Step 1: We conduct an intake interview in which you help us identify the problem areas. To save time, click here to provide us with some information in advance. We also discuss where to conduct the evaluation. For your convenience, you may bring your child to our office in Newton. Alternatively, we can come to your home or to your child’s school to do the testing. For some types of cases, it is most appropriate for us to observe a child in the classroom, pre-school, or daycare setting.  During the intake, we will give you paperwork that is used for the evaluation. This will include a developmental history questionnaire; behavioral questionnaires for parents, teachers, and other school staff; consent forms for you to authorize us to speak with teachers, doctors, and other relevant professionals; and our service contract, which specifies our responsibilities. We will also schedule the evaluation during the intake.

Step 2: When you return the paperwork, please send the child’s school and medical record along with it (e.g. report cards; Early Intervention paperwork; any previous evaluations or IEP).

Step 3: On the day of the evaluation, the child will be introduced to us by a parent or a familiar adult.  The testing lasts anywhere from a few hours to a full day, and includes several breaks.  Occasionally, a second day of testing is needed.  The evaluation may include an interview with the child, observation of the child, structured play activities, and computerized and paper-and-pencil tests. Interviews with parents, teachers, doctors, or other professionals may occur before or after the day of testing.

Step 4: We will provide you with a comprehensive report that outlines your child’s strengths and weaknesses about 3 weeks after testing.  During a feedback session, we will discuss with you the clear and effective recommendations, and together we will outline a strategy to help your child succeed.

Follow-up: If desired, we will accompany you to a meeting with your school district to help write an Early Intervention Plan, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or 504 Accommodation Plan.  You may wish to pursue tutoring or counseling services with us.