Assessment

Brentwood Counseling Associates is pleased to offer assessment services, including ADHD and psychoeducational evaluations. Parents often wonder whether their child could benefit from such an evaluation. Assessment should be considered when:

• Academic skills are not developing at the expected rate
• Academic performance does not keep pace with apparent intelligence
• School is too overwhelming or creates too much anxiety or frustration
• Homework stretches forever

ADHD evaluations focus on assessing the presence of possible ADHD symptoms and the social, emotional, or behavioral concerns that may explain such symptoms. The evaluation process begins with a parent interview (for minors), and takes into consideration developmental history as well as social, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning. Results of the evaluation are shared with parents/clients after completion of the interview and assessment protocols. A written copy of the report and recommendations will be provided at this feedback session, which typically takes place 2-3 weeks following the evaluation, if not sooner.

Psychoeducational evaluations provide information regarding cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses, and can identify learning differences (e.g., writing, reading, and math disorders), intellectual disability, and intellectual giftedness. Additionally, they assess the impact of social, emotional, and behavioral concerns on a child’s current functioning. Testing consists of two sessions over two days, and includes formal assessment of cognitive skills, academic achievement, phonological processing, and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. A feedback session takes place 2-3 weeks after the evaluation, and includes both the evaluation results and recommendations. A written copy of the report is also provided.

If you think you or your child could benefit from an evaluation, but still have some questions, we’re happy to help. For more information, give us a call at (615) 377-1153.