How much time does the testing process require?
Testing is comprised of administration of paper-pencil and computerized measures. I provide all testing services one-on-one with patients. The testing process typically requires 3-7 hours of face-to-face time. We can schedule the testing over one day, with periodic breaks, or we can split up the testing over 2-3 sessions.
Pediatric/adolescent evaluations
Do parents have to be present?
After we discuss reasons for the evaluation over the phone, we will schedule testing sessions. For very young children, it is preferable if parents remain at the office, in my waiting area. If your child is comfortable and cooperative, it’s okay if you run out for food/drinks or quick errands. I have guest WiFi and a comfortable work area for parents who would like to work remotely, from my office. While I am working with your child, I may ask you to complete additional paperwork and/or questionnaires.
Due to confidentiality of testing materials and distractions posed by the presence of others, parents are typically not permitted to sit in during testing. However, the parent waiting area is just outside the door of the testing room. Parents can help provide encouragement and verbally praise their child for his/her effort during testing breaks.
For adolescents who are comfortable and cooperative, parents may wish to drop off their child and pick them up after testing. If adolescents have a history of behavior problems (aggression, oppositional behaviors), then parents should remain at the office.
For child evaluations, what should I bring?
Before the testing process, we will discuss records that I would like to review.
Your child and I will take periodic breaks on testing dates. Feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and activities your child might enjoy during breaks. Snacks are for breaks only – snacking during testing creates distractions. Children will not be permitted to bring phones/tablets into the testing room.
How do I prepare my child for testing?
Make sure your child has a healthy meal before the appointment, and that they don’t arrive hungry (even though they might have snacks during breaks.) Also make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time the night before. Drowsiness will obscure test results and will make it difficult to provide accurate recommendations.
Children should NOT try to “practice” tests prior to the evaluation.
Should my child take ADHD medications on testing dates?
In general, children should take medications as prescribed. During our initial telephone consult, we will discuss your child’s medications and whether or not it is advised – based on the referral question and the type of medication – for your child to refrain from taking medication on testing dates.
How do I explain the evaluation process to my child?
You can say something like: “All kids have things that they’re good at, and things that are harder for them. Dr. Kaushik (Dr. K/Dr. Tanya) will be doing lots of activities with you so she can help figure out how we and how your teachers can help you do your best, enjoy yourself at school, and be happy. You’re going to be doing some puzzles, drawing, answering questions out loud, trying to remember words or pictures or stories…you might have to do a little reading/writing/math – but not as much as you do at school. A lot of kids find that they really like it!” Make sure your child understands that this is not a typical “Doctor’s Appointment” – there are no shots or physical exams!
Let your child know that there is no way they can “fail” the tests or activities. “All we expect is that you try your best.”
What else can I say if my child still asks, “Why am I doing this?”
You can respond by saying something like, “You know how you sometimes get distracted in class…worry too much…have some trouble controlling your emotions? Dr. Kaushik works with a lot of kids who are also like that. She can give us ideas about how to help.”
For adult evaluations
How do I prepare myself for testing?
There isn’t much for you to do in order to prepare. Make sure you are well-rested and well-nourished. Try not to feel anxious – we are not only going to be gathering information about your weaknesses, but we will also be gathering important information about your strengths. Avoid using alcohol and other substances before testing. Drowsiness and substance use can obscure interpretation of test results and make it more difficult to provide accurate recommendations.
It’s tough for me to miss work. How can we schedule the testing?
I conduct testing appointments on weekdays. However, I can work with you regarding testing times. Testing must be conducted face-to-face, but we may be able to conduct interviews and feedback by phone. We will discuss and coordinate during our initial telephone consultation.