Testing / Evaluations
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At PPA, our evaluations are designed to uncover the unique factors influencing each individual’s challenges. We offer a thoughtful process that helps individuals and families better understand the "why" behind struggles, whether emotional, academic, or behavioral. Our team brings a wide range of specialties to the table, allowing us to look at each case from multiple angles. With flexible options and clear, practical recommendations, we help chart a path forward that is tailored to each person’s unique strengths and needs.
Common Reasons for Seeking Evaluation
There are numerous reasons why an evaluation might be requested. Our comprehensive assessments are invaluable for addressing inquiries concerning overall developmental and learning profiles (comprising both strengths and weaknesses), as well as emotional,
interpersonal, and behavioral functioning. Common reasons for referrals include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Disruptive Behavior Problems (Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, etc.)
- Early Childhood and Developmental Concerns
- Learning Disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, math, nonverbal, processing, etc.)
- Psychological/Psychiatric Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc,)
- Social Skills/Functioning
- Study Skills, Organization and Executive Functioning
- Brain Injuries and other Neurological Disorders
- Reactions to Divorce, Traumatic Events, etc.
When it comes to matters as crucial as mental health diagnoses and treatment plans, seeking a second opinion can provide invaluable clarity and insight. At PPA, our evaluation services are often sought by individuals who wish to obtain a second opinion on prior diagnostic conclusions and/or recommended interventions. We understand the significance of this decision and are dedicated to offering comprehensive assessments to aid individuals in making informed choices about their mental health care.
Our team of skilled professionals has extensive experience in reviewing findings from previous evaluations and offering a fresh perspective on their interpretation. We carefully analyze the information provided by the initial assessment and consider its relevance for diagnosis and treatment planning. In cases where the prior evaluation may not have fully addressed the referral question or provided sufficient insight, we may recommend supplemental testing to ensure a thorough assessment.
Supplemental testing allows us to gather additional information and fill any gaps in the existing evaluation, enabling us to provide a more accurate and comprehensive second opinion. Our goal is to offer clarity and validation to individuals seeking reassurance or guidance regarding their mental health diagnosis and treatment options.
If you or someone you know is considering seeking a second opinion, we encourage you to reach out to PPA. Our team is here to provide the support, expertise, and thorough evaluation needed to help you make mportant decisions about your mental health care journey
Each evaluation at PPA is guided by our team’s specialized knowledge and careful attention to the distinct needs of the individual. Our team draws on extensive training and experience, along with a robust in-house library of assessment tools, to carefully select the measures that best capture the nuances of each person’s profile. We do not rely on one-size-fits-all batteries; instead, we thoughtfully tailor each evaluation to reflect the questions at hand and the complexity of the individual in front of us. This level of precision and specialization allows us to identify difficulties that may be subtle or easily missed, particularly in those who demonstrate both advanced abilities and hidden vulnerabilities. Our approach gives us a distinct advantage in establishing eligibility for accommodations and interventions, ensuring that even complex profiles are accurately understood and effectively supported.
Navigating a denial of testing accommodations can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when the decision fails to reflect a student's genuine needs. That is where our team steps in, offering specialized support to help families craft a strong, evidence-based appeal. Our team is highly experienced in reviewing denial letters, identifying the specific reasons accommodations were not granted, and crafting a clear, data-driven response. In many cases, this involves reinterpreting prior evaluation findings, and/or providing targeted supplemental testing and other methods of data collection to address gaps in earlier assessments. Because the appeals process demands precision and clarity, we focus on providing documentation that directly responds to the concerns raised by the testing agency. Our evaluators have a strong track record of success in helping students secure the accommodations they are entitled to, especially in complex cases involving subtle deficits.
At PPA, we do not just evaluate; we advocate. We understand what testing organizations are looking for, and we work strategically to present compelling evidence that supports your case. If you or your child is considering appealing a denial of accommodations, we encourage you to reach out to us for expert support and guidance throughout the process.
Providing Second Opinions
When it comes to matters as crucial as mental health diagnoses and treatment plans, seeking asecond opinion can provide invaluable clarity and insight. At PPA, our evaluation services areoften sought by individuals who wish to obtain a second opinion onprior diagnostic conclusionsand/or recommended interventions. We understand the significance of this decision and arededicated to offering comprehensive assessments to aid individuals in making informed choicesabout their mental health care.
