Your Assessment Experience

Every family's assessment needs are different.  Many families seek an evaluation from a psychologist in order to gain entry into school.  Sometimes, schools advise parents to seek an assessment due to behavior struggles related to attention or hyperactivity.  Some families wish for their child to be evaluated simply to understand how their child learns best and can be most appropriately supported.  Dr. Sims will work with you to decide your exact needs; however, the FAQ below offers a general guide about what to expect.  We hope that this page will encourage you to contact Dr. Sims to discuss in detail your child's assessment experience.  

What happens before the assessment?

Dr. Sims will speak with you before your child engages in the assessment.  You will be able to express your needs, and Dr. Sims will be able to let you know how long the assessment should take and when you can expect a written evaluation report and feedback meeting.  Dr. Sims will ask about how your child adapts to new people and testing situations, so that she can make them feel comfortable and ready to do their best during the assessment session.

What happens during the assessment with my child?

Dr. Sims will first help your child feel comfortable by playing a quick game or drawing activity.  Dr. Sims will guide your child through several short tasks meant to reveal your child's academic and cognitive strengths.  Your child will be able to take breaks as needed, and may eat a snack or visit with you briefly in order to motivate them to do their best.

What will an assessment do for my child?

While it is true that many parents will seek an assessment simply to satisfy entry requirements for school, an assessment and feedback session can yield useful information about how your child takes in and processes information.  Do they learn best visually, with pictures?  Can they express themselves better when speaking, or through writing?  This can be helpful for teachers, and for parents, as you support your child in their academic progress at home.    

If a family opts for  a full evaluation, Dr. Sims will conduct achievement testing, which includes tasks specifically geared toward reading, writing, and math.  This may be helpful in identifying or understanding more about specific learning problems.

Does my child need to be assessed?

Maybe. That's why we meet first and discuss in detail what your child may stand to gain from an assessment.  Every assessment experience will begin with a consultation during which parents will communicate needs and questions.  Dr. Sims will help parents determine whether an evaluation can help benefit your child in school, at home, and in life generally.  She will also help you determine whether a full assessment is necessary, or if basic testing is the sole need.

How long will the assessment take?

Most assessments can be completed in one session; however, sometimes multiple sessions may be required in order to observe your child's best performance on testing measures.  Additionally, for full assessments, lots of work happens behind the scenes in consultation with your child's teacher to gain insight into current school performance and educational support needs and observations in class (when feasible).

How do I prepare for testing?

Please make sure your child gets a good night's rest and eats a filling breakfast that is typical for them.  If they wear glasses or a hearing aid, make sure they do so during the appointment.  Let them know they will be playing short games and puzzles with Dr. Sims.  Bring a light snack for them, and assure them that the session may be fun.  You may also assure them that you will be in the waiting room if they need to check in.

What should I expect while my child is testing?

You may fill out questionnaires while your child spends time with Dr. Sims.   Your child may need to see you for comfort or to simply check in during the testing session, but we ask that you try to encourage them back into the testing session.

How much will it cost?

Assessment costs range from $300 for an entrance examination to $1200 for a comprehensive psychoeducational (full) evaluation.  Dr. Sims is not accepting insurance at this time.

What happens after the assessment session?

Families will meet with Dr. Sims for a feedback session within two weeks following the assessment session.  At that time, Dr. Sims will explain results and present the written report.  Dr. Sims is also available for consult after the feedback session, as needed.