How should I prepare my child for testing?

Every child is different, but here are some guidelines that have proven useful: (a) Let your child know a day or two in advance why you have requested the assessment and generally what to expect; (b) Tell your child that most children enjoy the assessment and find it interesting; (c) Explain that you will be with him or her at the beginning and thereafter in the waiting room, and that you all will have lunch together; and (d) Answer questions truthfully. For example, you can say something like this: “We want to understand you better, especially your strengths and weaknesses, to help you be your best in school. Dr. Wasserman will meet with all of us first, we will talk, and then he will work with you. He will ask you some questions, have you do some puzzles, and give you different kinds of problems to figure out. Some will be like the problems you do at school, but some will be very different from school. Some will be very easy, and some will be hard. No one gets them all right. Most children find the experience interesting, and when you are finished you can pick a toy out of the treasure chest. There are no grades, just do your best.” You should not prepare your child for any of the specific tests being administered, but you should make sure that your child is well-rested, adequately nourished, and ready for an interesting experience! I recommend that parents follow their normal school-day morning routine with a typical breakfast before the test session.

What should I bring to the test session?

Bring drinks and snacks that your child likes. Your child will have as many rest breaks as he or she needs, and an hour-long lunch break is usually provided when you can take your child out for lunch across the street (where there are many lunch choices, including Dominos, McDonalds, Subway, a charming coffee shop, and two restaurants). Our office environment is very relaxed. Be sure also to bring photocopies of relevant academic records (particularly recent progress reports and representative teacher comments), standardized test results, and medical records that may be related to the reason you are having your child tested. 

How much does testing cost?

It varies according to the amount of testing required. My assessment fees are very affordable, and I will be able to provide you with a specific fee after we have talked a little bit over the telephone, and I understand more about your child and your questions. Fees for the assessment are payable by check on the day we begin testing. I charge a flat fee, which covers everything including all interviews, tests, and reports, as well as the follow-up interpretive feedback session I will hold with you to explain test findings and answer all of your questions. Regrettably I do not process insurance claims, but I will provide with you with the appropriate procedural codes when we first talk so you can call your insurance company and seek pre-authorization for an out- of-network provider. You should know that most insurance companies do not cover psychoeducational assessments (which they see as being more educational than medical), and it is sometimes necessary to get a letter from your pediatrician documenting the “medical necessity” of the assessment. Some insurance companies also reimburse differentially according to specific diagnoses given, in my view compromising the objectivity of the diagnostic process. After the assessment has been completed and I have met with you to give you the report and explain my findings, I provide an insurance-friendly receipt with diagnostic and procedural codes which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.