- Neuropsychological Testing
- Psychoeducational Testing
- Dyslexia Testing
- ADD/ADHD Screenings (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Autism Testing
- Standardized Examination Accommodations Testing
Many areas must be tested in order to accurately diagnose cognitive (Memory, Executive functioning, Visual processing, Auditory processing), learning (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia), or attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD). To begin, a person’s overall intelligence – or cognitive ability – must be measured. All of the processing areas must also be assessed. These areas include visual/auditory memory and discrimination, executive functioning, and processing speed. Once these processing areas have been evaluated, the person’s achievement must be tested in various areas, such as speaking, listening, reading, writing and math. Before the diagnostic testing is complete, background information is examined, such as family history, medical history, school performance, emotional factors, motivational issues and his or her attention span.
The main difference between a neuropsychological evaluation and a psychoeducational evaluation lies in the assessment of academic skills in addition to language and cognitive skills, memory, information processing, and executive functions.
What Will The Results Of The Testing Tell Me?
Every person tested gains a large amount of valuable information, regardless of whether or not the results include findings consistent with a learning disability:
- One will discover even more about his or her strengths and weaknesses. Most people arrive with a good idea about the areas that cause them problems, but fail to realize the importance of studying their strengths. This well-rounded information arms one with the background knowledge to address the learning disability (Attention Deficit Disorder -ADD ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia) by planning remediation strategies.
- In addition to realizing what areas are strong or weak, one will learn what makes these areas so. For example, a student may learn why they have such trouble in math class or an adult may discover why they were never able to completely master reading. There are many possible reasons for such problem areas, such as poor phonics skills, trouble discriminating
between letters, poor comprehension and/or an inability to concentrate. Knowing why one has certain problem areas will provide them with the knowledge to improve these areas. - Once the strengths and weaknesses are identified and the causes are realized, appropriate remedial techniques can be provided. The person tested will receive recommendations for themselves, for their family, school; and occasionally, other professionals that work with him or her regularly.
What Can Be Done If Someone Does Have A Cognitive Or Learning Disability?
Help is available if a disability is identified, and students can learn strategies for navigating areas that are difficult for them. Learning and cognitive disabilities effect every person differently, and the disorder can range from mild to severe.
Depending on the type of disability (Attention Deficit Disorder – ADD ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia) and its severity, as well as the person’s age, different kinds of assistance can be provided. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 people of all ages with disabilities are protected against discrimination and have a right to different forms of assistance in the classroom and workplace. Accommodations are also made on various standardized tests, including the ACT, SAT, GRE, MCAT, and LSAT.
How Long Does Testing Take?
The testing takes around 4 hours, and is often broken into 2 smaller testing sessions to avoid fatigue for younger children.
Who Can We Help at Cognitive Solutions?
Children, Families, Students in grade school, highschool, college and graduate programs, executive and CEO’s who want to improve their skills.