Neuropsychological assessment can be tremendously helpful in understanding how a child, adolescent or young adult learns best. It can help to build confidence, optimize academic achievement, and explain why challenges occur at home, school or in the community. Difficulties may manifest as struggles in focusing or keeping pace in the classroom, spending long hours on homework with minimal progress, problems socializing with peers and adults, or withdrawn, disruptive or unusual behavior. Often there is more than one factor at play and an in-depth evaluation may be required to tease apart the role of cognitive, academic, social and emotional factors. A private evaluation is typically sought for an understanding of a child’s needs and strengths above and beyond that which can be obtained in a school or hospital setting. A thorough neuropsychological evaluation may also be required when special education services are denied, or when accommodations are needed (such as extended time on the SAT, LSAT or GRE, or through the Office of Student Disabilities at a university).
Dr. Robinson has a sensitive demeanor which puts the individuals she assesses at ease and allows her to establish a strong rapport, thereby obtaining an accurate sense of an individual’s strengths and needs. She possesses keen diagnostic insight that helps her to make good use of the clear and accurate information she obtains through the assessment process, and goes above and beyond to help families understand how to best facilitate their child’s development. Reports are delivered in a timely fashion and include practical, in-depth recommendations for real improvements. Dr. Robinson provides a level of personal care that has led families to seek her out repeatedly. She enjoys making lasting connections and watching her clients grow and develop over time.
She has supported individuals with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behavior, dyslexia, disorder of math (dyscalculia), disorder of written expression (dysgraphia), executive functioning difficulties (planning, organization, working memory, flexible thinking), nonverbal learning disorder, anxiety (including Selective Mutism), depression, genetic disorders and complex medical profiles.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When emailing to schedule a consultation, you will need to provide some basic information such as your name, your child’s name and date of birth, and a brief description of your concerns. Upon scheduling your consultation, you will be emailed an intake packet which includes a developmental history form for you to complete prior to the consultation. You are also asked to share copies of any relevant medical and educational records (including prior evaluations, IEPs and progress reports).
The initial consultation takes place via video conference, and lasts for one hour. In the case of younger children, this appointment is for parents and caregivers only so that relevant history and concerns can be discussed openly, and plans for how to best address the child’s needs may be determined. In the case of adolescents, parents may choose to allow their child to participate in part of all of the consultation if they feel valuable insight can be contributed in this way. Young adults may attend alone or with a parent.
If a classroom observation is indicated and parental consent is provided, Dr. Robinson will visit your child’s school to observe, and meet with teachers and therapists who may have insight to share regarding your child’s performance in that setting. Contact with teachers and therapists is also available via phone and email.
Four to five additional appointments of one to two hours in length (depending upon age, ability to engage and stamina) will be reserved for direct assessment. Please do your best to ensure that a good night’s rest is obtained the night before testing, and that something nutritious is eaten prior to each appointment. You are encouraged to bring along any glasses, hearing aids or other devices that may be needed. If medication is typically administered, please discuss this with Dr. Robinson prior to testing to determine whether medication should be administered on the day of testing.
Although you may feel anxious about the outcome of the evaluation, please rest assured that everything possible will be done to ensure that your experience is a positive one. Assessment is simply answering questions, doing puzzles, and completing activities with paper and pencil to understand how someone learns best, what they need to be successful, and how their teacher(s) can teach them most effectively. It is best not to describe testing activities to children as games, as this can be misleading and sometimes translates to poor cooperation. Parents of younger children are asked to remain present (either in the same room or nearby) while their child is evaluated, as most children need at least one short break to have a snack, use the restroom and check in with their caregiver.
At the completion of testing, you will participate in a 60-minute feedback session to discuss Dr. Robinson’s findings and recommendations, which will be outlined in a detailed written report following feedback. Adolescents may join in the feedback appointment if they choose. Suggestions for appropriate educational placement and supports, as well as strategies for promoting success within the home and community, will be provided in the feedback session and in the written report. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have during feedback, as well.
PAYMENT
A deposit is required upon scheduling in order to confirm your initial consultation. The remaining balance is due in full at the time of consultation. Bank transfer and credit card payments are accepted via Intuit invoicing. There is a 4% non-cash adjustment for all credit card transactions. To learn more about pricing, please email info@drnicolerobinson.com.
Dr. Robinson has specialized training in neuropsychology and spends a significant amount of time on each case; not only during testing but in reviewing relevant records, scoring and interpreting the tests, and writing up findings and outlining recommendations. Although insurance is not accepted, documentation is provided after the completion of testing so that you can seek reimbursement via your insurance company’s out-of-network benefits if you have them. Dr. Robinson does not accept vouchers from the Department of Education. Private payment allows for greater flexibility, confidentiality, quality of work, and time invested for the assessment and report writing process.
CONTINUED SUPPORT
Many parents choose to have their child reassessed periodically following the completion of an evaluation, in order to assess their child’s progress, determine appropriate educational and treatment planning, and understand how to best support their child’s ongoing development. Re-evaluation typically takes place every one to three years in order to determine current levels of cognitive, academic, social and behavioral functioning. Repeating a full neuropsychological assessment is not necessarily required; relevant portions of an assessment may be completed in order to get a view of the specific areas of interest for your child.