My Kid is Struggling in School – Should I Get Them Tested?

Parents want their kids to receive a fair and enriching academic experience, but optimal learning environments do not look the same for each student. Sometimes, a parent must seek educational testing to identify their child’s unique needs and necessary school supports. 

In many cases, diagnostic testing is the first step to qualify a student for a 504 Plan or IEP. Here are answers to 4 common questions that parents have about testing:

1. What do psychologists test for?

Clinical and Educational Psychologists can test for a broad variety of conditions that impair a student’s ability to learn. The specific tests that are administered are individualized and are based on the student’s struggles that are identified in their initial consultation(s). Some common conditions that psychologists test for include:

• Specific Learning Disabilities, such as dyslexia (challenges with reading), dysgraphia (challenges with writing), and dyscalculia (challenges with math).

• Emotional Disturbances - Numerous studies indicate that emotional intelligence is just as vital to success as cognitive abilities, if not more so. Emotional disabilities such as depression and anxiety can impair a student’s ability to process and retain what they’re learning.

• Academic Giftedness - It can be difficult for teachers to sufficiently challenge gifted kids as they work to help struggling students succeed. Diagnostic testing can identify a student’s levels of academic advancement and qualify them for appropriate services. Additionally, diagnostic testing can identify whether a student is “twice exceptional” (2e) meaning they are both gifted and have a disability that impacts learning; students identified as 2e can qualify for a range of supportive interventions.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder - Autism commonly impacts a student’s sensory processing, emotional regulation, adaptive functioning, communication, and social interaction to various degrees. However, several other conditions have overlapping symptoms, and many students with autism also have co-occurring disorders. Diagnostic testing can assess for ASD, along with any other diagnoses that could inform their IEP. 

• ADHD - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can potentially qualify a student for an IEP under the “Other Health Impairment” category of IDEA. To qualify, a Psychologist must not only present evidence of an ADHD diagnosis, but also document how the student’s learning is impaired by their condition.

Click here to learn more about the “Other Health Impairment” category and the conditions that it covers

2. What does testing entail for parents?

Testing protocols can vary depending on the practitioner. At Variations Psychology, families are engaged and supported through the following steps: 

• Complimentary Consultation
  The first step is a phone consultation to collect an initial understanding of the concerns that parents have for their child, and what diagnostic and educational questions they seek to have answered.

• Requesting Records
  With consent from the parents, we request records to better understand the steps that have already been taken for the child, so that we do not duplicate them. This allows us to identify which new assessments are needed. Common records we review can include report cards, educational and psychological evaluations, mental health/psychiatric records, and any other records relevant to the parents’ concerns.

• Drafting an Assessment Plan
  An Assessment Plan is a one-page document, drafted by our experts, that contains:

• The referral questions that the parents or adult patient shared

• The specific tests we are proposing

• The time it takes to administer and score those tests

• The associated costs per assessment activity and the total cost

Families can review their Assessment Plan before they decide to proceed, much like a proposal. It is only after signing the Assessment Plan that scheduling begins.

• Scheduling Assessment Activities
  Assessment activities can include observations in the student’s current educational setting, (such as a private school, general education campus, residential program, etc.) or scheduled performance tests in our office. Additionally, we offer both weekday and weekend assessments to best accommodate families and limit time away from school. For students who need to be assessed in a familiar setting, we can also schedule assessments in the home, though travel rates apply for any assessments conducted outside of our offices.

• Compiling the Report Components
  Approximately three weeks after the last day of assessments, once all test data has been collected, we integrate all of the data to develop a complete report of our findings. The data from the individual tests is synthesized and analyzed to answer the referral question (for example, “Does Abel have ADHD?” or, “Does Maya have Autism Spectrum Disorder?”),

• Writing Up the Report 

  During this step, our doctors create a written report detailing the findings of each individual test that was administered, as well as the meaning of the tests’ combined results. In other words, this report explains why the tests’ results do or do not support the presence of a diagnosis or IEP disability category.   

• Revising the Report

After compiling the report, we meet with the referring party to discuss the results and ensure the report’s accuracy. Parents may keep the results confidential in circumstances where they paid for the testing. However, in situations where a 3rd party is paying for testing, the 3rd party may require that the student’s results be released to both parents and the 3rd party at the same time.

For additional information about diagnostic testing, and to learn how Variations testing services can serve you and your child, schedule your consultation below.

3. What comes after diagnostic testing?

Receiving test results can provide a sense of closure, but diagnostic testing is more of a beginning than an end. Testing can serve as the launchpad for a student to receive equal learning opportunities and a truly enriching academic environment. The supports that a student qualifies for depend heavily on their individual test results, but test results commonly qualify a student for:

• A 504 Plan, which works to remove certain barriers for students who could otherwise thrive in a typical classroom.

• An Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines a child’s
  special education experience in school.

