Why I’m Passionate About Psychological Testing
I am passionate about psychological testing, which I know may sound like an unusual thing to be excited about. But when you’ve seen how it transforms lives, it’s impossible not to feel energized by the process. Working with young people always brings me a sense of joy and amazement; they are strong, vulnerable, and resilient in ways that defy simple labels. Every evaluation is like piecing together a puzzle, revealing not just struggles but hidden strengths waiting to be unlocked.
The Heavy Cost of Misunderstood Struggles
However, against the backdrop of every day demands and stressors, an increasing number of our youth face serious developmental, behavioral, and emotional health problems. These problems are often misunderstood which can lead to frustration, anger, grief, and shame in the youngster and their parents. I feel strongly that understanding the “root” causes and complexities of a child/teens struggles is key to promoting their well-being, supporting parents, and accessing appropriate interventions and accommodations.
The Heavy Cost of Misunderstood Struggles
Having a child/teen evaluated is an important decision and parents express legitimate concerns about psychological testing. They worry a diagnosis could have a negative impact or stigmatize their child.
“Will a Label Hurt My Child?” … Addressing Parent Concerns
Diagnoses do carry an impact but assumptions about a child/teen’s presentation based on incomplete information can lead to therapies, interventions, and medications that are inappropriate or ineffective. This is akin to taking a child to the pediatrician for a sore throat; it is important to know if it is tonsillitis, “strep” or allergies so that the appropriate treatment can be given.
The Transformative Power of Accurate Understanding
On the other hand, a correct diagnosis or integrated conceptualization of the child’s presenting concerns can shed light on the underlying factors and dynamics that contribute to their emotional, behavioral, and social functioning. How a child/teen’s challenges are conceptualized completely changes the lens through which they are viewed by parents, extended family, teachers, professionals, and even peers. I have found that adolescents in particular, feel heard and validated through the assessment process and are relieved to know what is going on with them.
A Case Study: From “Difficult” to Understood
I will always remember a 12-year-old girl who had been labeled as “emotionally reactive,” “stubborn,” and “resistant” to therapy. Parents described homelife as continually tip-toeing around their daughter to ward off severe temper tantrums and to keep her safe. Their bright, inquisitive daughter was miserable at school; she had no friends and thought the teachers “hated” her. She increasingly complained of stomachaches and refused to get out of bed in the morning. Her parents sought help and followed the advice of well-meaning therapists. Their daughter’s “problems” had received wildly inappropriate diagnoses including conduct disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, and a personality disorder!
By the time parents contacted me they were overwhelmed, heartbroken, and desperate for answers. We began the psychoeducational evaluation with an in-depth developmental history augmented by specific tests, measures, and observations. Parents discovered their daughter had significant problems with sensory integration which contributed to emotional “meltdowns.” Temper tantrums were triggered when she was faced with changes in her routine or external demands that made her feel anxious and overwhelmed. Challenges with reading and responding to non-verbal social cues caused her to feel frustrated with peers. Parents were relieved when they learned their daughter was gifted and also on the autism spectrum. All the inexplicable pieces of the puzzle had finally fallen into place.
Based on the results of the evaluation, parents sought occupational therapy and implemented techniques to help their daughter integrate her sensory experiences. She participated in animal-assisted therapy to build relationship skills. Neurofeedback was used to help her brain develop new pathways to regulate her emotions. Using the psychoeducational report, parents sought an IEP at school that helped teachers understand and provide the appropriate supports. This child went from being misunderstood and labeled as “difficult,” to one who was viewed through a lens of compassion and defined by her intelligence, creativity, quirky sense of humor, and capacity for meaningful relationships.
How Testing Revealed the Truth:
- Sensory integration issues (not “tantrums”)
- Gifted + autistic (not “explosive disorder”)
- School success with proper IEP
From Stigma to Support: What Testing Really Provides
- Occupational therapy solutions
- Animal-assisted relationship building
- Neurofeedback for emotional regulation
- Compassionate IEP accommodations
When to Consider Testing for Your Child
- If teachers call your child “lazy” but you see brilliance
- When therapies haven’t worked
- Before considering medication
- If your child says “No one understands me”
Take the First Step Without Fear
If you have concerns about your child/teen or you are on a waitlist for an assessment, don’t hesitate to contact me, or call me directly at (828) 777-4422. I provide a free 30-minute consultation to help you decide if psycho-educational testing or another type of evaluation could be beneficial for your child/teen.