“Why is my child struggling with learning to read?”
“His teacher says he’s doing okay, but I just know there is something going on that I can’t quite pinpoint….”
“Why is my child having difficulty fitting in with his peers?”
“Why is my child having trouble paying attention?”
If questions like these resonate with you, it may be time to consider a psychoeducational evaluation. A psychoeducational evaluation will help answer your questions about your child, how they learn, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how to support them moving forward. An evaluation will provide you answers and a targeted, individualized action plan. This evaluation can determine if a condition exists like dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder and more. Sometimes we don’t find a diagnosis, but what we learn about your child helps us guide targeted and strategic recommendations to help them thrive.
What is a Psychoeducational Evaluation?
Psychoeducational testing can be invaluable, but the purpose of the evaluation needs to be clear and directed, targeting areas for possible diagnosis and most importantly, intervention. As a parent, you have options for who may conduct these evaluations, and the questions you should consider are, “What do I want to know about my child’s strengths and weaknesses, and how can we support them using available resources?” The evaluator should address your specific concerns so you can leave the process with actionable insights.
Psycho-educational vs. Neuropsychological Evaluations
People often wonder about the difference between psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations. At Mind by Design, we employ a brain-based and process-oriented approach consistent with the field of neuropsychology. Some of our clinicians are board-certified in school neuropsychology. Our goal is to understand why your child is facing challenges so we can develop appropriate strategies and guide support.
Neurodiversity affirming practices are also something parents commonly inquire about and this is also a way of evaluating and describing a child’s presentation that we strive for with every case. This means that we acknowledge that every brain is unique and valuable and that differences in how brains function should be celebrated and supported, not seen as deficiencies requiring correction.
Public or Private?
Psychoeducational testing can be done within the public school system or in a private practice. In public schools, evaluations are typically carried out by school psychologists and special education teachers. In the private sector, any licensed psychologist with a relevant credential can perform these evaluations. At Mind by Design, our assessors are Licensed Educational Psychologists who have worked within public schools, providing us with insights into that system. We strive to collaborate with your child’s school and offer recommendations that can be integrated into their educational experience, whether public or private.
Here are some differences between public and private evaluations:
Public School Evaluation | Private Evaluation |
Focused on educational disabilities per Califiornia Education Code | Addresses parents’ specific questions and provides clinical diagnoses, when appropriate (using the DSM 5 TR) |
To be eligible for support, a student must show significant academic need | Recommendations for support are provided regardless of severity |
Free of cost | Costs are borne by the family |
Cannot make clinical diagnoses | Can provide clinical diagnoses and suggest eligibility for an IEP |
Takes up to 60 days once the evaluation plan is signed | Can take two weeks to several months depending on the provider |
School districts may fund a private evaluation but only after their own evaluation | The school must consider private evaluation results but is not required to adopt recommendations |
School recommendations are tied to available resources | Private recommendations are not limited by school district resources |
Conducted during school hours in a familiar setting | Arranged flexibly, possibly during school hours, after school, or on weekends in a clinic |
How Mind by Design Helps your Family Thrive
At Mind by Design, we pride ourselves on being a supportive community partner dedicated to understanding and addressing your child’s unique needs. Our approach is rooted in both expertise and empathy.
- Expertise: Our Licensed Educational Psychologists have extensive experience in both public school settings and private practice, giving us a unique understanding of the educational system and its intricacies.
- Holistic Approach: We use a variety of tools, including standardized evaluations, interviews, observations, and more, to gain a complete picture of your child’s strengths and challenges.
- Neurodiversity Affirming Practices: At Mind by Design, we believe in celebrating and supporting neurodiversity. We see differences in brain function as natural and valuable, and our goal is to help each child thrive in their unique way.
- Personalized Support: Our detailed reports and consultations provide clear, actionable plans that align with your child’s needs and your family’s goals. We offer ongoing consultations to ensure that the support plan evolves as your child grows.
Our commitment to being a community partner means we work closely with local schools, teachers, and community organizations. This collaboration helps ensure our recommendations can be effectively implemented, providing continuity of care and support. Post-evaluation, we continue to engage with you, offering guidance and addressing any new concerns that arise.
What to Expect at Mind by Design
Understanding what happens during an evaluation can help ease any apprehensions. Here’s a typical outline of the process:
- Initial Consultation: This usually involves a developmental history questionnaire and an in-depth interview to understand your concerns.
- Evaluation Sessions: Your child may undergo several sessions with the evaluator, usually lasting a few hours each. These sessions can be scheduled flexibly.
- Collaboration: The evaluator may speak with your child’s teachers or other relevant individuals to gather additional insights.
- Report and Action Plan: Within a few weeks, you will receive a comprehensive report outlining the findings and providing an individualized action plan to support your child.
We aim to provide a comprehensive written report within three weeks, discussing the findings and offering an action plan. Post-evaluation consultations are available to support you through this ongoing journey.
Specialized Evaluations
In certain cases, we may adjust our evaluations to meet specific needs or add specialized evaluations in areas like speech and language, autism spectrum, or occupational therapy. These additional services come at an extra cost but are vital for a complete understanding of your child’s needs. Your educational psychologist will discuss the necessity of these supplementary evaluations with you.
See you Soon!
Our top priority is providing exceptional service to you and your child. We work diligently to understand your child’s unique needs and communicate this through detailed reports and feedback sessions. We recognize the emotional journey this process entails and strive to alleviate your concerns, guiding you and your child towards a brighter future. Think of us as your enduring partners in your child’s educational journey.
We look forward to working with you soon!
