Psychoeducational Evaluations are administered when the referral question is primarily educational. These tests are appropriate for children and adults. Diagnoses that are evaluated for with a psychoeducational evaluation include, but are not limited to, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and more, while accounting for other mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression) that may be impacting academic success. We offer several different types of psychoeducational evaluations, and more information about which is best for your needs can be provided through a free consultation call with our providers. 

Full Psychoeducational Evaluation: Our full psychoeducational battery includes cognitive and achievement testing, along with specific continuous performance testing to determine attentional and executive functioning. This assessment specifically assesses for the possibility of ADHD, intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, and more, while ruling out the influence of other mental health conditions that may impact one’s executive functioning or academic performance. Additional individuals involved in the child’s life, such as teachers, may also be interviewed. Depending on the circumstances, observing the child in a school setting or arranging collateral calls with teachers and/or school counselors might provide valuable insight.

Achievement Testing only: This assessment includes the Woodcock Johnson IV Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV), which provides detailed information on one’s proficiency in specific academic areas, as well as their relative and normative strengths and weakness in different domains of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Giftedness Testing: These assessments are conducted to determine whether children are eligible for their respective gifted programs. In many districts, children need to perform at the 95th percentile in order to be placed in gifted programs.

Readiness for Kindergarten: These evaluations are used to determine readiness for early entry into kindergarten. In North Carolina, for a child to start Kindergarten in a given academic year, they need to be five years old by August 31st. However, if a child turns four by the previous April 16th, they might qualify for early entry to Kindergarten if they’re identified as gifted and demonstrate the maturity needed for school success. It’s important to mention that North Carolina mandates that children meet specific cognitive and academic benchmarks (i.e., scoring in the 98th percentile for cognitive abilities, which are innate abilities, and in the 98th percentile for reading or math achievement, which are achievement of learned material) to be considered for early entry. Developmental and physical readiness for kindergarten are also considered.

Psychological evaluations are typically used when the referral question is primarily one of mental health or there is diagnostic uncertainty requiring a more in-depth exploration regarding what an individual is struggling with. These types of assessment can be conducted with children and adults. Various testing options can be tailored to address specific presenting concerns of each individual. Diagnoses that can be assessed for include, but are not limited to, attention and learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders (on a case-by-case basis), mood disorders (depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress and other trauma-related disorders, conduct or other externalizing disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and more. Further guidance on the most suitable option for your requirements can be obtained through a complimentary consultation call.

Abbreviated Psychological Evaluation: This evaluation comprises emotional and personality assessments, offering comprehensive insights into an individual’s functioning within these domains. It facilitates understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, underlying personality dynamics, coping abilities, and any vulnerabilities. In cases cognitive issues appear less relevant, a condensed psychological evaluation proves invaluable for clarifying diagnoses and providing treatment guidance.

Full Psychological Evaluation: This assessment encompasses cognitive, emotional, and personality assessment, offering detailed insights into an individual’s functioning across these domains. It serves to elucidate thought processes, emotional states, underlying personality traits, cognitive abilities, coping mechanisms, and any areas of vulnerability. Particularly in clinically intricate scenarios or when articulating concerns proves challenging, a comprehensive psychological evaluation proves invaluable, offering diagnostic clarity and tailored treatment recommendations.

Comprehensive psychological evaluation: This assessment encompasses comprehensive testing, incorporating evaluations for psychological, psychoeducational, and substance abuse issues. It’s ideal for situations where there are multiple concerns or suspected educational and mental health issues. The evaluation aims to identify and eliminate any potential cognitive or educational challenges, mental health concerns, and/or substance abuse problems.

Autism Testing for Children ages 8-18: The assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex process that involves several key components, including observation of behavior, comprehensive collateral interviewing regarding one’s developmental history, and evaluation of cognitive and psychosocial functioning. This extensive evaluation serves to gather information about biopsychosocial functioning beginning in early childhood, difficulties with social communication, any restricted interests or repetitive behaviors, and any areas of vulnerability.

ASD is a complex developmental disorder that impacts various aspects of development and functioning (e.g., social, behavioral). It is common for people with ASD to struggle with social interactions and communication, and there are typically signs of this condition in early childhood. Importantly, ASD occurs on a continuum, which means that symptoms vary widely across those with this disorder, making it challenging to diagnose without proper assessment tools. Acacia Collaborative offers the proper assessment tools to diagnose ASD.

Autism Testing for Adults ages 18+: Many believe that ASD is only diagnosed in childhood. However, as ASD becomes more well-known as a condition, it is common for adolescents and adults to question whether or not they might have ASD. Diagnosing adults can be particularly complex given that there may be less available information about their early developmental functioning. This is why tools, such as direct observation, are critical to diagnose ASD. Importantly, if one began struggling with social difficulties or related issues in their adolescent or adult years, this is likely suggestive of other difficulties rather than ASD.