• Specialized services that are “push in,” where a provider goes into a classroom to support students, or “pull out,” where students are pulled out of a classroom to receive interventions with a specialist provider (e.g., speech therapist, occupational therapist, school psychologist, behavioral aide, etc.)

• Accommodations to adapt the child’s learning environment.

• Modifications to the student’s curriculum, assignments, and testing requirements.

• Services such as occupational therapy or speech therapy.

• Referrals provided for accessing ABA, regional center, and other developmental/early intervention services.  

• Placement changes, such as spending part of the day in a special education classroom, attending non-public schools, or residential facilities.

  Variations Psychology offers IEE consulting to support families in communicating their students’ test results and needs with their education team. Learn more here.

  4. Where do I start?

  The first step toward receiving diagnostic testing is to schedule a consultation with a qualified Psychologist. Our doctors provide a positive testing environment that prioritizes the best interest of the student, while involving parent communication and input each step of the way. Let our experienced team guide you toward securing the support your child needs to reach their academic potential.

  So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how
  to find the right help?  

  If a loved one has a learning difference or other condition that impacts their mental health and education, you may feel lost in determining the best ways to support them. 

  Our Diagnosticians can provide psychological testing to remove the
  guess-work and guide your family on the best path toward mental health, emotional wellness, and academic success.

  
  Click below to schedule your consultation.

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The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the highlighted topic. For a full consultation, and personalized assessment plan, schedule an appointment below with one of our specialists.

More about Variations Psychology

Variations Psychology is a group practice specializing in diagnostic testing to identify psychological conditions.

Our comprehensive evaluations test for conditions that impact mental health and development such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and developmental delays. 

In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.

For K-12 and post-secondary students, we offer evaluations to assess needs for accommodations on standardized tests, college entrance exams (e.g. - SAT, ACT, AP Exams), and graduate and professional licensing exams (e.g. - MCAT, LSAT, GRE, CBEST, NCLEX, GMAT, CA Cosmetology Exam, CA Contractors State Licensing Exam, CA Bar Exam).

Schedule your consultation below to learn how our diagnostic services can support you and your family. 

Variations Psychology is located in Newport Beach, CA and provides psychological testing to residents throughout Orange County and its surrounding areas including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Irvine, Shady Canyon, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, and more.

References:

Shinn, M.M. (n.d.) 8 Reasons to Get Your Kid Tested by an Educational Psychologist. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/8-reasons-to-get-your-kid-tested-by-an-educational-psychologist 

Shinn, M.M. (2019). Could My Teen Have Autism? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-my-teen-have-autism 

Shinn, M.M. (2022). Dealing with Dysgraphia: 7 Steps to Help Your Child Overcome Writing Challenges. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-steps-to-help-your-child-overcome-writing-challenges 

Shinn, M.M. (2022). Does My kid Qualify for an IEP Under “Other Health Impairments (OHI)”? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/does-my-kid-qualify-for-an-iep-under-other-health-impairment-ohi 

Shinn, M.M. (2018). I Can’t Spell Dyslexia – Do I Have it?! Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/i-cant-spell-dyslexia-do-i-have-it 

Shinn, M.M. (2023). Is Residential Placement the best Option for My Child or Teen?). Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/is-residential-placement-the-best-option-for-my-child-or-teen 

Shinn, M.M. (2022). My Kid Has an Emotional Disability – Can They Qualify For an IEP? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-has-an-emotional-disability-can-they-qualify-for-an-iep 

Shinn, M.M. (2018). Should I Get My Kid Tested. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/schools-out-should-i-get-my-kid-tested 

Shinn, M.M. (2019). Taking Chronic Illness to School: 9 Tips to Stay Safe & Healthy. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-has-a-chronic-illness-how-do-i-prepare-them-for-school 

Shinn, M.M. (2022). The 13 Categories of IDEA: What Conditions Can Qualify My Student for Special Education? psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/the-13-categories-of-idea-what-conditions-can-qualify-my-student-for-special-education 

Shinn, M.M. (2020). Understanding Education Plans: A Parent’s Guide to 504s and IEPs. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/understanding-education-plans-a-parents-guide-to-504s-and-ieps 

Shinn, M.M. (2022). Understanding Supports, Services, Accommodations, Modifications & Placements. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/understanding-supports-services-accommodations-modifications-placements 

Shinn. M.M. Understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): A Parent’s Guide to Educational Placements). 2022. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/test-blog/understanding-least-restrictive-environment-lre-a-parents-guide-to-educational-placements

Wright, Jim. (2010). The RIOT/ICEL Matrix” Organizing Data to Answer Questions About Student Academic Performance & Behavior. How RTI Works. Retrieved from https://www.interventioncentral.org/sites/default/files/rti_riot_icel_data_collection.pdf 

How to Cite This Blog Article:

Shinn. M.M. (2023). My Kid is Struggling in School – Should I Get Them Tested? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-is-struggling-in-school-should-i-get-them-tested