Our team of skilled professionals has extensive experience in reviewing findings from previousevaluations and offering a fresh perspective on their interpretation. We carefully analyze theinformation provided by the initial assessment and consider its relevance for diagnosis andtreatment planning. In cases where the prior evaluation may not have fully addressed the referralquestion or provided sufficient insight, we may recommend supplemental testing to ensure athorough assessment.
Supplemental testing allows usto gather additional information and fill any gaps in the existingevaluation, enabling us to provide a more accurate and comprehensive second opinion. Our goalis to offer clarity and validation to individuals seeking reassurance or guidance regarding theirmental health diagnosis and treatment options.
If you or someone you know is considering seeking a second opinion, we encourage you to reachout to PPA. Our team is here to provide the support, expertise, and thorough evaluation neededto help you makeimportant decisions about your mental health care journey
Establishing Eligibility for Testing Accommodations
Establishing Testing Accommodation Eligibility with PPA Evaluations:
At PPA, we recognize the critical importance of providing fair and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, especially when it comes to standardized testing administered by organizations like the College Board, ACT, and others. Our evaluation services are sought by students who are seeking to establish eligibility for testing accommodations or appealing the denial of requested accommodations by these organizations.
Our team of evaluators at PPA is renowned for their expertise in conducting thorough assessments to determine the need for testing accommodations. We understand that each individual’s situation is unique, and we tailor our evaluation process accordingly. In cases where a prior evaluation was not sufficiently thorough or did not include the most sensitive tests to identify challenges, we may recommend supplemental testing to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Supplemental testing allows us to delve deeper into an individual’s needs and identify any areasthat may have been overlooked in previous evaluations. We may also reinterpret prior findings to address the specific reasons for denial cited by the College Board, ACT, or other organizations. Our goal is to provide clear and compelling evidence to support the request for testingaccommodations and advocate effectively on behalf of our clients.
One of the hallmarks of our success at PPA is our ability to navigate the appeals process with confidence and expertise. Our evaluators have a proven track record of success in appealing the denial of requested accommodations, and we understand the nuances of the process. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the accommodations they need to demonstrate their true abilities on standardized tests.
If you or someone you know is seeking to establish eligibility for testing accommodations or appealing a denial of accommodations by the College Board, ACT, or other organizations, weencourage you to reach out to PPA. Ourteam is here to provide the support, guidance, andcomprehensive evaluations needed to navigate this process successfully.
Appealing Denials of Requested Accommodations
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Types of Evaluations and Fees
Evaluations serve to uncover crucial insights into an individual’s developmental, cognitive, academic, and/or psychosocial well-being. Depending on the issues presented, a particular type of evaluation may be recommended. Irrespective of the evaluation type, our comprehensive assessments cover all significant areas of functioning, including cognitive, academic, emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental aspects. This does not include Psychological, Gifted/Intelligence, or Speech/Language Evaluation
s, which are limited in scope to address specific areas of functioning.
Below you will find information (descriptions and fees) for the various evaluation services offered at PPA:
MDDC evaluations seek to assess early development in infants and toddlers (ages zero to three years), typically when there is a concern regarding developmental delays or “red flags” for an Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or a developmental delay.
- Evaluators: Team is composed of a Pediatric Psychologist, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist.
- Age range: 0 to 3 years
- Fee: $2,000 (additional $500 if supplementary testing is required to rule out/diagnose an Autism Spectrum Disorder using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition -ADOS-2).
Psychodevelopmental/Psychological Evaluations are conducted to assess young children (ages three to five years) when there are concerns about potential developmental delays that may be interfering with optimal functioning. Developmental milestones include fine and gross motor functioning, speech/language/communication skills, processing/cognitive abilities, preacademic and early academic skills (when appropriate), as well as social, behavioral and emotional functioning.
- Grades Preschool 3 & 4
- Fee: $3,800*
Psychoeducational / Psychological Evaluations are conducted to assess an individual’s learning style (ages five years through adulthood). Psychoeducational evaluations are usually recommended when a student is struggling in school or having difficulty with test-taking (i.e., FSA, SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, GMAT, etc.). Depending on the age, the reason for the testing will vary (school placement, academic accommodations, interventions, and field of study/career decisions for college students and young adults). Psychoeducational evaluations are used to determine an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and establish whether there is a neurodevelopmental condition (such as a learning disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, etc.) interfering with academic functioning. Evaluation results are integral in the creation of individualized intervention/accommodation plans that will be most effective for a student to succeed.
