Types of Evaluations | TPG Chicago

Types of Evaluations and Testing

Our psychologists identify a specific battery of tests to best address the questions that you have about your child. Although the fundamental elements of testing (also called assessment and evaluation) are similar, we use a variety of specialized tests to obtain objective and meaningful information.

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological evaluations examine whether there are underlying weaknesses in brain function. While behavioral and emotional functioning will also be considered in a comprehensive evaluation, the primary focus is on brain functions.

Neuropsychological testing improves diagnostic accuracy, enhances intervention and treatment selection, and provides a roadmap for educational planning.

Particular emphasis may be on:

Attention/concentration
Intelligence
Planning and organizing
Reasoning
Language use and understanding
Memory
Problem solving
Processing speed
Other executive functions necessary for multi-tasking, sound judgment, and self-control

Gifted Education Evaluations & IQ Testing

Nearly all Chicagoland gifted education programs require IQ testing for admission. IQ evaluations focus on assessing a child’s general intelligence, but also identify strengths within their intellectual profile. Not only can this profile help you and your child’s educators make the best decisions to advance their learning, understanding a student’s intellectual strengths can help fortify the case for admission into elite and competitive gifted programs. While IQ testing is not a guarantee for admission into these programs, the psychologists at Tandem Psychology meet the qualification requirements of program admissions directors.

Recognizing that giftedness can create problems for some children and teenagers, Tandem Psychology gifted education evaluations also include screening for social, emotional, and behavioral problems.

ADD / ADHD Testing

Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a neurological disorder impacting concentration,

but also many other areas of functioning. Because ADD/ADHD can masquerade as laziness, carelessness, or in other sneaky ways, correctly diagnosing this condition is crucial. Our psychologists use a variety or precise measures to accurately diagnose ADD/ADHD.

Students with a warranted diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are eligible for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Common accommodations for students with ADD/ADHD include additional time on exams and assignments, distraction free environments for study and work, and note takers in classes.

Those with ADD/ADHD may also be eligible for additional time on exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and GMAT. ADD/ADHD evaluations are almost always required when requesting extended time from standardized test administrators.

It is common for people with ADD/ADHD to have problems with:

Losing things
Procrastination
Organizing
Restlessness
Failing to turn in homework, even when completed
Carelessness
Forgetting tests and homework assignments
“Hyperfocus” in some areas and inattention in others

Learning Disability / Educational Accommodation Testing

Learning disability testing helps to clarify problems that a child, teen, or young adult is experiencing in school or college. The process involves assessment of the student’s academic potential as well as their current functioning. It includes testing intellectual ability, academic achievement, and attention and then integrating that data with observations and history about the child (often from parents and teachers).

Learning disabilities - such as dyslexia/reading disorder, dysgraphia/writing disorder, verbal language disorder, math disorder - can often appear to be “just” misbehavior or lack of motivation.

Many factors can impact academic success.

The evaluation process clarifies exact strengths and weaknesses, so that the student can be supported to demonstrate their full knowledge. Often, learning disability testing is helpful to gain academic accommodations such as extra time on tests (including SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, & GMAT), testing in a quiet room, supportive materials, and learning specialist support.

Psychologists can also be available to attend school meetings and/or write letters and reports (beyond the testing report), when appropriate.

It is common for people with learning disabilities to experience:

Slow reading
Not understanding what they have read
Insecurity and/or avoidance of school
Problems translation thoughts into writing
Poor pronunciation
Difficulty finishing test
Learning even basic math skills
Getting tongue tied

*Psychologists can also be available to attend school meetings and/or write letters and

reports (beyond the testing report), when appropriate.

Diagnostic Clarification Testing

Inventories can assess for:

Depression
Anxiety
Autism spectrum disorders
Personality disorders

At times, these conditions mask themselves as acting out behaviors, problems in relationships, inattention, communication problems, addictions, and lack of drive among others. Psychological evaluation considers coping skills, lifestyle factors, age, medical factors, and environmental factors to quickly arrive at a more objective understanding of the underlying problem.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial to guide intervention. Psychological testing utilizes standardized measurements to differentiate between various underlying conditions.

To schedule testing services or ask any questions about our testing services,

please contact us - or just fill out the form below!

EMAIL: testing@tpg-chicago.com

PHONE: (773) 273-9719

3354 N Paulina Street #205

Chicago, IL 60657