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TESTING/ASSESSMENT forLearning Disabilites
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Should I get tested?People get tested for Learning Disabilities (LD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for a variety of reasons. For some, it is comforting to know that there is a specific name and a body of research for what they have been experiencing. Many individuals have gone through life mistakenly thinking that they are "dumb," "lazy," "crazy," etc., without fully understanding that their problems are actually confined to some small area and are not such a mystery after all. The results of an evaluation can help to “demystify” what is going on. Specific problem areas as well as strengths, can be pinpointed. Once these are known, individuals can learn compensatory strategies to work around their areas of weakness and to capatalize on their strengths. Also, educators are able to make appropriate accommodations and modifications in how they present material, test the student, and give assignments. Some of the accommodations often given to students with an LD or ADHD include, longer testing time, quiet testing rooms, shortened assignments, provided outlines of classroom material, books on tape, the use of a scribe to take notes, verbal testing instead of written, etc. Another benefit to testing is that if treatment is pursued, insurance companies usually require testing and a diagnosis to pay for services.
Why Choose Dr. Greenaway?
Dr. Greenaway specializes in this type of testing and is well versed on the most up-to-date procedures. Because he has a degree in education as well as clinical psychology and was a teacher for 8 years, he understands the kinds of interventions that will be realistic and most useful in the educational setting. Oftentimes, learning issues are complicated by negative mood, anxiety, or relationship problems, and Dr. Greenaway is able to address these as part of the testing as well.
Because Dr. Greenaway is not officially affiliated with any university system, he can take an unbiased approach. Also, scheduling is much more convenient with Dr. Greenaway than with other settings. He is usually able to begin testing within 1-3 weeks of your initial call. And, he is more affordable than other options. (Click on Fees and Scheduling above). There are no hidden costs, and insurance is often able to pay a large portion. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to call. What is involved in testing?
Testing begins with an interview to clarify the history of problems and other issues that may be going on. Questionnaires, completed by the participant and sometimes people that know the individual well are also necessary. When possible, previous report cards or job evaluations help in documenting the history of learning, attention, or organizational problems. Standardized tests are then used to assess various cognitive skills and abilities. After the evaluation, Dr. Greenaway sits down and explains the results and answers any questions. Results, applicable diagnoses, and recommendations are included in an in-depth written report. Recommendations offer the client strategies to employ and help guide educators in providing needed accommodations and modifications. |
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