How Can We Help?

1. Initial Intake: We spend an hour together online, discussing your concerns, getting background information about developmental and medical history, school performance, and social interactions. We also discuss your goals for the evaluation.

2. Comprehensive Assessment: We utilize standardized tests and observational methods to assess attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, as well as cognitive, academic and social functioning. We spend the day working with your child in person in the testing setting so we can also observe their behaviors and how they engage in the testing process.

3. Parent and Teacher Input: We value your insights and the perspectives of those who interact with your child daily. This collaborative approach ensures that we capture a full picture of your child’s behavior across different settings. We use rating scales and information forms to get this information.

4. Feedback Session: After the evaluation, we will schedule a detailed feedback session that happens about 2 weeks after testing. Here, I will explain the results, discuss any diagnoses, and outline recommendations tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and resources to support your child. We understand that every child is different, and our approach is individualized, focusing on building strengths and addressing challenges. Our evaluations are not just about diagnosing ADHD; they’re about providing actionable insights that can enhance your child’s development and well-being.

This service includes the intake, testing, scoring, interpretation, a feedback session to discuss results, and a written report.

Fee: $4,200

Navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Accommodation Plans (504s) can be intimidating. Dr. McDonald is not only a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training, but also a mom who has been there and done that with her own child.

Comprehensive Evaluations take a holistic view of an individual’s social, academic, and behavioral ecosystem.

Dr. McDonald assesses cognitive skills (IQ), academic skills (reading, writing, math, comprehension, listening, spelling), executive functioning skills (attention, organization, planning), learning and memory, social functioning, and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Separate from the testing that will take place, Comprehensive Evaluations also consider other factors such as report cards, teachers surveys, and individual learning plans.

As one of the main objectives of evaluation, Dr. McDonald will then determine where the individual’s vulnerabilities and strengths are, ways and situations in which their behaviors manifest, and identify what conditions may contribute to their success. These findings are then debriefed with the individual or family in a feedback session that will help them move forward in real world application.

Typical duration is 3 hours. This includes an evaluation of cognitive abilities and a brief write up of results.

Fee: $200 hourly

Giftedness Evaluation can provide validation not only for a child that is identified as intellectually gifted but also for parents who may be wondering about the giftedness characteristics they see in their child. Giftedness Evaluation can also help empower your child to reach their full potential, while clearing the roadblocks that may be holding them back.

This service typically takes about 3 hours and consists of cognitive testing only. After testing has been completed, the family will be provided with a brief write up of results.

You might consider an ADHD evaluation if you or your child exhibits some of the following behaviors:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, frequent careless mistakes, or trouble organizing tasks and activities.

• Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated, or a tendency to talk excessively.

• Impulsivity: Difficulty waiting for turns, interrupting others, or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences.

• Academic Challenges: Struggles in school, including difficulty completing assignments, following rules, or maintaining focus during lessons.

• Social Difficulties: Trouble making or keeping friends, or frequent conflicts with peers.

If you notice these signs consistently across different settings (home, school, social situations), it may be time to seek an evaluation.

You might consider an autism evaluation if you or your child display some of the following behaviors:

• Social Challenges: Difficulty understanding social cues, making eye contact, or engaging in back-and-forth conversations.

• Communication Differences: Delays in speech and language development, challenges with initiating or maintaining conversations, or using repetitive language.

• Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking) or having a strong preference for routines and specific interests.

• Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-reacting to sensory experiences, such as lights, sounds, textures, or tastes.

• Difficulty with Change: High levels of distress when routines are disrupted or when faced with new situations.

If you notice these signs consistently across different settings (home, school, social situations), it may be time to seek an evaluation.

You might consider a learning disorder evaluation if you or your child exhibits some of the following signs:

• Academic Challenges: Consistent difficulties in reading, writing, or math that are not aligned with their age or grade level.

• Slow Progress: Taking longer than peers to complete assignments or learn new concepts, despite adequate instruction and support.

• Avoidance of Schoolwork: A strong reluctance to engage in school-related tasks, often accompanied by frustration or anxiety.

• Difficulty with Organization: Struggling to keep track of assignments, materials, or deadlines, leading to incomplete work.

• Inconsistent Performance: A noticeable gap between verbal and written skills or between a child’s potential and actual academic performance.

If you notice these signs consistently across different settings (home, school, tutoring), it may be time to seek an evaluation.