thinking –How your child makes friends, works in teams, and addresses conflicts.

In this column, I discuss the learning system Attention Control, keeping in perspective that these systems are interrelated and all need to work together for learning to occur  (Attentional Control is not necessarily ADHD or ADD).  Attention control is the command center for our mental processes that control learning and behavior. In school students must use their attention skills to pay attention, attend to important information, and produce products (such as tests or assignments) that show what they learn. Different students will show different strengths and weaknesses in this area. Helping students understand their different facets of attention and ways to strengthen all aspects of attention can increase their success throughout life.

For example, if your child has difficulty concentrating try strategies such as having him complete his most difficult homework first, rather than waiting until the end when he, and you, are tired. Give her advanced warning before you transition to a new activity so she can mentally prepare for the adjustment (e.g., “In two minutes it is time to clean up and brush your teeth before bed.”) You can also allow your child to use brief periods of stretching or walking to refresh themselves. For example, your child can complete his spelling assignment, stretch as you lead a game of Simon Says, then return to work to complete a math assignment. Suggestions for teachers include providing frequent breaks during the day such as collecting papers, assisting the teacher, or by having students talk to each other about one or more facts or skills they are learning.