What Type of Evaluation Does Your Child Need?
A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Options
When your child is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, seeking an evaluation can be the first step toward clarity and support. Evaluations can help you understand your child better and whether their struggles are a sign of ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, or a Learning Disability (like Dysgraphia, Dyslexia or Dyscalculia).
Choices range from Pediatrician or Online assessments to the school-based IEP process to comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluations. But with so many options, it’s hard to know what type of evaluation your child needs. Let’s break down the key types of evaluations available, what they involve, and how to decide based on your family’s needs.
Types of Child Evaluations for ADHD, Autism, and Learning Differences
1. Psychoeducational / Neuropsychological Evaluations: A Comprehensive Look
If you’re looking for a 360-degree understanding of your child, comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluations (like we provide at Mind Matters) offer a holistic approach.
- Timing: Typically spans 6–8 weeks, though there might be a wait to start depending on the season.
- Purpose: To understand why your child is struggling and what to do about it.
- Provider: Both Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Educational Psychologists provide Psychoeducational Evaluations. Only Psychologists with advanced training in Neuropsychology can provide Neuropsychological evaluations, which incorporates an understanding of brain-based behavior.
- Breadth: Includes neuropsychological, educational, and social-emotional components. Observations and interviews with therapists, teachers, and tutors provide a full picture of your child’s experiences at home and school.
- Medical Diagnosis: Can diagnose conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism if the child meets DSM/ICD-10 criteria.
- Recommendations:
- Home: Offers detailed suggestions for strategies, therapies, and resources, tailored to your child.
- School: Provides in depth recommendations for support and accommodations at school, and guide the parents through the 504/IEP process if needed.
- Follow-Up Support: Includes optional child feedback sessions, participation in school meetings, and referrals for additional services.
This option is ideal for parents seeking a deep and nuanced understanding of their child’s strengths and challenges. (See 13 questions to ask when hiring a private evaluator).
2. School District Evaluations: For Educational Eligibility
School districts provide evaluations focused on determining eligibility for special education services.
- Timing: Parents or the district can initiate. The school district is required to provide a plan for testing within 15 days, or written reasons why they don’t believe your child needs an evaluation. Once agreed upon, the process must be completed within 60 days (not counting school breaks).
- Purpose: To determine if your child has a disability that impacts their ability to learn and whether they need an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Provider: School Psychologists lead the team, with other professionals joining as needed (Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physical therapists, Behaviorists). As employees or contractors with the school, School Psychologists don’t need to be independently licensed. They usually have a masters degree in school psychology and supervised experience.
- Breadth: Focuses on academic concerns. Addresses broader cognitive or emotional factors only as they impact the student’s functioning at school. Parents review and sign the testing plan, but evaluations may not include interviews with outside providers.
- Medical Diagnosis: Does not provide medical diagnoses but may note symptoms that suggest conditions like ADHD or autism. School evaluations determine whether a child meets criteria for one of 13 educational eligibility categories.
- Recommendations:
- Home: Typically does not include recommendations for home-based interventions.
- School: Recommendations vary, with some psychologists making suggestions and others deferring to the IEP team.
- School: Recommendations vary, with some psychologists making suggestions and others deferring to the IEP team.
- Follow-Up Support: Results are shared in an IEP team meeting. If eligible, the IEP outlines goals and services. Contact with the psychologist is limited after the evaluation, with a case manager taking over.
This is a good option if your primary goal is to secure school-based support through an IEP. And, it’s free!
3. Online ADHD/Autism Evaluations: Quick and Focused
Online evaluations are a fast and convenient option for diagnosing conditions like ADHD or autism. They work best for straightforward situations in which in-person interaction with or observation of the child isn’t needed, and the evaluator can diagnose mainly through interviews.
- Timing: Often completed within 1–3 interviews, with minimal wait time.
- Purpose: To determine whether your child meets criteria for a diagnosis.
- Provider: A wide range of professionals offer online evaluations, from Licensed Psychologists to master’s level therapists (MFT’s, LPCC’s or LCSW’s) to unlicensed professionals. Be sure to ask about the credentials and experience of the provider working with your child.
- Breadth: Focused on the diagnostic question, often relying on parent interviews and questionnaires. Testing may be brief (2–4 hours). Modality (telehealth) has some diagnostic limitations, but also allows providers to observe the child in their home.
- Medical Diagnosis: Can provide diagnoses using DSM/ICD-10 criteria.
- Recommendations: Varies by provider, so it’s important to ask whether recommendations will be specific and actionable for the child, or based more on what’s helpful for the diagnosis in general.
