Psychodiagnostic Evaluations (not currently taking new referrals ):
Dr. Easterlin and her team specialize in diagnosing ADHD, Learning Disabilities (including reading disorders/dyslexia, dysgraphia, disorders of written expression, math disorders/dyscalculia, etc.) and areas of high comorbidity including Affective (depression and bipolar disorder) and Anxiety Disorders. Dr. Easterlin has conducted comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments for purposes of diagnosis, remediation, and educational planning for 15+ years. She also conducted evaluations of individuals taking the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and various vocational and licensing examinations including the California Bar Examination and the Medical Board examination in California. She has conducted over 400 full psychological assessments.
These evaluations typically include:
60-75 minute parent/client interview that includes questions about current concerns, school and social history, and medical/developmental history and a more structured interview in which we ask you about specific symptoms and the degree to which these interfere with school, home, or occupational functioning.
Self, parent/observer, and teacher-completed rating scales about current behavior.
Testing with the child/teen/adult; this typically includes assessment of intelligence, academic achievement, and visual -motor functioning, as well as screening ratings of anxiety and depression and a brief unstructured interview. We observe behavior closely during the testing session. In addition to our standard battery of tests, we may administer additional, supplemental tests depending on your concerns and/or results of other tests administered in order to ensure that we obtain the most clear understanding of each individual's strengths and weaknesses. Usually, this involves two to 3 testing sessions over a few weeks. Each appointment lasts between 2 to 4 hours depending on the age of the examinee.
Where appropriate, we conduct school observations in the child's classroom and conversation with the child's primary teacher (and other relevant school personnel, as needed).
A 60-90-minute feedback session with parents (or adult client) in which we review the results of the testing, explain testing scores, and discuss recommendations, with a written report to follow.
A 30 to 60-minute feedback session with students if they are in high school or beyond. We deliver the information in terms of strengths and challenges, in a way that helps each person feel that they are capable, have skills they can use to compensate for areas of weakness, and leave them feeling empowered and knowledgable about their learning and/or psychological profile. In this session. In addition, we review any accommodations and supports as a means of facilitating self-advocacy in the school setting.
A comprehensive, integrated report summarizing history, testing results, and recommendations is issued typically within one to three weeks of the parent feedback appointment.
Following the evaluation, we work with families to help obtain school-based and private support and services, if supported by testing, and/or act as the child/family's advocate at school-based support meetings. Often, schools will request our participation in a meeting (with parents also present) in order to share testing results and collaborate in developing a school-based support plan.
Dr. Easterlin offers answers to questions such as:
Does my child have ADHD, a Learning Disability, or other psychiatric diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder?
Does my child process information differently?
Have things improved since the last time my child was assessed?
Am I or is my child eligible for testing accommodations on the SSAT, SAT, ACT, or other entrance or professional examinations?
How can I better understand and help my child with emotional or behavioral difficulties?
Can you provide a “roadmap”, based on a profile of strengths and weaknesses found in the testing to guide educational, psychological, vocational, or other interventions?
Can you provide targeted referrals to other specialists, such as educational therapists, neurologists, psychiatrists, vocational counselors, speech and language therapists, tutors, or counselors?