Neuropsychological Testing for Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Challenges at Family & Child Therapy
As a team of clinical therapists, psychologists, and social workers, our practice is dedicated to providing our clients with strategies and support that suit their individual needs. In order to best tailor our approach, we occasionally need more information beyond what we can glean from therapy sessions. In these circumstances, one of the best ways to gain a big-picture perspective of an individual’s skills and needs is to utilize neuropsychological testing.
What is Neuropsychological Testing?
Neuropsychological testing is a series of assessments administered and overseen by psychologists. Through these assessments, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of an individual’s cognitive, social-emotional, sensory processing, and executive functioning profiles.
Sometimes, a child’s school will suggest testing in order to obtain data they can use to develop interventions and accommodations in the classroom. On other occasions, we as clinicians may suggest testing to gain more information about how to best support an individual. Parents can also request neuropsychological testing if they are in search of answers pertaining to concerning behaviors or experiences. The bottom line is that testing is explored when it is deemed by caring adults to be in the best interest of the child.
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​Learn about the Neuropsychological Testing process, timeframe, and FAQs in our Evaluation Guide for New Testing Clients. We ask you to please review this guide to help prepare prior to your consultation call with our testing psychologist.
We also offer psychological testing for adults
Often, during the process of assessing children, parents recognize traits or habits in themselves that mirror those identified in their child. Some have learned to adapt to these traits, while others have struggled with challenges similar to those their child faces. Adults seeking psychological assessments typically aim to gain a deeper understanding of their traits and personality structure. The adult assessment process follows a similar approach to that used with children, with the goal of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s strengths and challenges that ultimately leads to personalized recommendations and support.
What does the testing process look like?
Neuropsychological testing is actually a series of smaller assessments that work together to create a big picture of a child’s capabilities and needs. While assessing for autism, ADHD, and/or sensory processing challenges, we will be selecting from the following assessments as they apply to a child’s specific situation:
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IQ/Cognitive Assessments assess how a child is receiving information by looking at visual and auditory integration, processing speed, and working memory.
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Academic Achievement Assessments present math and language arts concepts to help determine how the child is functioning academically in comparison to their peers.
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Sensory Assessments observe how sensory experiences affect the child based on their reactions and responses to different stimuli.
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Social/Emotional Assessments measure a variety of factors, including but not limited to the child’s ability to recognize and manage emotions and maintain positive relationships, and develop empathy.
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Attention/Executive Functioning Skills Assessments measure a child’s comfort and success with problem solving, time management, flexibility, planning, and organization.
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Surveys are administered to the child’s parents and teachers to learn more about observed behavior in different situations, and to search for discrepancies between different environments.
What happens after testing?
Once the selected assessment components have been administered, we put together a profile using the results of the individual pieces. Based on this data, we are able to make diagnoses when necessary and offer recommendations to best support the individual at school (if a child) and home.
If the child, teen, or adult is also a returning client, we use the data to help shape our approach during therapy sessions. We can provide the results to other clinicians that work with the individual, too.
What makes our testing process neurodivergent-affirming?
A neurodivergent-affirming way of understanding, embracing, and respecting variances is one that recognizes, embraces, and supports neurodivergent individuals, rather than unfairly requiring them to adjust to neurotypical norms and expectations. Here at Family & Child Therapy, our testing process aligns with the following neurodivergent-affirming principles:
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We are dedicated to embracing all differences and fostering an environment of acceptance. Our mission is to gain an authentic understanding of each individual's unique way of being, allowing us to provide tailored recommendations that are centered around the client.
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We carefully curate our approach to ensure that every response is aligned with the client's specific needs, to develop life long skills to lead a satisfying and fulfilling life.
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We strive to create an inviting, sensory-friendly, low-stress environment so that the individual feels comfortable and safe. This reduces the likelihood of the test results being affected by anxiety, masking and other factors.
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We provide clear instructions and tailor the assessment process to the needs of the individual.
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We make sure the follow-up information and recommendations we provide are clear and specific.
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We are responsive to feedback from the individual and their family so that we can continue to tailor our approach and recommendations to their circumstances.
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Our recommendations are viewed as tools to help individuals to better understand their experiences of navigating their lives. This is evidenced from the moment our clients reach out to us, through the selection of assessments and questionnaires, and through thorough understanding and non-pathologizing interpretation of results.
Assessments Offered at Family & Child Therapy
Learning and Educational Assessments
We explore how each student learns best by identifying strengths, challenges, and learning styles using cognitive and achievement tests. Our goal is to provide insight and practical recommendations to help learning feel more accessible and empowering.
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ADHD and Autism Evaluations for All Ages
Our evaluations honor the full person—beyond checklists and labels—focusing on understanding how attention, energy, communication, and sensory experiences shape daily life. We aim to support self-awareness and meaningful accommodations, not to pathologize difference.
Social Emotional Evaluations
We use interviews, standardized tests, and questionnaires examine emotional patterns and regulation, self-esteem, coping strategies, and social experiences to help children and adults feel more confident and understood. The goal is to promote emotional regulation and well-being in ways that fit each individual’s unique wiring.
Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations for All Ages
These assessments bring together learning, emotional, and cognitive insights to form a full picture of how a person thinks, feels, and grows. We focus on strengths and practical next steps to support thriving at home, school, and beyond. This evaluation is ideal when developmental, medical, or emotional factors overlap and a more comprehensive understanding is needed.(Ex: in cases of Traumatic Brain Injury)
Private School Admissions Testing
We provide a calm, supportive experience that helps children show their true abilities. Our focus is on helping families and schools understand how each child learns and what environments will best support their growth.
Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Testing for Public School
Our assessments identify each child’s unique cognitive profile and areas of advanced potential. We approach this process with encouragement and care, helping families advocate for learning opportunities that match their child’s strengths.
College Board Test Accommodations Assessments
We help students document how their neurotype or learning differences impact test-taking so they can access the supports they need to show their true knowledge. The focus is on equity and empowerment, not proving deficits.​
Where do I learn more?
Individuals, parents and guardians can schedule a consultation on our website to find out more information about testing options. We are also happy to speak with schools who may be interested in referring children and/or contracting our testing services. We look forward to connecting with you about this invaluable offering.