Psychological and Psycho-Educational Testing

 Specific assessment questions Dr. Kretz can address include:

  • Identification of learning disabilities

  • ADHD

  • Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia

  • Requests for Accommodations for high school, college, SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, state bar or other licensing exams.

  • Differentiating cognitive and academic problems vs. emotional problems

  • Executive function issues (planning, organization, problem solving)

  • Developmental issues (social skills deficits, Autism Spectrum disorders)

  • Diagnostic clarification

What is Assessment?

At its most straightforward, assessment is “testing”.  Psychological testing provides a deeper understanding of your child or yourself compared to therapy, observation or common sense alone. 

Testing offers precision that other types of understanding do not.  This precision is based on the comparison of your child’s performance on tests of different abilities compared to what is expected for someone of the same age.

The results lead to a better definition of just what is going on for your child or yourself.

Testing may result in a specific diagnosis and will result in the identification of strengths and challenge areas. It will also help to identify what type of problem is not present. 

This all allows for direction that is targeted and appropriate to allow for meaningful change in  emotional, social and academic domains.

What is the Process?

Assessment begins with a one and a half hour interview with parents, during which a detailed history will be obtained.  At that time, appointments for testing will be made, generally three or four sessions totaling 6 to 8 hours.

Often a classroom observation will be made before testing begins. Contact with and feedback from teachers is almost always necessary.

Number of testing sessions and duration will vary based upon presenting problems and the age of the student tested.  Testing is done in the morning or early afternoon, not after school as fatigue is much more of a negative factor at the end of a school day.  Saturday appointments are available as well.

Approximately fourteen days after testing is complete, a feedback session is held with parents (and the student when appropriate) to present results and a full report.  All test results will be presented in real world terms with an emphasis what to do next.  Presentation of results at a school meeting with teachers can also be provided.