 On
the actual testing day, we will typically have already
met for the initial consultation and thoroughly
discussed your child’s history and concerns. We will
also have talked about how to explain the evaluation to
your child so that he/she is prepared and not unduly
anxious. (NOTE: for our out-of-town and international
clients, if necessary we can accommodate your travel
plans and combine the initial consultation to occur on
the same day as testing. Your PEAS scheduling associate
will work closely with you on making this a smooth
process.)
Most testing will typically take 4-6 hours, with breaks
as necessary to allow your child to rest, eat lunch and
use the bathroom. Younger children are usually scheduled
for a shorter period of time due to their shorter
attention spans and energy levels. Almost all of our
testing is conducted in the morning when your child is
rested and not tired from the activities of the day.
While we will certainly work with you to avoid
disrupting your child’s usual routines, it is very
important that we evaluate your child at a time when
they are capable of performing at their best.
Your child’s testing day has been individualized to meet
his/her specific evaluation needs, so the number of
hours needed to complete the evaluation will vary. Some
children work faster than others. Plus, some children
proceed further through some of the tests before they
reach what’s called a ‘ceiling’, meaning the most
difficult level of work they can handle comfortably.
Whatever your child needs, we will adjust the schedule
so that it works for her/him and gives us the most
accurate picture of your child’s current level of
functioning.
Initially, we will complete a basic battery on your
child. Based on his/her results, we will then delve
deeper into any areas which seem to need further
inquiry. By individualizing the contents of the testing
battery, your child will get exactly the assessment
he/she needs without any unnecessary testing.
You might be surprised to learn that kids usually enjoy
the testing! Some of it is creative—drawing pictures,
telling stories, etc. Some of it involves puzzle type
activities, similar to those many children like to do on
their own time. Some of it involves right or wrong
answers and school-like activities, but they are
carefully presented to the level at which your child is
currently functioning. Thus, kids succeed at the vast
majority of the tasks we give them that have right or
wrong answers.
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