Resources & FAQs

What is ADD?  How is it different than ADHD?  ADD was used to define Attention Deficit Disorder. However, it has been incorporated in diagnostic manuals with one of the subtypes of ADHD:

• ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type  

• ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

• ADHD, Combined Type (Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive Type)

 

While using the term ADD may no longer be “technically” correct, it is still used to describe a child with an attention disorder. At JR Psychological Services, a diagnosis is given according to DSM-IV criteria when appropriate. Therefore, we would use one of the three terms named above.

​

Does an ADHD diagnosis mean my child will have to take medication?  

In a word - no.  Many children with ADHD find success with educational and behavioral strategies that reduce the attentional or hyperactive impairment. Learning Profiles offers recommendations that have proven to be successful with students of all ages.  Our recommendations can be implemented at home and at school.  Depending on your child’s profile, our recommendations may include a discussion with your child's pediatrician to determine if medication may be appropriate.

 

Do you provide Behavior Modification?  

As part of our counseling services, JR Psychological Services, offers behavior techniques for parents and children to help reduce undesirable behaviors. We also provide assistance in working with children who appear to be developing behavioral skills at a delayed rate. 

However, as part of our evaluation process we may determine that a behavioral disorder, such as Autism, is present and may require more than short-term counseling or individualized behavioral techniques. When appropriate, JR Psychological Services, works with other Clinics and Therapists to determine the best course of action. 

Why are these behaviors occurring in one setting, such as school or at home, but not everywhere? 

Children often display different behaviors in different settings. There are many possible reasons for this, including the different demands placed on your child, the different reactions or expectations of the other people around during that time, or the levels of motivation and/or frustration in each setting.

​

JR Psychological Services, evaluates your child’s strengths and weaknesses to help determine which settings are suited to their strengths and which settings may expose their weaknesses. In addition, we look at behavioral responses and the settings they occur in by observation, interviews, and other behavioral assessments.  In this way, we look at the whole child and their environmental responses to determine the function of their behavior.

Why should I get private gifted testing for my child?  

The biggest advantage of having a gifted evaluation done privately is the testing is scheduled at the most appropriate time for you and your child. Gifted Testing done through the public school system often can be a long process, and getting the results may take as long as a full school year from the time of testing. 

Another advantage of Private Gifted Testing is that you (and you alone) control the test results and information.  Many parents are concerned that their child’s teacher will not challenge them if the child does not test in the “Gifted” range (or if they achieve a score that places the child within the "Average" range).  If you want to know your child’s abilities, and then use the results how you see fit, a private evaluation may be more appropriate for you.

 

Will the results of a private gifted test count in the public school system? 

Absolutely.  If your child does score at the 98th percentile or above, there is no need for your child to be re-tested in the public school system.  You can submit the private gifted test report directly to your child's school for inclusion in any and all gifted programs.

​

How long is the Gifted Testing Session?  

These sessions typically take 1-2 hours.

​

What are the advantages of a Learning Profiles Gifted evaluation?  

There are several reasons to choose JR Psychological Services, over other private testing companies. First, we tailor the assessment instrument to your child’s strengths. For example:

• If your child has an expressive or receptive language disorder, we use a valid testing instrument that does not require answering general comprehension questions or describing how two items are alike.

• If your child enjoys playing with blocks and puzzles, we use an assessment that has several of these types of activities.

 

Some companies pride themselves on using one specific instrument that they claim to be the best measure. There is limited, if any, current evidence that any of the standardized tests of intelligence accepted by the public school systems are more reliable or valid than the others. This “best measure” statement normally means that it is the best instrument for the examiner to use (as it may be the only one they know), and not the best one for your child's specific skill set.

 

Additionally, JR Psychological Services, Customized Evaluation Report is far superior to many "standardized" reports often prepared by test practitioners.  JR Psychological Services, customized reports detail your child’s cognitive profile in great depth.  Additionally, recommendations are included in JR Psychological Services, reports that are specific to your child’s profile, rather than a cookie-cutter statement saying if the child is or is not gifted.

 

What are the benefits of having an evaluation administered by Learning Profiles? 

JR Psychological Services, evaluations are personalized and tailored to meet your child’s needs. Interviews are conducted with parents, and information is gathered from your child’s teacher prior to testing to determine which assessment instruments should be used to most accurately capture your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

​

As the evaluation progresses, additional tests are used based on your child’s performance. When the evaluation is complete, a detailed and individualized report is written that not only explains your child’s abilities, but relates their specific strengths and weaknesses to their academic progress and behavioral functioning.  Disorders according to the DSM-IV, or eligibilities according to public school criteria are given if the criteria are met.

​

Many test practitioners use a “one size fits all” model: a series of tests is administered, regardless of the individual child’s needs.  These assessments often give overlapping information and are given in an effort to beef up the report. This additional testing is unnecessary, and often provides contradictory information as the child’s attention and concentration wanes during the various sessions. (A simple analogy would be your doctor ordering an MRI, EKG, blood tests, and a chest X-ray, when the patients primary complaint is a knee injury.)  Just because someone can administer extraneous tests does not mean they should - or that these additional test will provide any useful information. JR Psychological Services evaluations reflect your child, not the quantity of testing instruments available to us.

 
How long does a Learning Profiles evaluation take?  

Other than gifted testing, information is first collected from you and your child’s teacher. If behavioral observations are necessary than they will be conducted prior to testing. The first testing session will then require a minimum of 3 hours. After this initial data is scored and reviewed, additional testing will be conducted based on your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The additional testing will likely be 1-2 hours but may take longer.

​

Can a Learning Profiles evaluation provide my child with necessary accommodations for the SAT, PSAT, ACT or AP exams?  

JR Psychological Services evaluations will satisfy the evaluation requirements as mandated by College Board and the ACT for testing accommodations, if there is a disability, and accommodations are necessary.

​

Can a Learning Profiles evaluation provide my child with accommodations for the FCAT?

There is no evaluation that can require schools to give accommodations on the FCAT. That decision is made by school based teams who review all the relevant information based on your child’s educational performance. However, a JR Psychological Services evaluation can provide information as to WHY your child would need accommodations to be successful on the FCAT.  This information can then be provided to your child's school for them to consider when making a final decision.