FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
A neuropsychological evaluation explores the relationship between a child's brain functioning and his behavior and learning style. Areas assessed include: language, nonverbal reasoning, visual spatial processing, memory, attention, executive functioning (planning, working memory, problem solving, initiation, switching), academic skills, processing speed, and social/emotional functioning.
WHAT DOES THE EVALUATION PROCESS CONSIST OF?
The first step in the evaluation is an intake meeting with the child's parents. Next, we complete the actual testing sessions. With parents' consent, we speak with the child's teachers and any therapists who the child is working with. Last, we meet with the child's parents for a feedback meeting before the family receives a completed report. A feedback session is sometimes scheduled with the child, either separately or with his/her parents.
HOW LONG DOES TESTING TAKE?
Testing typically takes between 8 and 9 hours. Depending on the age of the child, testing is broken into 2 to 4 sessions. Sessions are scheduled in the morning when children and adolescents are most energized and alert.
CAN YOU OBSERVE MY CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM?
Yes! We are available to complete classroom observations before meeting a child in-person, which allows me to be a "fly on the wall." Classroom observations are often recommended for early elementary age students and/or when there are social and/or behavioral concerns.
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WILL YOU ATTEND A MEETING AT MY CHILD'S SCHOOL?
Yes.
MY CHILD WAS RECENTLY EVALUATED IN SCHOOL AND I DO NOT FEEL LIKE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON, WHAT CAN I DO?
Aside from completing full neuropsychological evaluations, we also complete partial evaluations of children who have undergone testing within the calendar year. This enables us to gain a broader understanding of the child while using the data that has already been collected.
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EVALUATION?
There are several possibilities for next steps, depending on the specific findings of the evaluation. Next steps might include: a CSE or 504 meeting, modifying an existing IEP, discussing learning strategies with teachers and tutors, implementing additional supports at home, consulting with other professionals and/or applying for testing accommodations. We will help you translate the testing recommendations into an action plan and am available to support my clients throughout this process.
WHAT MAKES DR. HADDAD UNIQUE?
Dr. Haddad has been evaluating children and adults in Westchester and New York City for nearly two decades and is familiar with both private schools and public school systems. Our goal is to create a useful document that lays the foundation for a child's educational success. In turn, Dr. Haddad creates reports that parents can understand. Interpersonally, Dr. Haddad and her team create a warm, low-stress environment. Dr. Haddad's relationships with her clients are paramount.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SCHOOL EVALUATION AND THIS EVALUATION?
The primary intention of a school evaluation is to determine if a child qualifies for special education services, and if so, in what frequency and format . In contrast, we seek to determine why a student is having academic difficulty. This enables us to generate an individualized intervention plan specific to a student's strengths and weaknesses.