Dr. Judith R. Whitfield

Testing and Assessment

I offer complete testing services to address learning disabilities in children, adolescents and young adults. This is an opportunity to address your concerns, find out if your student qualifies for special education services, and receive clarification about how your child learns best.

Testing covers an assessment of academic skills, executive functioning (planning, time management and organization, along with impulse control and attention), memory, and social-emotional and behavioral functioning.

Why Should I have my Child Tested?

There are many benefits to having your child tested. Firstly, it will help you understand how they think and learn, allowing you to adjust your parenting and improve the parent-child relationship. A formal diagnosis also helps your child understand how they learn best, and puts a name to their experience. This can help reduce anxiety and build self-confidence.

Results can also help you fine-tune your child’s IEP or 504 plan goals, services and accommodations. I will provide valuable, practical recommendations for next steps, and can help you and your child develop advocacy skills.

I provide two types of assessment:

IEEs (Independent Education Evaluations)

  • Avoid costly and contentious due process proceedings
  • School psychologist for over 15 years
  • Thorough understanding of both Special Education rules and regulations, and medical diagnoses (these are not the same and don’t always ‘agree’ or coincide)

Assessment & Diagnosis

  • Special Education evaluations
  • Psychoeducational evaluations
  • Neuropsychoeducational evaluations
  • Understand how your child thinks and learns best
  • Strengths-based approach

Testing FAQs

How long does it take?

Depending on the depth of evaluation, you can expect your child to be in assessment between 4 – 12 hours. Testing typically occurs on Saturdays, and is broken down into two sessions with breaks, morning and afternoon, with a 1-hour lunch break.

You may be asked to return for follow-up testing, which may be shorter and scheduled during the week, or may require another Saturday.

How should I prepare my child for testing?

I have many years of testing experience and makes testing painless and even FUN! Many students finish and remark that it wasn’t nearly as bad as they expected. Rather than using “testing” language, I employ a strengths-based approach, and my questions are designed to help the child feel that they are valued and whole. Let your child know that their time with her is a fun way to figure out how they learn best.

I recommend getting a good night’s sleep, and a good breakfast of “brain food.” You may bring snacks, a water bottle, or beverage for your child.

Can I be in the room with my child during testing?

Every assessment follows standardized procedures, which include one-on-one assessment with the psychologist without distractions. Parents are welcome to relax in the waiting room or may leave and return at a predetermined time. I will also alert you when I am getting close to finishing.

Students are encouraged to hear their results from me directly. This allows them to understand their diagnosis from an objective party. I will help them to understand their strengths, as well as the specific areas where they may struggle and need extra support.

Will insurance cover the cost?

Your insurance may or may not cover the cost of testing, depending upon factors including the diagnosis and your specific plan. I am not paneled on any insurance carrier, but is a licensed psychologist and can provide you with a superbill which you can submit to your provider or health savings account.

Payment for the initial office visit is due at time of booking to secure your appointment. 50% of the estimated cost is required to secure your child’s testing date. The balance is due before the final testing report is released.