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Evaluation

​"Information helps you to see that you're not alone. That there's somebody in Mississippi and somebody in Tokyo who all have wept, who've all longed and lost, who've all been happy." Maya Angelou

We Provide...
Neuropsychological Evaluation
Psycho-Educational Assessment 
Assessment of Social, Emotional, and Adaptive Functioning
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Testing

​Neuropsychological Evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation provides an in-depth and holistic analysis of an individual's cognitive, academic, socio-emotional, and behavioral capabilities. It delves into several key areas including:

 

  • Intelligence

  • Learning and memory

  • Speech and language

  • Fine and gross motor skills

  • Attention

  • Executive functions

  • Academic abilities

  • Adaptive behaviors

  • Social skills and cognition 

  • Emotional states such as anxiety and mood

 

Designed to meticulously assess a person's multidimensional functioning, this evaluation shines a light on their unique strengths and challenges. It helps to elucidate the underlying reasons why someone might face difficulties in various settings such as work, school, or personal relationships. Beyond just diagnostic clarity, a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment provides a strategic guide for subsequent intervention. 

​Psycho-Educational Evaluation ​

A psycho-educational assessment is a specialized evaluation focused primarily on understanding a student's educational needs. It involves the following: 

  • Intelligence assessment

  • Educational testing 

  • Detailed analysis of academic achievement, past and present

  • Broad review of socio-emotional well-being

This form of assessment is essential in ensuring students obtain the necessary support and resources to achieve significant academic progress. While the Department of Education offers free psycho-educational evaluations, many families turn to PYAPS either for a second opinion or because they believe an underlying clinical diagnosis might be affecting their child's academic performance.

Assessment of Social, Emotional, and Adaptive Functioning ​

An evaluation of social, emotional, and adaptive functioning aims to provide clear diagnostic insights for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, or interpersonal functioning. Such an assessment is designed to delve into a variety of challenges, including:

 

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Substance use

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Eating disorders

  • Psychosis

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Communication disorders

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Behavioral issues

  • Personality disorders

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Dissociative disorders.

 

This comprehensive approach ensures a better understanding of the individual's mental and emotional state, allowing for targeted interventions and support.

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Testing

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder originating in childhood and often persisting into adulthood. Children with ADHD might struggle with focus, exhibit impulsive behaviors without considering outcomes, or display excessive activity. A 2016 CDC study indicated that roughly six million children aged 2-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point (Danielson et al., 2016). It is essential for families to recognize that ADHD diagnoses predominantly come from psychiatric evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. Such evaluations typically involve multiple facets, including collecting historical data, assessing symptoms through interviews and questionnaires, and briefly observing the individual. Although this approach is widely accepted for diagnosing ADHD, psychiatric evaluations infrequently incorporate performance-based testing. Performance-based tests, often employed by psychologists, simulate scenarios where clients need to exhibit the behaviors or symptoms under examination, such as attention, impulsivity, or planning abilities. Leveraging these tools can result in more accurate and consistent diagnoses, paving the way for tailored recommendations. At PYAPS, our comprehensive ADHD assessment encompasses:

 

  • Interviews with client, family, educators, and treatment providers

  • Questionnaires administered to client, family, educators, and treatment providers 

  • Clinical observations across several testing sessions

  • Performance-based assessment of executive functions

  • Performance-based assessment of attention and concentration 

 

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