Grades K & 1
Fee: $4,500*
Grade/Age range: 2nd–12th& adulthood
Fee: $5,000*
- Speech and Language Skills : Please note that our Psychodevelopmental and Psychoeducational Evaluations include a brief assessment of language skills; however, if a student is in need of speech and language services and would like to access these services in the public school system through an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or through health insurance, a speech and language evaluation must be comprehensive and completed by a licensed speech and language pathologist. PPA’s speech/language pathologist can provide this supplemental assessment for an additional fee of $525. Results will be provided in a separate report to be shared with the school and any other parties of your choosing.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE): A CDE is a thorough review and assessment of the child’s development and behavior using national, evidence-based practice standards, Our MDDC, Psychodevelopmental, and Psychoeducational Evaluations, generally fulfill the needs required under a Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation (CDE)
Neuropsychological Evaluations are conducted to assess an individual’s cognitive profile when there is a known or suspected brain dysfunction. Such a condition may result from a head injury, a medical condition (such as epilepsy, genetic disorders, meningitis, etc.), neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, etc.), or cognitive decline associated with aging.Neuropsychological testing provides a more in-depth examination of the relationship between a specific domain of cognitive functioning controlled by different regions of the brain (such as working memory, attention/concentration, visual/auditory processing, learning/memory, etc.) and behavior (including learning, reasoning, self-regulation, communication, etc.)Age range: 5 years to adulthood Fee: Generally $5,000* but may vary in cost depending on the case’s complexity and extensiveness of medical history and related record review.
Gifted/Intelligence evaluations are conducted to assess children who have demonstrated advanced skills in problem-solving and learning. Testing for gifted placement is conducted when there is the likelihood that a child would benefit from a more challenging academic program at school. All public-school systems in the state of Florida (as well as many private schools) require intelligence testing to identify whether or not a child meets the criteria for placement in a gifted program. Intelligence Testing can also be completed with adults, depending on the reason for referral (Mensa, employment requirement, etc.).
Age range:2½ years to adulthood
Fee: $600
Comprehensive speech and language evaluations assess all areas of communication, including speech articulation, language, pragmatics, and, when appropriate, feeding skills. PPA also provides assessments of specific areas of communication depending on the presenting concerns. Evaluations are typically completed in 1.5 to3 hours.
Age range: Infancy to adulthood
Fee: $325 (Specialty)-$525 (Comprehensive)
- Evaluations include one parent/caregiver intake (1 hour) and one feedback session (1 hour). If additional intake or feedback sessions are requested (for example, parents want separate or longer meetings), additional fees will occur at the standard therapy session rate.
- Evaluations that are conducted off-site at a location within a 5-mile radius of our office will incur an additional flat charge of $500. For testing outside the 5-mile range, please discuss directly with the office.
- Evaluations conducted by a Post-Doctoral Resident (supervised by a Licensed Psychologist), will be $1000 less the total fee.
- Evaluations conducted by PPA’s practice owners, Dr. Judith Migoya, Dr. Nicholas Maccarrone, and Dr. Samantha Carella, will incur an additional fee of $1000. This does not include Gifted or MDDC evaluations.
- Cases involving extensive medical record review may incur an additional charge.
- Evaluations that have forensic/legal involvement will incur an additional fee of $1000.
Procedures and Instruments
At PPA, we are committed to ensuring thorough evaluations that encompass all domains of functioning. Through a combination of standardized tests, clinical interviews, and observational methods, we aim to gather comprehensive data to better understand the individual’s cognitive, academic, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being. On this page, we will outline the procedures and tests employed in our evaluations to offer insight into our assessment process and the depth of information we strive to provide.
