FAQ
Why are children referred for diagnostic evaluations?
Children are referred for diagnostic evaluations for a variety of reasons related to their development, behavior, and learning abilities. Here are some common reasons:
1. Developmental Delays: Concerns about a child's progress in reaching developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling, walking, or talking, can prompt a referral for a diagnostic evaluation to determine if there are underlying issues.
2. Learning Disabilities: If a child is experiencing significant difficulties in academic areas such as reading, writing, or math, a diagnostic evaluation can help identify potential learning disabilities.
3. Behavioral Issues: Persistent or severe behavioral problems, such as aggression, hyperactivity, inattention, or defiance, may lead to a referral to determine if conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or other behavioral disorders are present.
4. Speech and Language Disorders: Delays or difficulties in speech and language development, such as trouble articulating words, understanding language, or social communication challenges, often necessitate a diagnostic evaluation.
5. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): If there are concerns about social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication issues, a diagnostic evaluation can determine if a child has characteristics of a child on the autism spectrum.
6. Medical and Genetic Conditions: Children with known medical or genetic conditions that may impact development, such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, or other genetic disorders, often undergo diagnostic evaluations to understand the full impact on their development and learning.
7. Academic Performance Discrepancies: Significant discrepancies between a child's academic performance and their potential or intelligence may warrant a diagnostic evaluation to uncover hidden learning disabilities or cognitive impairments.
8. Parental or Teacher Concerns: Concerns raised by parents or teachers about a child's development, behavior, or academic performance can prompt a referral for a diagnostic evaluation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues.
9. Regulatory or Adaptive Challenges: Difficulties with self-regulation, adaptive skills, or daily living activities may lead to a referral for an evaluation to determine the need for interventions or accommodations.
10. Trauma or Environmental Factors: Exposure to trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse environmental factors can impact a child's development and behavior, necessitating a diagnostic evaluation to assess the effects and provide appropriate support.
11. Follow-Up Evaluations: Children who have previously been diagnosed with developmental, behavioral, or learning issues may undergo follow-up evaluations to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans.
Diagnostic evaluations provide critical insights that help in identifying specific conditions, understanding their impact, and developing targeted intervention plans to support the child's development and well-being.
What's assessed?
Assessments of a child's developmental domains typically cover the following key areas:
1. Cognitive Development: Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think through problems and come up with solutions. Memory: Short-term and long-term recall. Attention and Focus: Ability to concentrate and maintain attention. Reasoning and Logic: Understanding concepts, making connections, and logical thinking. Conceptual Understanding: Grasping abstract ideas and concepts.
2. Physical Development: Gross Motor Skills: Large muscle activities such as crawling, walking, running, jumping, and balance. Fine Motor Skills: Small muscle activities such as writing, drawing, cutting, and manipulating small objects. Coordination: Ability to coordinate movements smoothly and efficiently. Strength and Stamina: Physical strength and endurance in activities.
3. Language and Communication Development: Expressive Language: Ability to express thoughts, needs, and ideas through speech and writing. Receptive Language: Understanding and processing spoken and written language. Non-Verbal Communication: Use of gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Social Communication: Pragmatic language skills used in social contexts.
4. Social and Emotional Development: Emotional Regulation: Ability to manage and express emotions appropriately. Interpersonal Skills: Interacting and forming relationships with peers and adults. Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotions of others. Self-Concept: Self-awareness and self-esteem. Adaptability: Coping with changes and new situations.
5. Adaptive (Self-Help) Development: Daily Living Skills: Activities such as dressing, eating, toileting, and grooming. Personal Responsibility: Independence in taking care of personal needs. Safety Awareness: Understanding and practicing safety measures. Problem-Solving in Daily Activities: Ability to navigate everyday challenges and tasks. Household Responsibilities: Participation in chores and managing basic household tasks.
These domains provide a comprehensive overview of a child's overall development and are essential for identifying strengths and areas that may need support. Assessing these areas helps in creating effective intervention plans to foster optimal growth and development.
Do you provide a diagnosis?
Learning Lab Diagnostics provides a overall comprehensive view of your child. We do not provide a diagnosis.
What should I expect?
You can expect these key components during this evaluation process.
Checkout: You will select the evaluation plan that you would like for your child to have. You'll select the the date and time that you would like to schedule your Intake Session. A Zoom link will be assigned to you.
You will need to create a customer account at checkout. This will allow for you to log in to view your order, profile information, receive Zoom links and any additional documents.
Intake Session: (Approximately 30 minutes on Wednesday's) During the intake session parents can expect a structured and comprehensive meeting designed to gather essential information about your child's birth, development, behavior, learning abilities, and parental concerns. An Evaluation date will be confirmed.
Evaluation: (Approximately 1 hour) The evaluator will ask questions using standardized questionnaires and/or rating scales, which help in assessing the child’s development and behavior. Also, a collection of any relevant documents, such as medical records, school reports, or previous assessment results if needed may be submitted. An Evaluation Analysis Session will be confirmed within a 10 day time frame.
Evaluation Analysis Session: (Approximately 45 minutes) During the Evaluation Analysis Session you can expect a detailed review and discussion of the results of the assessment conducted on your child. A written report will be provided with detailed results for each developmental domain assessed (cognitive, physical, language and communication, social and emotional, and adaptive skills). Your report will include and explanation of test scores, what they mean, and how they compare to typical developmental milestones. Suggested interventions and strategies to support your child's development and learning will be provided.
What states are you available in?
Learning Lab Diagnostics proudly offers services worldwide to children 2-5 years old. Thanks to our online platform, we can provide services across the United States and internationally.
Payment:
A $200 deposit is required during Checkout to hold your Intake Session date. The deposit will be applied toward the total cost of the evaluation. The balance will be required at the Intake Session to schedule your child's Evaluation.
Learning Lab Diagnostics accepts PayPal, credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, & American Express).
Learning Lab Diagnostics is not in-network for any insurance providers.
Tips for Parents:
- Prepare Information: Have relevant information about the child’s development, medical history, and school performance ready.
- Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the interview space is quiet and free from distractions.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or more information about any part of the evaluation process.
- Parent Resources: CDC’s Developmental Milestones