- Follow-Up Support: Some providers offer additional services or treatment. Check if they can attend virtual school/IEP meetings if needed. Online evaluators may be located in other parts of the country, so they may not be familiar with local resources.
This option works well for families seeking a diagnosis quickly and remotely, especially when the diagnosis is needed for qualification purposes (rather than local support or tailored recommendations). First, parents may want to learn more about the origins, benefits and concerns of remote assessment.
4. Pediatrician Screenings: A Starting Point
Pediatricians can offer initial screenings for ADHD or other conditions, with developmental pediatricians specializing in broader assessments. Child Psychiatrists can assess for ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and other psychiatric conditions through interviews and questionnaires.
- Timing: Usually completed within 1–2 visits, though wait times for developmental pediatricians and child psychiatrists tend to be longer than for general pediatricians..
- Purpose: To screen for diagnoses like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression or other developmental issues.
- Provider: Pediatricians attend medical school, earning an M.D. or D.O. (Osteopath) and completing residencies focused on providing healthcare to children and teens. Some seek additional training in developmental issues. Developmental Pediatricians and Child Psychiatrists are M.D.’s with advanced training and board certification in developmental and/or psychiatric issues.
- Breadth: Focused on the presenting issue, through interview and record review. Usually, direct assessment is limited (though Developmental Pediatricians will likely do some)
- Medical Diagnosis: Can diagnose using DSM/ICD-10 criteria but may not provide detailed insights into how the condition affects your child specifically.
- Recommendations: Often general and less tailored to individual needs.
- Follow-Up Support: Can prescribe medication or refer to specialists but typically won’t participate in school meetings.
This is a good first step if you’re exploring concerns and deciding on next steps, just need documentation for insurance purposes, or if you are considering medication for your child.
How to Choose the Right Evaluation for Your Child
Given all these choices, deciding what type of evaluation your child needs can feel overwhelming for parents. But breaking it down by key factors can help you make an informed choice. What type of evaluation your child needs depends on your child, your family and the type of questions you have. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Your Goals
What are you hoping to achieve?
When choosing the right evaluation for your child, it’s essential to consider your goals for the evaluation and the specific kind of answers you’re seeking. If you want a comprehensive understanding of your child’s challenges, including academic, cognitive, and social-emotional factors, a neuropsychological evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation through a private provider like Mind Matters might be ideal. These evaluations provide detailed insights into not only what your child struggles with but why they struggle, along with actionable recommendations for home and school.
For families focused on obtaining special education services, a school district evaluation may be a good option since it assesses whether your child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If you only need medical documentation of a diagnosis, your child’s pediatrician may be able to help. Or they can refer you to a Developmental Pediatrician, who has more training in evaluating for developmental differences.
2. Breadth of Assessment
How much detail do you want about your child’s challenges and strengths?
The breadth of the evaluation is another critical factor when thinking about what type of evaluation your child needs. A psychoeducational evaluation typically focuses on academic performance and cognitive skills, while a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation or neuropsychological evaluation explores a broader range of areas, including executive functioning, emotional regulation, social relationships, and behavior. If you’re looking for a 360-degree view of your child, a private evaluation that incorporates input from teachers, therapists, and observations in natural settings will provide the most holistic picture. This is the type of evaluation that Mind Matters provides.
School district evaluations are narrower in scope, targeting only the areas directly related to educational progress, while online ADHD or autism evaluations and pediatrician screenings are highly focused on diagnosis. They may not address broader issues like learning profiles or emotional needs, but can certainly guide professionals in initiating therapies or medication.
3. Recommendations for Support
What kind of actionable advice are you looking for?
Think about the type of recommendations you need. Private comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluations such as those at Mind Matters offer specific and personalized strategies for supporting your child at home and in school, including referrals to tutors, therapists, and medical specialists if needed. In contrast, school district evaluations typically concentrate on what can be provided within the school setting, with little to no advice for home support.
If you are seeking an online evaluation and recommendations are important to you, be sure to ask if the provider is experienced in crafting detailed action plans and offering follow-up guidance. Pediatricians will often provide recommendations (and even a list of suggested school accommodations) that are generally helpful for your child’s profile, but not necessarily specific to your child’s needs. This may be sufficient, especially if your child has a highly skilled school team, knowledgeable psychotherapist and/or skilled educational therapist who already knows your child very well.
4. Diagnosis Needs
Does your child need a medical diagnosis for ADHD, autism, or another condition?
