What We Do
At AB Psychology, we offer psychological evaluation services for school-age children, helping families gain a deeper understanding of a wide range of learning differences. Our specialties include ADHD, learning disabilities, social-emotional disorders, as well as giftedness and twice-exceptional identification.
Why Psychological Evaluations?
People may seek out psychological evaluations for a variety of reasons, but the main goal is usually to gain a clearer understanding of an individual's mental, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Here are some common reasons why someone might seek a psychological evaluation:
Learning Differences: Parents or educators may suspect a child has learning challenges (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, or other cognitive delays). A psychological evaluation can help identify specific learning disabilities and guide appropriate interventions.
Behavioral Concerns: If a child is exhibiting challenging behaviors—such as extreme mood swings, aggression, or withdrawal—a psychological evaluation can help identify underlying causes, such as a mood disorder, anxiety, or other psychological conditions.
Emotional or Social Difficulties: Evaluations can assist in understanding emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or social challenges. It can help pinpoint conditions like social-emotional disorders or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Giftedness and Twice-Exceptional Identification: For some children, they might be intellectually gifted but also have learning difficulties (often referred to as “twice-exceptional”). A psychological evaluation can help identify strengths and areas for support, ensuring these children are appropriately challenged and supported.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: In cases of mental health conditions, psychological evaluations help clinicians make an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for effective treatment planning, whether through therapy, medication, or other interventions.
Educational or Occupational Decisions: Sometimes, a psychological evaluation is necessary to inform decisions about school placements, academic accommodations, or even career choices—especially for individuals with disabilities or unique learning profiles.
Assessing Cognitive Functioning: Evaluations can assess intelligence, memory, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive processing. This is often done when there are concerns about developmental delays, brain injury, or dementia-related issues.
Clarifying Developmental Delays: For younger children, parents may be concerned about developmental milestones. Evaluations can clarify if a child is simply developing at their own pace or if there is a need for early intervention.
Ultimately, psychological evaluations help people understand themselves or their children better, providing a clearer path for support, treatment, and growth. They help ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care, services, and accommodations tailored to their needs.