Developmental Evaluations

The purpose of a developmental evaluation is a process designed to deepen the understanding of your child’s competencies and capabilities. Developmental evaluations are similar to neuropsychological evaluations, in that psychological tests are used to examine a child’s cognitive abilities. However, due to their young age, the tests are structured to seem more like play activities than actual tests. Abilities assessed include intelligence (current developmental functioning), language, and visual-motor and gross-motor skills.

In addition, a child’s social and communication behavior is assessed through a semi-structured play session, as well as a detailed classroom observation if the child is already enrolled in an early childhood program. Parents also contribute a great deal of important developmental information through structured interviews and completion of questionnaires. The results of the evaluation can provide information regarding the status of a young child’s current abilities, which serves as a foundation for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Process:

• The parents of an individual who is referred for an evaluation are contacted by an evaluator to arrange an initial diagnostic interview to discuss questions to be answered by the evaluation.
• A developmental assessment typically includes two to three sessions, each lasting one to two hours. The typical developmental evaluation takes between 3 and 5 hours to complete. The amount of administration time depends upon the speed the examinee completes all measures.
• Due to the young age of the children, evaluation sessions typically occur between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm.
• Once all tests are administered and scored, and observations and interactive play sessions are completed, a comprehensive report is generated. This report includes the results of measures, a detailed account of the observations if applicable, a discussion of strengths and challenges, and recommendations. These reports take 2-3 weeks to complete, following the completion of all testing, return of parent report forms and observations.
• A feedback session is scheduled to review the findings and recommendations of the evaluation. Parents are informed of the need for additional evaluations or services, or if educational supports should be requested from the local school system.
• Afg Guidance Center is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. BCBS will be billed per hour for test administration, test scoring and report writing. Any deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance are the responsibility of the policy holder.
• Payment for all self-pay individuals is made at the end of each testing session based upon an hourly rate. A final payment for the time spent scoring and writing a report, at the same hourly rate, will be required prior to the release of the report. A detailed receipt for reimbursement from the insurance company will be provided.

For more information

For more information, please contact Danette Palomar, MA at 847-853-0234 or dpalomar@afgfamily.com