Evaluation Procedures
Here is an overview and step-by-step guide to our evaluation process. Please note that this breakdown excludes the procedures for our Multi-Disciplinary Developmental Evaluations, and for our Gifted/Intelligence Evaluations, as these are detailed separately on their respective pages
| Description | Approximate Time |
| This first meeting is a very important step in the evaluation process. The evaluator will meet with the patient (if adult) or with a child’s parent/caregiver(s) to obtain pertinent history and information regarding present concerns and functioning. This will provide a better understanding of the nature of the evaluation and assist the evaluator in deciding which tests should be administered. | 1 hour |
| Description | Approximate Time |
| During the testing sessions, every aspect of functioning is assessed. These areas encompass intellectual capacity, academic performance and learning, information processing, attention and executive functioning, psychological and emotional well-being, along with personality traits and adaptive skills. | 6 to 8 hours 3 to 4 meetings |
Contingent upon the reason for referral and details collected during the initial interview and initial testing sessions, additional procedures may be added. These may include one or more of the following:
| Description | Approximate Time |
| Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (if appropriate) | 1 - 2 hours |
| School Observation and Consultation (if appropriate) * | 1 hour |
| Extensive/more in-depth emotional testing * | 1 - 2 hours |
| Neuropsychological testing * | 2 - 4 hours |
(*Additional Testing Services for an additional charge of $300.00 per 45 minutes)
| Description | Approximate Time |
| The questionnaires and tests are scored, analyzed and interpreted. Medical, psychological and school records are also reviewed. Findings from the testing, observations, and information gathered are all considered when the overall interpretations and conclusions are made. A written detailed report is completed. understanding of the nature of the evaluation and assist the evaluator in deciding which tests should be administered. | 10 - 15 hours |
| Description | Approximate Time |
| An appointment will be made to review the results of the evaluation. During this meeting, evaluation findings are discussed in detail, and individualized intervention/treatment recommendations are provided to serve as a guide to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. The evaluation’s written report is provided following this appointment. | 1 hour |
Following the Feedback session, some families request that the evaluating Psychologist scheduleadditional meetings to help explain the evaluation results and recommendations to otherprofessionals/educators involved in the patient’scare. The evaluating Psychologist may also berequested to assist the patient’s team in developing intervention/educational plans and accessingservices that the patient may need. These are considered additional services billed accordingly.
Commonly Used Tests/Instruments
PPA evaluators employ a diverse range of thoughtfully chosen assessment tools to conduct comprehensive evaluations tailored to each individual's requirements. The selection of tests is driven by the evaluation's goals and your evaluator's clinical expertise in identifying the most suitable assessments for your circumstances. However, rest assured that all tests used at PPA represent the gold standard of assessment and are, therefore, accepted by schools and regulatory agencies seeking to document eligibility criteria for services.
Below, you will find details on commonly employed tests, each meticulously selected to effectively address our clients' needs. Moreover, beyond the listed tests, we may incorporate additional supplemental assessment measures as necessary.
Battelle Developmental Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-2)
Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Fourth Edition (Bayley-4)
Batería III Woodcock-Muñoz, Pruebas de Habilidades Cognitivas
Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition Normative Update (KABC-II NU)
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-4)
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-FifthEdition (WISC-V)
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition-Integrated (WISC-V Integrated)
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition-Spanish (WISC-V Spanish)
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
Woodcock-Johnson IV, Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJ-IV COG)
Batería III Woodcock-Muñoz, Pruebas de Aprovechamiento
Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning-Fourth Edition (DIAL-4) Concepts Domain
GrayOral Reading Test-Fifth Edition (GORT-5)
Kaufman Survey of Early Academic Language Skills
Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement-Third Edition (KTEA-3)
Nelson-Denny Reading Test
Woodcock Johnson, Tests of Achievement-Fourth Edition (WJ-IV ACH)
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition
Bilingual Verbal Ability Tests (BVT)
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Fifth Edition (CELF-5)
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Fifth Edition Metalinguistics(CELF-5 Metalinguistics)
Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language-Second Edition (CASL-2)
Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing-Second Edition (CTOPP-2)
Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning-Fourth Edition (DIAL-4) Language Domain
Expressive One-Word Vocabulary Test-Fourth Edition (EVT-4)
Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition (PPVT-3)
NEPSY Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-Second Edition (NEPSY-2) Language Subtests
SCAN–3:C Test for Auditory Processing Disorders in Children–Revised
Woodcock-Johnson IV, Tests of Oral Language (WJ-IV OL)
Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning-Fourth Edition (DIAL-4) Motor Domain
Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration-Sixth Edition (VMI-6)
NEPSY Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-Second Edition (NEPSY-2)Sensorimotor Subtests
Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) Copy
Rey-Osterrith Complex Figure Test (RCFT) Recall and Recognition
NEPSY Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-Second Edition (NEPSY-2) Memory & Learning Subtests
Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV)
Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning Third Edition (WRAML-3)
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
Delis Kaplan Executive Functioning System (DKEFS)
Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (IVA-2)
NEPSY Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-Second Edition (NEPSY-2) Attention& Executive Functioning Subtests
Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition (BASC-3) Parent, Teacher & Self-Report
Children’s Apperception Test
Children’s Depression Inventory-Second Edition (CDI-2)
Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory-Second Edition (MACI-2)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A)
Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale-Second Edition (RCMAS-2)
Robert’s Apperception Test
Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS)
Sentence Completion Test
Thematic Apperception Test
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDDBI)Parent Report
UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5 Children and Adolescents
Other areas that may be assessed include:
Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS)
NEPSY Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment-Second Edition (NEPSY-2) Social Perception Subtests
Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2)
Test of Problem Solving-Third Edition, Elementary (TOPS-3 E)
Test of Problem Solving-Fourth Edition, Adolescent (TOPS-4 A)
Sensory Profile-Second Edition (SP-2)
Vineland Adaptive Rating Scales-ThirdEdition (VABS-3)
Career Assessment Inventory-Enhanced Version (CAI)
Insurance Benefits and Evaluations
Insurance benefits for psychological testing/evaluations vary depending on insurance plans. Many times the coverage of testing is contingent on the patient’s diagnosis, which determines medical necessity for the testing procedures. Generally, our evaluations are conducted to determine or rule out a diagnosis, and, consequently, diagnostic information is not available until completion of the evaluation. Often times, insurance companies require a copy of the psychological report to confirm this medical necessity. Please note that insurance companies do not cover for testing that is educational in nature (i.e., to rule out a learning disorder, giftedness, etc.), as they do not consider this to be of medical necessity. More recently, insurance companies have also denied coverage of testing for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Our office payment policy for testing is that payment needs to be made at the time of testing. If you have insurance and are interested in seeking reimbursement for some of your testing expense, we will be happy to provide a detailed invoice once the testing is completed and payment has been submitted. We do not submit insurance claims directly to insurance companies for testing. This is the insured’s responsibility. It is advisable for you to contact your insurance company directly to obtain a detailed explanation of your benefits and procedures for submitting claims related to evaluations, including any authorizations required prior to testing. If needed, we will complete any clinical forms required by the insurance company (such as treatment plans or prior authorization forms); however, it is the insured’s responsibility to inform us of what is required by your insurance policy.
THE PPA WAY: WHAT MAKES EVALUATIONS AT PPA UNIQUE?
At PPA, our evaluations stand out due to our comprehensive approach, highly qualified team,and commitment to individualized care. Unlike traditional assessments, PPA evaluations delvedeep into the rootcauses of challenges, providing thorough insights into various domains offunctioning. With a collaborative team of experts, flexible evaluation options, andcomprehensive follow-up care, we ensure that each individual receives the personalized attentionthey deserve to thrive.
- Expert evaluators
- Testing conducted by Doctoral-level (Ph.D./PsyD) psychologist
- Specialized training & decades of experience
- Our experts work collaboratively
- We provide reliable results you can trust, with built-in second opinions so you can feel confident in our conclusions and recommendations/plan
- Immediate scheduling
- Multiple convenient office locations to reduce travel time
- You choose the pace of testing (e.g., completed within one week, spread out over several weeks)
- Hybrid testing arrangements to accommodate schedules and minimize school absences (e.g., in-office, virtual, on-site at schools/therapeutic settings)
- Shorter turnaround time for evaluation results compared to most practitioners
- Evaluations available in both English and Spanish
- We seek to understand root causes of concerns
- Rather than just identifying challenges at the surface level, we focus on understanding the causes underlying someone’s difficulties to build a customized plan of action (interventions, accommodations) that is prioritized and tailored to each person’s strengths and needs
- We provide truly comprehensive evaluations
- Extensive review of records/history
- Consultation with other professionals (e.g., therapists, educators)
- School observations when appropriate
- Assessment of all domains of functioning
- Multiple sources of information (direct testing, interviewing, rating forms, records review, observations, consultation with others)
- We provide optional support beyond the evaluation
- Continued consultation with the family and team
- Directly linking families to services
- Navigating school placement
- Advocating for services & accommodations during school meetings (IEP,504, etc.)
