Understanding Scope & Purpose
Private Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment
Eligibility: There is no eligibility requirement or referral necessary to qualify for an assessment.
Purpose: To provide a comprehensive understanding of a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, which can lead to a medical diagnosis.
Scope of Assessment: Comprehensive & Holistic view, including Intelligence (IQ); Learning and memory (both verbal and non-verbal); Executive functioning (planning, organization, impulse control); Attention and concentration; Visual-spatial and fine motor skills; Language skills; and Social-emotional functioning and mental health.
Timeline: The complete process from scheduling to the feedback appointment may take between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on Dr. Kane’s availability. A diagnosis, if appropriate, will be available within approximately 2 weeks after the assessment.
Test Administrator: Clinical Neuropsychologist or Licensed Psychologist
Medical Diagnosis: If the results from the comprehensive neuropsychological assessment indicate a DSM-5-TR diagnosis will be given (as is appropriate) relating to learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, behavioral functioning, and/or cognitive abilities. These diagnoses are often required for a child to access services, therapies, and accommodations outside of the school system, and can be critical for insurance coverage.
Re-evaluation: To be completed as needed, re: annually.
Recommendations: Dr. Kane provides individualized recommendations for home, school, and clinical settings.
Public School Evaluation
Eligibility: The student must qualify or be eligible to be evaluated. Their eligibility may be limited to specific domains of concern. i.e., reading, social/emotional, behavior, etc.
Purpose: To determine if a student meets special education eligibility criteria under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Scope of Evaluation: Targeted focus on how a student's disability impacts their ability to access the school curriculum.
Timeline: The process to evaluate can take up to 55 school calendar days after the initial referral to special education. The guidance team has 25 school days to decide whether to evaluate the student, AND an additional 35 school days to complete the evaluation.
Test Administrator: School Psychologist
Diagnosis: Does not provide a medical diagnosis; instead, determines eligibility for services based on an educational classification.
Re-evaluation: To be completed every 3 years if eligible for special education services.
Recommendations: Limited to school-based. Focused on accommodations and services that can be provided within the school system.