For parents concerned about obtaining a clear medical diagnosis, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other conditions, it’s important to note that only certain evaluations can provide this. Private neuropsychological evaluations, online diagnostic evaluations provided by a Licensed Psychologist, and pediatrician screenings can all result in a diagnosis if the child meets criteria under DSM-5 or ICD-10 guidelines. However, school district evaluations cannot provide medical diagnoses and instead focus on determining eligibility for one of 13 special education classifications.
5. Timing and Accessibility
How quickly do you need answers?
Timing and accessibility are also practical considerations for what type of evaluation your child needs. Private evaluations, such as those at Mind Matters, often require a wait to begin but provide detailed results within 6–8 weeks. School district evaluations must be completed within 60 days of approval but are subject to pauses during school breaks. If time is of the essence, online evaluations for ADHD or autism may be completed in just 1–3 sessions, and their brief nature means that many online evaluation companies can get started with your family right away. Pediatrician screenings also usually require just 1-2 visits, though waitlists for developmental pediatricians may be long.
6. Cost and Resources
What is your budget for the evaluation?
Private evaluations often require out-of-pocket payment but may be partially covered by insurance through out-of-network (OON) coverage and a “superbill.” The cost varies between providers, but can be as much as 12,000 for a comprehensive evaluation (though more often cost between $6500-$8500 in the Bay Area). Hospital-based providers are most likely to take insurance directly. Some local graduate schools also offer low-fee evaluations with their graduate students (supervised by a licensed professional).
Though limited in scope, School District Evaluations are free for families and can be sufficient if your concerns are mostly related to academics. Among the briefer options, costs vary for Online ADHD/Autism Evaluations too, but because the providers may be living in lower-cost areas of the country and usually use fewer tests, they are often more affordable than full private evaluations. Pediatrician Screenings are covered by most insurance plans, though additional referrals may involve costs.
7. Follow-Up Support
How much guidance will you need after the evaluation?
Finally, think about the follow-up support you’ll need after the evaluation. Private providers like Mind Matters offer robust post-evaluation services, such as child feedback sessions, attendance at school meetings, and referrals to additional resources. We help you understand how to support your child with ADHD, Autism or Learning Disabilities at home or at school. We connect you with resources for neurodivergent children in Berkeley, San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. If relevant, we walk you through the IEP process and even attend IEP or school meetings to clarify your child’s profile and needs.
In contrast, school district evaluations have limited follow-up with the psychologist themselves, with most contact shifting to the case manager once the IEP is developed. Online evaluations and pediatrician screenings vary in the level of follow-up, so be sure to ask about ongoing support and local resource recommendations. Pediatrician screenings are typically limited to prescribing medication or offering general resource lists.
Let’s say you want the personalized recommendations and local resources we offer, but only have one primary question about your child such as “does my child have ADHD?” or “Is my child Dyslexic?” You could consider a briefer evaluation (screening).
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a psychoeducational evaluation, a neuropsychological evaluation, a school based evaluation or another option can be a difficult decision. Truthfully, the best approach to deciding what type of evaluation your child needs depends on your unique child. Consider the level of detail you’re seeking, and the kind of support you’ll need to act on the results.
By weighing factors like goals, breadth, timing, recommendations, and follow-up support, you can make an informed decision to help your child thrive both in and out of the classroom. If you need help making a decision, consider scheduling a Parent Guidance Evaluation with Dr. Rebecca MurrayMetzger to talk through which of these factors are most salient for your family.
No matter which option you choose, the most important step is taking action to understand and support your child’s growth. You are their strongest advocate, and seeking an evaluation is a powerful way to set them up for success.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an educational, psychological, psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluation?
How do I find a Neurodiversity Affirming provider for my child?
How do I find a Gender Affirming evaluation for my child?
Can providers reduce cultural bias in assessments?
How do I navigate the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process with the public school district?
Tell me more about comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations at Mind Matters?
Reach out about your evaluation options in the San Francisco Bay Area
While our team specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations in Berkeley and San Francisco, we also offer more targeted evaluations for parents who only have one main question about their child.
These briefer evaluations (screenings) usually focus on ADHD, Autism or Learning Disabilities. (See our FAQ page for more details about comprehensive evaluations and the way these screenings differ). Our Client Care Coordinator can also help you decide what type of evaluation your child needs.
We also offer IQ Testing for the purposes of school (or gifted program) admissions.
Interested in an evaluation or any of our other services? Or do you have other questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!