Evaluation

Comprehensive Emotional & Behavioral Evaluation

When a child or young person is experiencing complex emotional or behavioral difficulties, understanding what is driving the presentation is essential to identifying the right support. We offer comprehensive, individualized evaluations for children whose needs may include school refusal, significant anxiety or emotional distress, challenging or dysregulated behavior, withdrawal, or complex patterns of difficulty at school. At Sutton Psychology we look beyond the behavior itself to explore the interaction between the child, their learning profile, emotional wellbeing, relationships and environment. Assessment may incorporate consultation with parents and school staff, classroom observation, direct work with the child/young person and appropriate psychological assessments, resulting in a clear formulation of need and practical, individualized recommendations for home and school.

Adult/Child  Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation

We provide autism assessments to assess an individual’s level of functioning, provide diagnostic clarification, and help guide treatment recommendations. Evaluations are individualized based on individual and family needs. An autism evaluation typically includes the following components:

1. Intake Interview: this initial interview provides us with an opportunity to obtain background information and learn more about your concerns.

2. The Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R): the ADI-R is considered to be the “gold standard” interview when assessing an individual for an autism spectrum disorder.

3. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- Second Edition: the ADOS-2 is a semi-structured observation that assesses the quality of an individual’s communication skills, social development, and interests and behaviors.

4. Feedback: the feedback session is a time for us to review assessment results and provide a comprehensive report. Most importantly, this is the time we will provide individualized treatment recommendations and provide contact information for those providers best suited to help.

In addition to these four components, autism evaluations may also include cognitive testing, academic testing, and adaptive behavior testing. Testing is typically spread across at least two sessions. However, for individuals/families traveling from out-of-town, arrangements can be made to conduct all testing on one day.

Psychoeducational Assessment

The purpose of a psychoeducational assessment is to better understand the learning process and to examine the strengths and weaknesses of cognitive processing and academic skills. The assessment may also include an examination of different behavioral and emotional domains to evaluate for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. Typically an evaluation will include an initial parent interview, formal assessment testing, consultation with other professionals (e.g., teachers, speech therapists), and a feedback session during which a comprehensive evaluation report is shared. We also offer ongoing home and school-based support in the implementation of any recommendations.

Gifted Testing

Gifted testing can determine eligibility for gifted programs and help identify supports for a child’s unique learning style, gifts, and talents.

Other Services