Testing Process
What to Expect
An Evaluation typically has 3 phases: the intake interview, the testing phase, and the debrief meeting. For adult clients the intake interview and testing may occur on one day, however, for children under age 18 the intake is typically completed with a parent or guardian a week or two prior to testing. Testing for younger clients is usually completed over 2 to 3 different days for between 2 and 3 hours a session. The length of each session depends on complexity and the age of the client. Your provider will also consult with other professionals knowledgeable about you or your child during this process if authorization is granted. Debrief meetings typically occur two weeks after testing. You may be wondering what actually happens during testing. Here are some examples of activities examinees might engage in:
Answering questions out loud or choosing from visual multiple choice responses
Completing paper pencil tasks
Completing puzzles
Completing academic tasks assessing reading, writing, and math
Drawing
Memorizing visual and verbal information
Completing tasks on a computer
Answering questions about themselves
Parents are typically asked to leave the office during testing and return at a later time to pick their child up.
How to Prepare
Get a good nights sleep the night before testing
Avoid using caffeine, drugs, or alcohol the night before testing
Eat a good breakfast
Take your medications as usual on the day of testing
Bring a snack and drink along with you
DO NOT tell your child when the testing will be finished, some children get fixated on this aspect
DO NOT allow your child of any age to bring any technological devices to the testing appointment
DO NOT tell your child that testing will be fun, some children find the activities engaging and fun but some do not and telling them it will be fun can contribute to behavior challenges if they do not find it fun
If your child has significant behavior problems or severe separation anxiety be sure to discuss with Dr. Saccoman a plan for testing days beforehand, providing rewards for cooperation and hard working during testing can be very effective