- Consultation with other providers (school, neurologists, psychiatrists, therapists, tutors)
- Ongoing progress monitoring
- Coordinating modification to the treatment plan as needed with the family& team
PPA establishes a benchmark for evaluations that consistently exceeds typical standards across various domains. From the thoroughness of our assessments to the accuracy of our diagnoses, we prioritize excellence in every facet of our work. Clients can trust PPA to provide evaluations of unmatched quality, surpassing expectations in all relevant areas of assessing an individual's functioning.
It's important to recognize that while lower fees for evaluations may be found elsewhere, the fees charged by PPA reflect the added value of our comprehensive processes and unwavering dedication to quality. Our assessments go beyond traditional practices, incorporating extensive consultations, meticulous testing protocols, comprehensive record reviews, and personalized recommendations. Although our fees may be higher, they are commensurate with the exceptional level of service and expertise we provide, ensuring thorough support and optimal outcomes for our clients. Below, you'll find details outlining direct comparisons between PPA and standard practices in the field.
| Domain | Typical Standard | PPA Standard | Relevance to your child’s evaluation |
| Evaluator Credentials | Specialist's Degree (Ed.S. -post-masters certification) | Doctoral-Level Evaluators (Ph.D. ,Psy.D.) | Ph.D./Psy.D. degrees is obtained after 5-7 years of training and are the highest level of education you can achieve in your field of study, while an Ed.S. degree requires 3-4 years of training and is a post-master's certification. When choosing an evaluator, prioritizing experience and expertise ensures that you receive thorough, accurate, and insightful assessments. |
| Assessment Domain | Typical Standard | PPA Standard | Relevance to your child’s evaluation |
| Cognitive Assessment | Varies | Use the most trusted assessments in the field. | Learning how your child uses logic and reasoning to help inform teachers and other professionals their strengths and areas of growth |
| Academic Assessment | Basic Academics:
| All AcademicDomains:
| Understand your child's academic skills thoroughly. Assessment instruments are carefully selected to ensure sensitivity to skills relevant to various developmental stages. For example, the academic and preacademic skills that are relevant to the success of a first grader are very different from those required in 5th grade. Understanding these differences and using the appropriate instruments are keys to capturing an accurate picture of academic functioning. |
| Memory/Learning Assessment | Not always included | included in all evaluations | Assessing academic skills is undoubtedly crucial, but it's equally important to measure an individual's capacity for new, independent learning. Evaluating this capacity provides insights into how effectively an individual can acquire, assimilate, and apply new knowledge and skills across various contexts. It is, therefore, an integral part of a comprehensive evaluation. |
| Attention Assessment | -Parent Questionnaire -Possibly teacher questionnaire | -Parent Rating Scales -Teacher RatingScales -Self-Report Scales(depending on age) -Direct assessment of skills via test administration with child | Attention and executive functioning skills are crucial to every aspect of our daily lives, from learning and problem-solving to social interactions and task completion. Direct assessment of skills offers a significant advantage over assuming skill levels based solely on observer reports. By directly assessing skills, we obtain objective and reliable data that accurately reflects an individual's abilities, bypassing potential biases or inaccuracies inherent in observer reports. |
| Assessment of Executive Functioning | -Parent Rating Scales -Teacher Ratings not always included -Self-Report Scales not always included | -Parent Rating Scales -Teacher Rating Scales -Self-Report Scales(depending on age) -Direct assessment of skills via test administration with child | |
| Language Assessment | Not always included | -Screening always included -Speech/Language Pathologist on staff or further assessment if needed | A solid foundation in oral language development promotes success in reading and writing. As such, assessment of language and language processing should always be part of a comprehensive evaluation. When issues are identified, our speech/language pathologist is able to provide further in-depth assessment as a supplemental service. |
| Assessment of Visual-Motor Skills | Not always included | Include in all evaluations | Visual-Motor skills, including visual-perception and motor coordination, allow an individual to take in visual information, process it, and use it to complete motor actions. For example, copying information from the board, which, if difficult, may result in inattention, work avoidance, or disruptive behaviors. |
| Assessment of Social and Emotional Functioning | -Parent Rating Scales -Teacher Ratings not always included -Self-Report Scales not always included | -Parent Rating Scales -Teacher Rating Scales -Self-Report Scales(depending on age)-Direct assessment of skills via test administration with child Focused symptom questionnaires. Projective measures when appropriate | Information from multiple sources, including caregivers, teachers, the children themselves, and formal assessments (through objective and projective testing) provides a holistic understand of a child's needs and allows us to individualize recommendation |
