Assessment FAQ

How do I know if my child needs an assessment?

Maybe a teacher or school administrator mentioned that an assessment could be helpful for your child during your last parent-teacher conference. Maybe a late-night Google search turned up results suggesting you should have your child evaluated. Assessments are time and cost intensive, so how do you make the decision to have your child evaluated?

Here are a couple of tips to help you consider whether or not your child might benefit from being assessed:

1. Think about the end goal. The purpose of assessments is to better understand why school is challenging, and how to offer targeted support. Simply put, if we don’t know what’s wrong, we can’t intervene. An assessment can have long-term implications on your child’s education. It can help us better understand the educational environment that would best serve your child, as well as how to make that environment as conducive to learning as possible. In addition, it can help us understand the external supports (specific types of tutoring, occupational therapy, individual counseling, etc.) that will benefit your child most. 

2. Consider an assessment as a tool for advocacy. Assessments give us data, and data helps us advocate for our children. Once we have a deeper understanding of what’s going on for your child, we can better advocate for their needs in the educational setting. The results of the evaluation are key for accessing specialized interventions. Would this be beneficial for your child?

3. Think about your child’s experiences. Parents often ask, “Is my child going to think something is wrong with them if I get them evaluated?” Generally, the answer to this question is no. We usually frame evaluations as “detective work” (for our younger clients) or gaining a better understanding of strengths and differences (for older clients). The fact of the matter is that your child will likely feel validated by the results of the evaluation. It’s powerful to know that you are not the only one experiencing difficulties in a certain area. Often, the evaluation process helps children and teenagers feel better understood and supported.

How should we prepare for the assessment?

We recommend that you have an honest discussion with your child about the evaluation and the reasons for it before the first testing session. When we approach testing with secrecy, kids believe that there is something wrong with them or make up their own story about themselves and why they need to be tested. Instead, we recommend that you are honest, upfront, and calm when you discuss this with your child. 

Here’s a sample script to use:

“We’ve noticed that you’ve been working really hard in school this year. We’re so proud of you. We’ve also noticed that you are struggling with __________, even though you are trying really hard. We met with a person who can help us figure out why _____ is difficult. When we know why it’s difficult, we will be able to better support you. We’re going to work with her for the next few weeks so that we can make school better/easier for you and see if there’s anything we should be doing at home to help.”

In addition, please make sure that your child gets a good night of sleep and eats a healthy meal before testing. Otherwise, no preparation needed!

How much does an assessment cost?

The costs of our assessments range from $3,500-7,500, depending on the referral question, history, and age of the client. When you schedule an assessment with us, the cost of your intake session ($325) will be credited towards your assessment. Payment is accepted in two installments. The report will be released to you when the full price of the evaluation has been paid. We operate under a “flat fee” approach; the cost of the assessment includes a records review, interviews and calls with other professionals who work with the client, a school observation (if indicated), testing, scoring, report writing, and a feedback session. We also include a 30-minute parent consultation 6 months after the evaluation is completed if desired by the family.  

Basic IQ or Achievement testing for giftedness evaluations (such as admissions to Davidson Young Scholars) or school applications ranges from $800-1,200. These evaluations include a 30-minute feedback session with parents if desired.

Will you attend IEP meetings?

Yes, we are happy to attend school meetings (IEP, 504, SST).