Kealoha
Psychology, Inc.
Understanding Psychological Evaluations
A comprehensive Psychological Evaluation or Psychological Assessment utilizes clinical observation, assessment tools (i.e., standardized, norm-referenced tests), and a combination of techniques and interventions to provide personalized recommendations for services or supports. A *DSM-5-TR diagnosis can also be made, where applicable.
Kealoha Psychology, Inc. offers a range of Psychological Evaluation services based on your individual needs. Please see our evaluation descriptions below for additional information. This may also be discussed with us by completing the "Get In Touch" form below to schedule a free phone consultation. Based on your needs, one or more of the following evaluations below may be completed with individuals of any age as part of the personalized assessment:
ADHD
(Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder that impacts attention and/or hyperactivity.
An ADHD evaluation will assess an individual's intellectual development and executive functioning, including their ability to plan, organize, maintain attention, and manage multiple tasks at once. The individual's activity level and distractibility as well as their performance and behaviors at school/work, home, and in social settings will also be considered when determining if criteria are met for ADHD and to determine appropriate supports.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex diagnosis that impacts various areas of development.
It can impact an individual's social communication and interaction skills as well as their behaviors and overall functioning. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. This evaluation will assess the intellectual, adaptive, and social-emotional functioning of the individual to determine if an ASD is present and provide recommendations to specialized services and supports based on the individual's areas of need.
Developmental EvaluationS
Developmental Evaluations are for children ages 5-years or younger who are displaying delays in any area of development (e.g., language, motor, social-emotional, play, and/or adaptive skills.
The child’s development will be evaluated to identify their strengths and weaknesses, determine if further specialist evaluations are suggested, and recommend appropriate services and supports. This evaluation may provide clarity regarding a DSM-5-TR diagnosis and may result in referrals to and qualification for Early Intervention or other services that help young children achieve their full potential
Behavioral, emotional,
& mental health evaluations
An individual's behavioral, emotional, and/or mental health may impact their overall needs and functioning.
Issues in these areas may result in difficult behaviors, emotional issues, self-regulation challenges, problems in relationships, negative thinking, or increased stress for the individual or their loved ones. This evaluation will assess the individual's specific areas of need and provide referrals to appropriate services to help promote the individual's overall functioning and well-being.
Gifted and talented testing
Most evaluations begin with an assessment of an individual's cognitive development using a standardized assessment tool. This if often referred to as an "IQ test."
These tests evaluate an individual’s cognitive and intellectual functioning in a variety of areas including verbal comprehension, spatial reasoning, memory, learning, problem solving, and logic. IQ tests are often used to identify gifted individuals who may benefit from participation in advanced programs or accelerated curriculums.
Independent Educational Evaluation
(IEE)
A parent of a child with a disability has the right to obtain an IEE if the family disagrees with the evaluation completed by the School District Special Education Office. This evaluation is funded by the school district and conducted by an independent evaluator outside of the school setting.
The results of an IEE may assist with determining educational placement and/or the most appropriate school-based services, supports, and/or accommodations for the child. Dr. Kealoha is included on the SELPA IEE Provider list for various San Diego school districts. Families may contact Kealoha Psychology, Inc. or their child’s School District Special Education Office for additional information or to obtain a list of preferred providers by school district. Additional information about IEEs can also be obtained via the following website: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/lr/om031121.asp.
Psychoeducational
Testing and Learning Disabilities
A Learning Disability may impact a student’s ability to learn and demonstrate academic skills. Psychoeducational testing typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s academic and cognitive skills.
A learning disability may create a gap between a student’s academic achievement and level of intelligence, with a diagnosis assisting in determining the services and supports that a student may benefit from to bridge this gap. There are three types of Learning Disabilities in the DSM-5-TR: Impairments in Reading, Written Expression, and Mathematics (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia). Psychoeducational testing can help identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses and may support a family in determining school-based services, supports, and/or accommodations that a student may benefit from, with guidance being provided to a family on how to determine eligibility for school-based services and supports. A Psychoeducational Evaluation will assess a child’s total academic achievement and, based on those findings, determine specific academic areas to assess.
Adult Evaluations of a Neurodevelopmental Disorders
An evaluation of an adult for a potential Neurodevelopmental Disorder may also be completed.
As Neurodevelopmental Disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood, this type of evaluation requires specialized training to identify these conditions in adults or other "high functioning" individuals. An evaluation for a Neurodevelopmental Disorder diagnosis in an adult may include an assessment of needs or deficits related to ADHD, Autism, Learning or Intellectual Disabilities.
Diagnostic Evaluations
A Psychological Evaluation may provide clarity regarding a DSM-5-TR diagnosis. This can be used to assist with obtaining or maintaining services, developing accommodation or treatment plans, or supporting an individual's request for services.
Accommodation Requests
An evaluation may assist in developing personalized accommodation plans for school or work. These accommodations plans may be utilized to support an individual in reaching their full potential at school or work. Many testing boards (e.g., SAT, LSAT, MCAT) require an evaluation in order to be considered for accommodations.
Our Recent Blog Posts:
