Services Provided
Neuropsychological Evaluations. A neuropsychological evaluation provides a comprehensive profile of an individual’s cognitive, neuropsychological, academic and emotional strengths and areas of difficulty. Such an evaluation gives a sense of brain functioning in terms of general intellect, academic achievement, language, memory, attention, executive skills such as planning and organization, fine-motor skill, and social-emotional behavior. The purpose of an evaluation is to illuminate the unique cognitive profile of an individual so that an appropriate plan for interventions and support, both at home and at school, can be put into place. In the case that intellectual and academic functioning have already been assessed, for example through an evaluation conducted by the department of education, supplemental neuropsychological testing can be provided.
Psychoeducational Evaluations. A psychoeducational evaluation provides an assessment of an individuals’ intellectual and academic functioning. It is less comprehensive than a neuropsychological evaluation, but can still provide valuable information regarding a child’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. A psychoeducational evaluation reveals specific learning issues that might be present, and gives a general sense of attentional or organizational concerns that might warrant more comprehensive testing.
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations. An autism-diagnostic evaluation assesses presence of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. Specifically, this type of assessment investigates strengths and weaknesses in an individual’s social communication, language, intellectual and adaptive functioning. Such testing can be done in conjunction with a neuropsychological evaluation, or on its own. Given the results of an autism-diagnostic evaluation, recommendations for appropriate school placement as well as outside support can be made.
Parent Consultation. Dr. Hayward is available to consult with parents as the need arises in the course of educational planning.
Classroom Observations. In-class observations provide an opportunity to objectively assess behaviors that may be unique to the learning environment. Such observations are often conducted as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, but can also be conducted independently.
Review of Past Evaluations. In the case that a parent has already acquired an evaluation but is unclear on what course of action is most appropriate given the results, Dr. Hayward is available to review past evaluations and provide analysis and recommendations in a short report. Often the department of education evaluations lack this type of summary and plan for future support, as they tend to only indicate what services are available in a particular school.
School Consultation. Dr. Hayward regularly consults with schools directly, providing classroom observations and aiding in the development of behavioral interventions. Schools may also be interested in bringing Dr. Hayward in to speak with parents or faculty about neuropsychological assessment and the evaluation process.