Psychological Evaluations
Psychological Evaluations that Help Your Child Feel Seen
Sometimes parents reach out because they have a specific question, such as whether their child has ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. Other times, they simply know something isn't quite adding up. Maybe school has become more challenging, emotions seem harder to manage, or they're receiving different opinions from teachers, doctors, or family members.
A comprehensive psychological evaluation helps answer those questions by integrating information from multiple sources to better understand your child's strengths, areas of challenge, and how they learn, think, and interact with the world. The goal isn't simply to provide a diagnosis; it's to understand why certain challenges are occurring and to identify recommendations that can support your child at home, at school, and in everyday life.
Every evaluation is individualized, evidence-based, and grounded in your child's strengths. My goal is to provide meaningful answers so your family can move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a plan that feels right for your child.
The Evaluations
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ADHD is about much more than being "hyper" or having trouble paying attention. It can affect planning and organization, managing emotions, following through on tasks, remembering everyday responsibilities, and keeping up with the demands of school and daily life.
An ADHD evaluation looks at the whole picture. Dr. Ashley gathers information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, your child's developmental history, and standardized testing when appropriate, to better understand your child's strengths and challenges.
Because ADHD can look different from child to child and often overlaps with other conditions, the goal is to carefully determine what is contributing to your child's difficulties and whether ADHD is part of the picture.
Families often seek an ADHD evaluation when their child:
Has trouble paying attention or staying organized
Frequently forgets things or struggles to complete tasks independently
Seems constantly "on the go," impulsive, or has difficulty slowing down
Has big emotions or becomes easily frustrated
Is bright but isn't performing as expected
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Every child communicates, connects, and experiences the world in their own way. My autism evaluations are designed to better understand your child's social communication, behavior, sensory experiences, interests, and daily functioning to determine whether their strengths and challenges are consistent with Autism.
My goal is not only to answer whether autism is part of the picture, but also to help families understand how their child learns, communicates, and experiences the world so that recommendations are meaningful, practical, and individualized.
I also have experience evaluating children whose presentation is consistent with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) profile. While PDA is not a formal diagnosis, some children experience an intense need for autonomy that can make everyday demands feel especially overwhelming. Although this profile is most commonly discussed in relation to autism, similar patterns may also be observed in children with other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions. When appropriate, I consider these patterns as part of a comprehensive evaluation and provide recommendations that are responsive to a child's individual needs and consistent with a PDA-informed approach.
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When a child is working hard but continues to struggle in school, a learning evaluation can help identify why.
These evaluations examine cognitive abilities alongside academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics to determine whether a learning difference, such as dyslexia, may be present. They can also help identify learning strengths, guide intervention planning, and provide recommendations for school supports.
Learning evaluations may address questions related to:
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Giftedness and twice-exceptionality (2e)
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If you disagree with a school’s evaluation, I provide Independent Educational Evaluations that are comprehensive, objective, and child-centered. My IEEs help parents and schools develop appropriate, evidence-based plans for support.
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Children's emotional and behavioral concerns can affect learning, relationships, and everyday functioning. A psychological evaluation helps clarify whether those concerns are consistent with a mental health condition, developmental difference, or another explanation.
Depending on your child's needs, an evaluation may explore questions related to:
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Depression
Emotional regulation
Behavioral concerns
Social functioning
Recommendations may include therapy, school supports, additional services, or strategies that families can begin using at home.
The Process
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Talk with Dr. Ashley to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine if an evaluation is the right next step for your child.
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Meet virtually to gather background information, explore your child’s strengths and challenges, and clarify goals for the evaluation.
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Your child completes a series of interactive tasks with Dr. Ashley designed to understand how they think, learn, and process information.
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With your permission, we gather insights from teachers or other important adults in your child’s life to better understand how they are doing in different settings.
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Review the results of the evaluation. You will receive answers to your questions and a holistic understanding of your child's profile. Get individualized recommendations to help your child at home and school, including guidance on accommodations, school plans, and referrals for therapy or additional services.
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I know that navigating mental health services, school supports, and special education can feel overwhelming. At the end of the evaluation, you won't be left wondering what to do with the results. You'll leave with a clear, individualized plan.
After your feedback session, I remain available to support your family as you take the next steps. This typically involves attending school meetings (such as IEP or 504 meetings) to help explain the evaluation findings and collaborate with the team on developing appropriate supports and services for your child. It may also include consulting with other providers or answering follow-up questions.
Tiered Evaluation Options
Sometimes, a full, comprehensive evaluation isn’t necessary. Whether you already have previous testing and need a re-evaluation or are seeking a second opinion, I offer more targeted evaluation options designed to address your specific needs.
These streamlined assessments provide targeted answers without the extensive scope of a full evaluation. Please contact me to discuss which option best fits your child’s needs.