So many children present with a diverse set of behavioral problems and academic difficulties. Many disorders are overdiagnosed and medication the primary goal. A child who is inattentive could be so due to social anxiety. A child who is anxious could be so due to organic attention deficits or executive functioning difficulties. Neuropsychological testing not only provides an answer as to why your child may be struggling, but also provides recommendations for potential school Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), behavioral plans at home and school, tutors, neurofeedback training zones, parent strategies, therapists, the right medication, and so much more. Multiple tests are combined into a "psychological battery" to get a comprehensive picture of intellectual, executive, behavioral and other aspects of functioning.

Dr. Davidson has over a decade of experience conducting neuropsychological tests with children, teens and adults. As a Board Certified Neurotherapist, Dr. Davidson is one of the only psychologists in New York that combines traditional testing with qEEG Brain Mapping to increase the rate of proper diagnosis and identification of treatment recommendations. The qEEG is such a large part of her testing batteries because it is the one evaluation that can tie everything together in an objective way. qEEG can identify auditory processing deficits, slight executive functioning, organic ADHD, motor coordination problems, behavioral and emotional difficulties, and pretty much everything else that the brain controls.

the top reasons for testing

Get an accurate and formal diagnosis

Differentiate between ADHD and other conditions

Obtain a School Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Identify treatment recommendations

Intelligence

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI)

Achievement

The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT)

Symptom Specific

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)

Neuropsychological/Executive Functioning/Behavioral

Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG)

Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS)

Conners Continuous Performance Test (Conners CPT)

Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-Parent and/or BRIEF-Teacher)

Projective/Personality

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI or MMPI-A)

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

what you should know

How long does it normally take?

A battery of assessments typically takes place over 2 to 3 days for around 3 to 5 hours per session.

What does the process look like?

An intake appointment must first be scheduled to determine the necessary tests. From there, the testing sessions are scheduled and the individual (or parent) will be provided with paperwork to complete. A report is written after the tests have been scored. The report contains all of the individual test results, a summary, a conceptualization of the problem and an extensive list of recommendations. The report can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks (unless a rush service requested). A final session takes place to review the results and provide the individual (or parent) with the signed report.

Does Insurance cover testing?

This is a simple question with a complex answer. Dr. Davidson is committed to facilitating the insurance reimbursement process. She will help identify the proper paperwork to be submitted, which billing codes to use, and is willing to call the insurance provider to confirm benefits and reimbursement rates.