| Domain | Typical Standard | PPA Standard | Relevance to your child’s evaluation |
| Record review | Not always included | Included-IEP, previous testing, other interventions | Learning a person’s pattern of behaviors and skills facilitates an understanding of the root of the problem/concern. Based on response to previous intervention helps us formulate a plan of action for best outcomes. Understanding any potential environmental contributions to a child’s difficulties (as can be gathered via school observation) also helps shed light on factors that may affect this child’s functioning. |
| Consultation | Included with consent-school, other providers (SLP, OT, Psychotherapists) | ||
| School Observation | Included with consent |
| Domain | Typical Standard | PPA Standard | Relevance to your child’s evaluation |
| Recommendations | General | Individualized and prioritized | Knowing what interventions/accommodations are going to have the most impact, what local professionals are best to provide the appropriate support, and how to prioritize your resources (time, energy and money) can be overwhelming. Our recommendation provide a detailed road map and take the guess work out of the process. |
| Follow Up | Not typically provided | Services available | Let us help you to advocate for your child and confirm that the school and other providers understand and can support them effectively. Periodic follow up team meetings, led by your PPA evaluator, are often recommended as an additional service to ensure interventions are optimal at every step of the way, and that any modifications to the plan of action needed to maximize growth are made promptly. |
| Domain | Typical Standard | PPA Standard | Relevance to your child’s evaluation |
| Time Frame to Receive Feedback and Written Report | Average 5 weeks from testing | Guaranteed 2 weeks from the end date of the data gathering process | A quick turnaround allows you to expedite services for your child's success |
| Time Spent with your child | 4-6 hours | 6-10 hours | Spending more time in direct contact with the child yields numerous benefits compared to limited interaction. Direct contact allows for a deeper understanding of the child and provides opportunities to observe nuances in their responses, interactions, and communication styles that might not be apparent in brief encounters or through secondhand reports. Additionally, prolonged interaction fosters rapport and trust between the evaluator and the child, creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for accurate assessment. |
| Additional time | 2-3 hours | 10-20 hours | In addition to hours spent in direct test administration, an evaluation, if completed in a comprehensive manner, should involve many additional hours of consultation/collaboration with relevant parties in a child’ s life, scoring and interpreting tests, conducting relevant research as needed, analyzing findings in detail, and development of a comprehensive report |
| Total Time Spent with your child | 4-9 hours | 16-30 hours | We devote significant time and effort when completing a comprehensive evaluation to ensure we obtain the most thorough understanding of our patients' skills and needs, so that we can formulate the best plan of action for them and their families. Given the unparalleled high quality of our evaluations, you can confidently use this information to advocate for yourself or your family. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Evaluations include a one-hour initial interview to gather background information and current concerns, approximately 4-8 hours of testing (depending on evaluation type) spread out over 1-4 appointments, collection of caregiver questionnaires, school observation/consultation if appropriate, a one-hour feedback session to review results, an additional feedback session with older children/teens if appropriate, and a comprehensive written report with diagnostic impressions and specific recommendations for next steps. Referrals for trusted local treatment providers can also be provided, as needed.
Testing can be condensed into one week or spread over multiple weeks, based on your preferences and needs. After intake and testing have been completed and all relevant information and questionnaires have been collected, the turnaround time for the feedback and report is typically about two weeks.
There are several reasons an evaluation may be requested. Our comprehensive evaluations will help answer questions regarding overall developmental profiles and learning styles (including strengths and weaknesses), as well as emotional,social, and behavioral functioning. Any diagnoses that result from the evaluation will help unlock services, scholarships, school programs, and/or insurance coverage for many families. However, we take the approach of identifying not only relevant diagnoses but also the roots of current challenges. This approach allows us to most effectively provide you with a roadmap to inform interventions,learning strategies, school placement, and accommodations to help each examineeachieve their full potential, thereby gaining confidence and self-efficacy. Our evaluations are accepted by public and private schools, universities, and standardized testing agencies (e.g., the College Board, ACT).
