DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS FOR CHILDREN (6-18 years)
The goal of ADD Austin is to provide families with an evaluation that is both thorough and affordable. A complete evaluation involves 4 major pieces:
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Background information from parent(s), teacher(s), and the child (i.e., a lot of questionnaires).
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A diagnostic interview with the psychologist.
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Psychological testing.
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Feedback to assist the parent in understanding test results.
In most cases, two 3.5-hour appointments are scheduled for the evaluation. At the first appointment, the psychologist will meet with you and your child for approximately one hour. You will be asked about your main concerns, goals for the evaluation, and any questions or concerns you have about the evaluation process. You will also be asked about your child’s academic, social, emotional, and medical history to better understand how these concerns fit into your child’s life. The remainder of the first appointment will focus on psychological tests measuring cognitive functioning, academic performance, self-report questionnaires, and other tasks related to the diagnostic process. At the end of the first appointment, a second 3.5-hour appointment will be scheduled to complete the testing.
After testing is completed, a feedback appointment will be scheduled with the psychologist to review results and answer any questions or concerns.
Because diagnostic evaluations and testing require several hours on our schedule, there is a non-refundable deposit required at the time your appointment is booked. The amount of the deposit will vary depending on the type of appointment. You will be given detailed information when you call to schedule your appointment.
PREPARING FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC INTERVIEW FOR CHILDREN
- Before the first appointment, the parent or guardian will be mailed a packet of forms and questionnaires. This packet includes a cover letter with detailed instructions. It is extremely important that the forms and questionnaires be completed BEFORE coming to the scheduled appointment. Please note that the packet includes questionnaires for your child’s teacher(s) to complete.
- Fax or bring to the appointment:
- School records, including any comments from teachers (copies please)
- Previous test reports, if any (copy please)
- List of current and previous medications, including dosage
- Names, addresses, phone numbers of doctors, teachers, or other caregivers that you want to receive a copy of the report. You will need to sign an Authorization to Release Information Form for each one. This form can be downloaded here or we can provide it for you at the office.
- Please plan to arrive on time because each appointment is quite full. It is recommended that you plan at least 15 minutes more than you think you will need.
PREPARING FOR TESTING
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep but avoid sleep medications unless they are taken daily.
- Do not give your child caffeine, sugary beverages, or stimulant medications the morning of the testing appointment.
- Bring stimulant medication to the appointment if a dose would be taken during that time period. The psychologist may want to administer some tests before and after medication.
- Dress your child comfortably but bring a light sweater since the office can be chilly.
- Feel free to bring a snack.
- Bring eyeglasses, if needed.
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- Bring payment (check or credit card). Keep in mind the 2.5% charge for use of credit cards.
- Plan to turn your cell phone off completely.
FEEDBACK APPOINTMENT
Depending on the age of the child, the parents may decide not to bring him/her to the
Feedback Appointment. It is advised that older children and adolescents be included if at all possible. During the Feedback Appointment, parents will be given a copy of the report and an opportunity to ask questions about recommendations. Some parents find it helpful to audiotape this session to review later.
