What is a Cognitive Evaluation?
Cognitive evaluations are more commonly referred to as “IQ tests.” In reality, it is much more than a simple test of intelligence. The definition of cognitive is “pertaining to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as contrasted with emotional and volitional processes.” A comprehensive cognitive assessment involves the evaluation of cognitive processes such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning, working memory (short-term memory), and processing speed skills.
What is an Academic Evaluation?
An academic evaluation is an assessment of the core academic areas- reading, mathematics, written language, and oral language. Each area if further divided into specifics like reading comprehension, basic decoding skills, basic calculation skills, math reasoning, spelling, written expression, listening comprehension, and oral expression.
What is an Adaptive Evaluation?
Adaptive functioning refers to the ability to functionally use communication, social, and motor abilities to get wants and needs met. Adaptive behavior also includes self-help skills that enable the child to care for themselves in the areas of feeding, dressing, bathing, and toileting. Adaptive behavior is a key factor in the diagnosis of severe cognitive delays (mental retardation).
What is a Social/Emotional Evaluation?
Social-emotional functioning refers to the social interactions and emotional functioning of an individual. It includes peer interactions, measuring reactions to typical events, and the ability to develop relationships. Common emotional disturbances are depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Other diagnoses include reactive attachment disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, schizophrenia, and other related mental illnesses.
What is an Autism Evaluation?
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that impacts an individual’s social communication and social reciprocity (responsiveness). It is a wide spectrum that encompasses diagnoses like Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD, Nos). An evaluation for autism includes direct evaluation of the child, along with parent completed rating scales and interview. A thorough developmental history is necessary in order to establish the diagnosis.
What is a Developmental Evaluation?
A developmental (or preschool) evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of developmental functioning. It is an evaluation of adaptive, cognitive, communication, motor, and social-emotional functioning. The evaluation consists of direct assessment of the preschool-aged child, along with parent interviews and questionnaires.
