Testing

TESTING

The decision to assess should be taken very seriously. Diagnostic testing can be valuable in discovering intellectual, educational, psychological, and emotional factors. Accurate testing can provide for proper intervention and/or enrichment. Additionally, it is imperative that the professional assessing the child or adolescent understand that child in the testing situation. Parents are often concerned that children will be anxious or stressed due to their intense and sensitive natures. This can be alleviated by someone who is familiar with these traits and competent to work with them.

I meet with parents in person or by phone in order to ascertain a developmental history. Questions, goals and potential issues of concern are discussed. This thorough approach and understanding of the child helps me to complete a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the child. Assessment materials are the chosen based upon the needs of the child and questions of the parents. I personally perform all assessments. Rapport is built with the child prior to testing so that he or she is comfortable. My exceptional rapport-building and understanding of children is based on many years of professional and personal experience, and children often find the process novel and enjoyable!

When testing is complete I will score, analyze the data, and interpret it. A detailed and readily-understandable report is personally generated, complete with my recommendations based upon analysis and findings. Thereafter, I meet in with parents to review the report and answer all questions. In this feedback consultation, parents review the results of the assessment in detail and get a thorough appreciation of the recommendations with an experienced professional. Appropriate resource material is also given at the time.

Gifted children are often mislabeled by those unfamiliar with them. Therefore, it is advantageous that professionals who assess children who may be gifted have thorough understanding of all aspects of behavior, cognition, and emotion. Understanding their unique traits and behaviors prevents improper diagnosis. Furthermore, the misperceptions found in educational and psychological communities can be avoided if assessment is performed by someone knowledgeable and experienced in this area.


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