Cognitive Testing
Cognitive Testing and Academic & Achievement Evaluations measure how well your brain is functioning in various areas, such as memory, attention, IQ, and reasoning skills. This can be helpful for diagnostic clarity, or be used to obtain appropriate accommodations in school or work settings.
Sulcata Psychiatry offers Cognitive Testing options for evaluating presence of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults in the greater Houston area at our main office in Tomball, Texas. We also offer Academic and Achievement Testing with our Masters prepared Special Education Diagnostician to establish presence of learning disorders, dyslexia and dyscalculia, IQ and intellectual disabilities, and Autism. After completing the testing process with the diagnostician, the results are then reviewed by Stoni Johnston, APRN, MSN, PMHNP-BC to formulate an accurate diagnosis and recommendations.
If you or your child needs cognitive testing or academic achievement evaluation, call the office today or request an appointment online.
About Cognitive Testing and Academic & Achievement Evaluations
What is Cognitive Testing?
Cognitive Testing allows your mental health care providers at Sulcata Psychiatry to accurately measure how well certain areas of your brain are functioning, which areas may have impairments, and tracking of treatment progress over time. We utilize a computerized testing system combined with standardized screeners or tests during the clinical evaluation to determine presence and likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis.
We utilize QBTest In-Office Testing for ADHD evaluations, which is the only FDA-cleared objective test for both diagnosis and treatment management of ADHD for ages 6-60. The QBTest is a computerized continuous performance test (CPT) that takes about 20 minutes to complete, and measures cores symptoms associated with ADHD, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility. The results are normed based on patient age and gender to give a visual representation of patient symptoms and abnormalities. These results are then combined with a clinical interview and other age-based testing batteries to determine whether an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate.
What is Academic & Achievement Evaluation?
Similar to the cognitive testing, Academic & Achievement Evaluations are helpful in determining or differentiating between diagnoses. However, these tests are more extensive and time consuming, incorporating evaluations for specific learning disorders, IQ or intellectual disabilities, dyslexia or dyscalculia, or Autism. Our Diagnostician uses tests such the ADOS-2, Woodcock Johnson, and CTOPP to evaluate for certain impairments in functioning for ages 2+. Once testing is completed, results are interpreted in conjunction with Stoni Johnston, APRN, PMHNP-BC to formulate an appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations provided in a results report that can be used to obtain appropriate accommodations in school or workplace setting. We also offer an additional report that has specific 504/IEP/workplace accommodations and treatment recommendations.
What is the purpose of testing?
Cognitive Testing helps bring clarity to exactly which areas of your brain are working the way they should vs. which areas may need some help with treatment to function optimally. Testing gives your provider measurable data that can help accurately diagnose and monitor symptoms of ADHD. Testing data helps us understand your unique cognitive strengths and shortcomings so we are able to recommend the best treatment plan for your needs. Our providers may also recommend cognitive testing to find out if a particular treatment or intervention is working as desired. Please note that Cognitive Testing is required in order to obtain pharmacological treatment for ADHD diagnoses.
Academic & Achievement Evaluation is often required in order to obtain appropriate accommodations and interventions in school and workplaces. Unfortunately due to scheduling and funding limitations, evaluations are not always available in a timely manner in the public school setting. Getting Academic & Achievement Evaluation through Sulcata Psychiatry can help expedite that process, bring peace of mind or diagnostic clarity, or give parents a second opinion on what accommodations their child might benefit from.
What should I expect for Cognitive Testing?
At Sulcata Psychiatry, Cognitive Testing is easy to get scheduled and completed. Cognitive Testing is required at least 24 hours prior to medication management intakes for diagnosis of ADHD for all patients who have never had psychological testing to confirm diagnosis OR computerized testing confirming diagnosis within the last 12 months.
Cognitive Testing is scheduled as a separate visit at least 24 hours prior to any intake visits for medication management to allow the provider time to assess your scores and prepare for your appointment as applicable. The computerized portion of testing takes about 20 minutes, followed by an hour long clinical interview and test battery with our Diagnostician. Results and scores are reviewed by Stoni Johnston, APRN, and compiled in a feedback form that is released to you within 24 hours of your evaluation to be used for further treatment planning.
For current or prospective patients, you can add cognitive testing to your treatment plan or evaluation at any time. Your provider may recommend taking a test as a baseline to track your progress and response to treatment over time.
It’s never too late to get started with Cognitive Testing! Call Sulcata Psychiatry today or request an appointment online.
What should I expect for Academic & Achievement Evaluation?
At Sulcata Psychiatry, Academic & Achievement Evaluations require a minimum 3 Hour in-person evaluation visit with our Masters prepared Diagnostician Angela Calkins, M.Ed. These appointments consist of several different tests tailored to each patient individually, and are administered by the diagnostician technician in office. Depending on patient-specific concerns, testing is designed to assess things like brain function in certain areas, educational capabilities, math or reading performance, deficits in intellect or socialization skills. These tests can give insight into appropriate diagnoses, such as Autism, Developmental Disabilities, or Dyslexia. The testing may include parent, teacher or workplace reports, direct observations of the patient, and pencil-to-paper testing. Once testing is over, you will be given a report summarizing the findings of the testing within 21 business days. Should you wish to have specific recommendations for appropriate accommodations in the school or workplace given, we can provide a report detailing those as well.
You don't need to be a current patient to complete Academic & Achievement Evaluation, as you are not required to perform any follow-up visits after the testing is complete unless desired. However, should you require medication management, therapy, behavioral interventions, or support navigating obtaining accommodations in school or work settings, we can schedule you with the appropriate provider for your needs.
For current or prospective patients, you can add Academic & Achievement Testing to your treatment plan or evaluation at any time. Your provider may recommend taking a test as a baseline to track your progress and response to treatment over time.
It’s never too late to get started with Academic & Achievement Evaluation! Call Sulcata Psychiatry today or request an appointment online.
