You may have even been referred for a psychological evaluation by the school counselor, the child's pediatrician or by a friend. What does this mean? The first step is often an initial visit with the parents to learn about child and family history and the kinds of questions or concerns parents have about them. At that time, parents and sometimes teachers are asked to complete rating scales about the child that provide more information about the child's behavior.
Next I administer a series of psychological tests in order to help answer parents' questions. Psychological tests are designed to help understand how a child thinks and how they learn. Usually I administer an intelligence test to get an idea of the child's strengths and weaknesses. Then achievement tests are often administered to determine if the child has any specific problems with reading, writing or math. Learning disabilities can impede a child's ability to work up to their potential in school and are not always readily apparent. Depending on the kinds of questions that parents have, more in-depth tests of emotional and personality functioning might be administered as well. For example it is important to determine if a child is depressed or suffering from too much anxiety, since these kinds of problems are treatable. During all of these tests, I learn about the child's social skills, how the child handles frustration and success, and how the child focuses and concentrates on many different kinds of tasks.
After testing is complete, I meet with the family to discuss what has been learned. This is a time to put our heads together combining what I have learned with what parents know about their child. I also believe that it is very important that the child gets a chance to hear what has been learned during the evaluation and to have a say in any plan that is developed. With teenagers and older children, I ask if they want to participate in that discussion with their parents. Therapists who work with the family members can also be included in these follow up meetings as well. Then we are ready to develop a plan of action to move forward. I provide a written summary of the findings and am available as a consultant to the parents, the child's doctor and teachers.
As a result of this evaluation process, parents often come to a new understanding about their child, and the child comes to a new understanding as well. Often, an insurmountable problem now can be viewed as simply a problem to be solved. Strengths that have been identified as part of the evaluation process become the building blocks for future success.
