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CLIPSON & OSTERLOH
A Professional Psychological Corporation
Clinical and Forensic Psychology
Neuropsychological Assessment
3921 Goldfinch Street
San Diego, CA 92103
TEL: (619) 260-0335
FAX: (619) 260-1682
INFORMATION SHEET: PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
FOR CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENTS
The psychological evaluation of a child or adolescent usually involves interviews with the parents and child, the administration of standardized cognitive and/or personality tests, a review of relevant records, and the use of behavioral rating scales that may be completed by parents, teachers, or others who know the child well. In some instances, home or school observation may be included as part of the evaluation. Cognitive tests involve such tasks as answering questions, solving puzzles, copying designs, and tests of perception, communication, attention, memory, motor, and learning skills. In some cases, educational tests may be given to assess a child’s academic functioning in reading, math or written expression. Emotional and personality testing may include having the child answer questionnaires or take projective tests such as the Rorschach. The specific tests selected will depend both upon the age of the child or adolescent as well as the reason for the assessment.
At the beginning of the evaluation, older children and adolescents who are judged capable of understanding are given a simple explanation of the evaluation procedures. The evaluation proceeds only when the child is comfortable and is in agreement with the process. Most children tolerate the assessment procedures well and many find it enjoyable. However, psychological testing can involve some stress on a level similar to what your child might experience in any new situation or in school. It is not unusual for some children to feel tired after completing a series of psychological tests.
Since the evaluation occurs in a one-to-one situation, your child’s behavior will be closely monitored. He or she will be given bathroom or rest breaks as needed. If necessary, they may bring snacks with them to the appointment. If your child should become upset, tired, hungry, or otherwise unable to respond well, or if he or she does not wish to continue, the session will be ended and another appointment will be made. Parents of younger children should remain in the waiting room so they will be available if their child needs them. Parents of older children or adolescents may leave their child at the office and return to pick them up for lunch and/or at the end of the assessment session for that day.
If your child is taking medication for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, please have them not take their medication the morning of their evaluation unless otherwise indicated. They should take any other medications prescribed for them as they typically would.
I have read the above information and agree to have my child
evaluated by Clark R. Clipson, Ph.D., with the evaluation to consist of:
General cognitive testing Learning disability evaluation
Academic assessment Attention-related assessment
Emotional and/or behavioral evaluation Head injury assessment
Other:
Parent Parent
Date