Testing Process

What to Expect

An Evaluation typically has 3 phases: an intake interview, the testing phase, and a 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 2 to 3 hours per 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 with your authorization. Debrief meetings typically occur one to 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

In most cases parents leave the office during testing and return at the end to pick their child up. Most children actually preform better without their parent present. 

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

  • Don’t tell your child when the testing will be finished, some children get fixated on this aspect

  • Don’t allow your child of any age to bring any technological devices to the testing appointment

  • Don’t 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 you anticipate your child may demonstrate significant behavior problems or severe separation anxiety be sure to discuss with your provider during the intake. Then we can put a plan in place such as providing rewards for cooperation and hard work during testing, which can greatly reduce resistance.