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Who administers the testing and what are their credentials?
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Our assessments are done
by Dr. Barbara Hoskins and our neropsychologist, Dr. Jesse
Fischer, in collaboration with our educational therapists.
Our team has a great deal of experience in the assessment
and treatment of children and adults with challenges in
the areas of learning, attention/executive functioning,
and social-emotional functioning.
Dr. Hoskins specialized in psychoeducational testing during
her doctorate at Northwestern University. She brings over
thirty years of experience to her work. We specialize
in assessing, planning for, and working with children,
adolescents, and adults with learning disorders (including:
dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia), language disorders,
attention deficits, difficulties with executive functioning,
and behavioral issues.
Our testing provides an in-depth understanding of each
individual's strengths and challenges, which allows us
to develop personalized strategies to support each learner
in being successful. |
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Do interns do the testing? |
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We do not use interns
to do our testing. We personally observe our clients during
the testing process and bring our experience to the table
when we problem-solve to meet their needs. |
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What is the difference between psychoeducational testing and
neuropsychological testing? |
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Psychoeducational testing
focuses on understanding how a person learns, including
his or her strengths and challenges. We assess a range
of intellectual abilities, processing strengths, weaknesses,
and academic skills. Our psychoeducational testing provides
a thorough item analysis of academic skills so that we
can make specific recommendations that will guide effective
teaching.
Our neuropsychological testing is designed to assess specific
neurological abilities, such as attention and executive
functioning. We use multiple measures to understand how
a person uses his or her attention to orient, maintain
focus, and plan. |
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What makes your assessment process different? |
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We bring a great
deal of experience to the assessment process.
We recognize that assessments are not simply a matter
of administering a battery of tests and reporting
on scores. Rather, it is a process of carefully
observing and getting to know each person's abilities,
challenges, motivations, and reactions, so that
we can develop strategies that support him or her
in experiencing success. |
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We come highly recommended.
We are recommended by pediatricians, schools, psychologists
and psychiatrists. Most of our referrals come from
clients who have told their friends and family members
about our work. |
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Our assessment
process is designed to be a positive experience.
We see assessment as a therapeutic process during
which a client feels respected, known, and empowered
to take new actions. During the initial interview
process, the client is supported in identifying
his or her concerns, strengths, and challenges,
and is guided to take the lead in explaining what
has worked and not worked throughout his or her
life.
During the testing process, clients are provided
with encouragement and authentic positive feedback.
They are seen as respected participants in the process
of better understanding their learning.
After the testing is complete, clients and their
families participate in a verbal feedback session
before the written report is finalized. They have
an opportunity to hear what we have found, ask questions,
and provide their own feedback about our findings.
Clients then participate in the plan that is developed.
Most clients experience significant improvements
in their self-esteem and academic performance during
or soon after the assessment process. |
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We provide follow-up.
Dr. Hoskins and the rest of the team of specialists
are available to provide follow-up support, specialized
instruction and academic coaching, as well as school
consultations as needed.
We are committed to taking care of our clients and
supporting their families and schools in working
together so that they can experience success. Following
the assessment process, we stay involved to see
the turnaround in their lives. |
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Will it have a negative effect on his/her self-esteem? |
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Clients report that they
feel better about themselves. They no longer feel blamed
for their challenges. They and their families usually
feel relieved and empowered to take the appropriate next
steps. |
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What follow-up services do you offer? |
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We believe in, not only
assessing people, but most importantly, supporting them
in being successful. That is why we have developed an
outstanding team of professionals to provide follow-up
support.
This may include:
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School meetings
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Educational therapy
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Specialized academic
support in reading, writing, and mathematics
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Support in strengthening
executive functioning, including time management,
project planning, and study strategies |
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Can I make an appointment for a consultation only? |
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Yes, you can schedule
an initial consultation, which includes a thorough review
of the client's history and suggestions for next steps.
People find the initial consultation to be very helpful. |
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Can I just come for educational therapy or specialized academic
support? |
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Yes, if you have a recent
evaluation that provides a clear picture of the individual's
processing strengths, challenges, as well as an analysis
of his or her academic and cognitive abilities, we can
design a follow-up plan for you. We will select one of
our specialists to provide focused academic support for
reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as strategies
to improve executive functioning. |
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Do you accept credit cards? |
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We do accept MasterCard,Visa,
and Discover credit cards for payment. |
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When is payment due? |
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Payment is made at the
time of each visit or on a monthly basis for clients who
are seen for weekly educational therapy. For assessments,
an initial payment is made at the first visit and the
balance is paid at the feedback session. |
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