The Diagnostic Evaluation includes:

1. A record review of all report cards, all psychological and educational evaluations, and  medical records.

This helps me determine if :

             a. a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is the most appropriate course of action, and if so,

              b. the most appropriate instruments for you or your child.

2. A complete developmental and familial history, acquired through the completion of an extensive Intake Questionnaire.

3. A one to two hour follow up interview with the client, or parents of the child. If you are a young adult, an interview with one parent and/or a significant other will also be conducted when appropriate.The interview duration depends on the degree of complications within the client's history.

4. A significant battery of screening checklists and questionnaires. These will be completed over the course of several weeks. Some will be completed by the client online and some on paper, some by an observer (close family member), some by teachers (when appropriate)), some with this evaluator. The number of instruments used, and exactly how long the process takes, is an individually determined situation. The diagnostic instruments chosen are determined by what is revealed during the initial interview process. Then, as each instrument is completed and scored, the results will determine if further screening or clarification is necessary. 

 5. A minimum of one hour interview/observation of the child. The number of interview sessions, for the purpose of assessment, depends on the child's age and the complexities of the presenting symptoms.

 Your child may, or may not mature out the current problematic stage. If the issue is one of maturity, and not ADD, that will be revealed in the early stages of the diagnostic process, in which case, there would be no need to continue the process.

There are some situations when the child requires therapy alone. However, a record review can reveal information suggestive of possible hidden causes of the child's difficulties. When a therapist meets with a child, without reviewing existing records, it is easy to see the child continuously, without the therapist ever really understanding the underlying issues. This often leads to long term therapy with moderate to little improvement. Frequently, as one problem is successfully addressed, a new problem arises, keeping the therapeutic process ongoing.  This is because what I refer to as "Band Aid Therapy" is taking place. It addresses each issue as it surfaces but never looks at the reason behind successive issues continuously arising. This can be an expensive and frustrating process for the family; and is often unnecessary.

 * All interviews can be conducted by phone or Skype for those who reside outside of Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Fees vary by individual. Please complete this form for details.