Evaluation FAQs & What to Expect

 

Would my child benefit from testing?

What type of testing does my child need?

What does an evaluation entail?

How should I prepare my child for testing?

What can I expect to learn from an evaluation?

Does Dr. Malatino accept insurance?

What forms of payment are accepted?

How do I get started?

 

 

Would My Child Benefit from Testing?

Because testing deepens our understanding of a child’s functioning (both their strengths and their challenges), a great many children benefit from testing! Concerns can range from mild to more serious. By starting with a parent's observations, then adding the type of information learned through testing, a more robust picture of a child’s functioning emerges which enables us to identify effective and supportive interventions. Here is an example of the types of questions assessment can answer:

 

"It takes my child hours to complete simple homework assignments - what can we do to help?"

"My daughter is very bright, but struggling in school – might she have a learning disability?"

"Other students have stopped inviting my son to birthday parties, he seems a bit lost socially – is there something we can do?"

"My 4-year-old doesn’t seem to be picking up new concepts as quickly as her playmates – is this a sign of a problem?"

 

Testing can help answer questions related to school performance, learning style, cognitive development, emotional well-being, peer relationships, family relationships, executive functioning (e.g., attention, memory, organization, problem-solving) and more.

 

What type of testing does my child need?

There are a number of different types of evaluations available for children, adolescents, and young adults. Consultation with the examiner will help identify which is needed.

 

What does testing entail? ​

Intake Evaluation. The testing process starts with an in-depth conversation between myself and the parents, called an intake evaluation. This is an opportunity for me to learn about your concerns for your child and to take a detailed history. Additionally, this is a chance for you to ask any questions you have about the testing process. Based on this conversation, I will be able to design a comprehensive evaluation plan for your child.

 

Testing Session(s). Depending on your child’s age (and stamina), testing will either be conducted in one or two sessions. A scheduled break will be taken half-way through the session, with additional breaks taken as needed throughout the process.

 

Feedback Session(s). In the weeks following testing, a feedback session will be scheduled during which I will explain the results and recommendations of the assessment to you and other professionals you may choose to include (e.g., an education advocate). An additional feedback session is usually scheduled for older children (e.g., age 13 and older) to give them the opportunity to discuss the outcome of testing with me.

 

Report. Approximately four weeks after the feedback, parents will be provided with a comprehensive written report, providing a description of the measures administered, an analysis of the test results, and detailed recommendations.

 

How should I prepare my child for testing?

For school-aged children, you can explain that they are going to take part in a series of activities with the evaluator so that she can get a sense for how they think and how they learn. Some of the activities will seem like puzzles, others like schoolwork, and maybe even a couple will seem like games. (However, please don’t overstate the likelihood of fun games, as this will set up unreasonable expectations for the session.) Let them know that they will always be given clear instructions, and that they are always welcome to ask questions.

 

For preschool-aged children, you can explain that Dr. Malatino is a lot like a teacher. Let them know that they will engage in a number of activities, similar to the types of tasks they do at school. It is recommended that children receive a good night of sleep prior to testing and that they have a good breakfast that morning. It is a good idea to bring preferred snacks, as there will be breaks throughout the session.

 

As a parent, what can I expect to learn from an evaluation?

A well-designed evaluation can take you from knowing THAT your child is having difficulty in a certain area to knowing WHY. This is a vital step, because understanding why your child may be presenting with certain behaviors is essential to addressing and changing them. For example, there are a number of reasons why a 10-year-old boy might not want to do his math homework. Identifying whether this is the result of a learning disability, attentional deficit, or mood difficulty (to name only a few) will be essential to finding the right intervention. 

 

Does Dr. Malatino accept insurance?

Dr. Malatino does not currently accept insurance, but families can frequently be reimbursed for a portion of the assessment or therapy cost. Again, this varies by case, so this can be discussed in detail during the intake process.

 

What forms of payment are accepted?

Dr. Malatino accepts, credit cards, cash and checks. Master Card, Visa, and Discover cards are accepted.

 

How do I get started?​​

Call 407-507-5035 or email DrMalatino@pactcenter.com with any questions or to schedule an appointment.