Evaluations/Testing

Alvord, Baker & Associates offers comprehensive evaluation services to address a variety of difficulties in children (ages 2-17) and adults. Testing typically includes an assessment of intelligence, academic skills, executive functioning (including attention, planning, and impulse control), memory, language, visual-motor ability, and social-emotional and behavioral functioning. We also conduct admissions testing required by many area private schools.

Parents often seek evaluations to diagnose or rule out conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), determine the presence of learning disorders (often referred to as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) or developmental disabilities. We also evaluate how cognitive and emotional factors affect behavior and academic performance. Our team specializes in assessing neuropsychological issues from seizure disorders or traumatic brain injury, as well as age-related cognitive concerns like memory loss and dementia. Additionally, we conduct gender-affirming assessments for those undergoing hormonal or surgical treatment for gender dysphoria.

As part of the testing, you receive recommendations that can be used at school/work and at home. Testing begins with an intake to obtain background information and to assess areas of concern. If appropriate, we conduct testing, generally over the course of 2-3 days, using standardized measures and assessment tools. We also routinely gather input from teachers or other collateral sources and, if deemed necessary conduct a school observation. After testing, we schedule a feedback meeting to review results, diagnoses, and recommendations. Finally, you will receive a detailed written assessment report. Upon request, we can also attend school planning meetings (e.g., 504 or IEP meetings) to educate school personnel about testing results and recommendations, advocating for your child’s needs.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that affects approximately 1 in 36 children. ASD influences social communication, social interaction, and behaviors, interests, or activities, although particular symptoms can vary widely from individual to individual. While the cause is unknown, appropriate diagnosis and early intervention can improve symptoms and overall functioning.

At Alvord, Baker & Associates, we provide ASD evaluation services for children as young as 24 months of age. Common reasons for seeking an evaluation include concerns from pediatricians or daycare providers, delays in language development, apparent lack of interest in others, and reduced use of gestures like pointing. Generally, school-based learning disability assessments focus on differences between intellectual ability and academic achievement and do not address ASD or behavioral challenges that often take place in the home.

The evaluation process typically begins with an intake to obtain detailed background information and identify areas of concern. The evaluation process involves examining whether presenting behaviors are related to ASD, social-communication disorder, or other social-cognitive disorders. We use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the gold-standard assessment tool for diagnosing ASD, among other measures.

Evaluation batteries are customized by age. For children under 3, we conduct a developmental assessment of language, motor, and cognitive skills, along with a play-based interaction. We may also recommend school/daycare observations to fully understand relationships with peers. For school-aged children, the evaluation typically includes assessments of intellectual ability, academic skills, executive functioning (such as flexibility, attention and impulse control), language, and social-emotional functioning. Adult evaluations include similar components to those for children and involve an extended interview that surveys social-emotional development that occurred in childhood.

For individuals who recently had an evaluation that did not include ASD testing, we offer an abbreviated social-cognitive battery specifically designed to assess the presence of ASD.

After testing completion, we arrange a feedback session to discuss the results, diagnoses, and recommendations including the possibility of additional interventions. We subsequently provide a comprehensive report. If desired, we can attend school meetings (e.g., eligibility or IEP meeting) to explain testing results to your child’s school team and advocate for their needs.