FAQ

Psychological assessments and psychoeducational evaluations identify a full range of capabilities and characteristics that impact cognition, attention, memory, behavior and emotions.

Psychoeducational Assessments are typically used to help determine appropriate diagnosis and aid in treatment planning for learning differences, Attention-Deficit/  Hyperactivity Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental challenges.  Typically cognitive testing is administered, as are educational testing, developmental testing when deemed necessary, emotional/behavioral screenings, and other types of psychometric testing as determined for individual instances.  Also developmental history is reviewed, clinical interviews are conducted, prior evaluations are reviewed and observations are used to help determine functioning.  Psychoeducational evaluations are also used for potential accommodations on standardized test (e.g. SAT, ACT, LSAT), licensure exams and accommodations in the classroom.

Psychological Assessments focus on personality and behavioral characteristics.  These types of assessments may be used to offer clarity about mental health diagnosis or identify the presence of certain tendencies.  For example, a psychological assessment may help identify symptoms of depression, anxiety or OCD, or distinguish between diagnoses such as depression and bipolar disorder.  These types of psychological assessments can also be helpful when creating a treatment pan for individual therapy and are often used during child custody evaluations.

ADHD is a disorder of the frontal lobe that begins in childhood; however it is possible for symptoms to go undetected until later in life. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that regulates decision-making, control of purposeful behaviors and problem solving.  Common symptoms of ADHD include difficulty giving close attention to detail, staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity/over-activity.

ADHD Subtypes:

There are 3 types of ADHD. The symptoms must persist for a minimum of six months and the symptoms must be present in school/work as well as other areas of the individual’s life.

Subtypes:

• 1. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type
• 2. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
• 3. ADHD, Combined Type

Inattention symptoms include:

• Not paying attention to detail
• Making careless mistakes
• Failing to pay attention and keep on task
• Not listening
• Being unable to follow or understand instructions
• Avoiding tasks that involve effort
• Being distracted or forgetful
• Losing things that are needed to complete tasks
• Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms include:
• Fidgeting
• Squirming
• Getting up often when seated
• Running or climbing at inappropriate times
• Having trouble playing quietly
• Talking excessively or out of turn
• Interrupting

Hyperactive and Impulsive symtoms include:

• Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
• Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
• Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
• Often talks excessively.
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
• Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games

Combined type symptoms include:

A combination of both hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and inattentive features

The diagnosis of ADHD involves a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, which includes:

A thorough diagnostic interview, including a detailed history of past and current functioning

A comprehensive history of your developmental, medical, academic, work, social, and family life

ADHD symptom checklists

• Standardized emotional/behavioral rating scales
• A computerized test of attention
• Cognitive and educational testing may be necessary especially if a learning difference is suspected
• Other types of psychometric testing as deemed necessary
• A review of past evaluations and school records
• Screening for the presence of other co-morbid conditions (i.e. anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
• After the assessment is completed a written report detailing results, test interpretations, and a treatment plan to alleviate attention deficits will be provided.

A child custody evaluation begins with the court appointing Dr. DeGrange to conduct the evaluation.  Typically, all members of the family are included in the assessment. Depending on the family’s situation, this may also include evaluating a stepparent, fiancé, boyfriend/girlfriend or live-in partner. Child custody evaluations consist of a series of interviews with both parents, alone and/or together, as well as with children who possess the requisite verbal skills for this procedure. Dr. DeGrange prefers to include both parents for the initial interview to review procedures.  Each parent’s interview, following the initial joint session, will cover the same general topics. During the interview, parents are afforded the opportunity to discuss their concerns regarding the children, the other parent and to provide information that relates to the issues of child custody and parenting time.  Finally, if one parent makes a substantive allegation against the other parent, the accused parent will be afforded the opportunity to respond.

Evaluations typically involve an observation session of each parent with the children. The purpose of observations is to obtain information concerning each parent’s ability and capacity to interact with the children. This observation session varies depending on the age of the children.  It is also typical for Dr. DeGrange to gather information about parents and children from collateral sources such as friends, physicians, teachers, and/or therapists. If the family has been involved with the Department of Child and Family Services or the police, information regarding these contacts will be reviewed in order to better understand the family’s situation.  Any documents that parents feel will help Dr. DeGrange in getting a clearer picture of the family situation will be accepted for review including documents associated with previous court proceedings.

Psychological testing may be included.  Drug testing may be included if this is a concern. Depending on the circumstances, a child may also undergo formal testing to assess his/her emotional well-being and/or academic potential. Except in unusual circumstances, both parents will be administered the same tests.

After the child custody evaluation is completed, a written report including recommendations will be submitted to the attorneys and to the court. Dr. DeGrange’s recommendations may provide the basis for a settlement. If the case proceeds to trial, however, either parent may call Dr. DeGrange as a witness to explain conclusions and recommendations.  The court determines final decisions if a settlement agreement between the parents cannot be reached.

A gifted evaluation involves two different types of assessments.  Cognitive testing is needed as well as achievement testing including reading and math skills.  How an individual performs on these two measures will be compared to the state’s criteria for gifted to determine if an individual meets criteria.  A written report of the findings is created.

-Bulletin 1508 compliant evaluations are offered through contracted work with public/charter schools.

Audubon Behavioral Health does work with schools and other licensed professionals (e.g. speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, social workers and adapted physical education teachers) for Bulletin 1508 compliant evaluations including the special education categories: Gifted, Specific Learning Disability, Emotional Disturbance, Autism, Other Health Impairment, Intellectual Disability and Developmental Delay.

We accept Cash, Check, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account). We accept many major insurance providers for assessment and therapy services.

Individual and Family sessions are $150/hour.  We are happy to provide you with an invoice for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.