Answers before you reach out

It means your doctor wants a clearer picture of how your child's brain is working — how they learn, process information, pay attention, and manage emotions. A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that goes well beyond what can be observed in a doctor's office or a school setting. It can help identify learning differences like dyslexia or dyscalculia, attention difficulties, processing challenges, autism spectrum differences, anxiety, and more. The goal isn't to label your child — it's to understand how they think so that you, their teachers, and their providers can support them in the right ways. If your doctor recommended one, it's a good sign they want real answers, not just a checklist.

Trust your instincts — you know your child better than anyone. Families typically reach out when something feels off but they can't quite name it: a child who's bright but struggling in school, a toddler who isn't hitting milestones, a teen who's falling apart despite trying hard, or a child whose behavior doesn't quite fit any explanation. Common reasons families seek an evaluation include concerns about learning and reading, attention and focus, autism spectrum differences, social or emotional difficulties, anxiety, and early developmental delays. If you've been wondering whether something is going on, that wondering is usually reason enough to have a conversation.

I evaluate children and teens from 18 months through 18 years old. This includes toddlers and preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. I also offer a limited consulting service for adults who are wondering whether autism might explain their experience — not a formal evaluation, but a thoughtful conversation to help make sense of their history and how their mind works.

It varies — availability ebbs and flows depending on the time of year. I intentionally keep my caseload small so that every family gets my full attention, which means openings don't always last long. Currently I'm booking within a few weeks. The best way to find out is to reach out directly — I'm happy to give you an honest picture of what's available when you call or fill out the contact form.

School evaluations are designed to determine eligibility for special education services — they answer a different question than a clinical evaluation does. They are often limited in scope, don't always include a formal autism assessment, and may not capture the full clinical picture. An independent psychological evaluation is more comprehensive, provides a clinical diagnosis (which school evaluations cannot), and can be used to advocate for services inside and outside of school. You have the legal right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.

Insurance companies provide limited reimbursement for psychological testing, and many assessment types are not covered under most plans. I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, I provide a detailed superbill (receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I recommend calling your insurer before your appointment and asking about your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing (CPT code 96130–96133 is a good starting point).

The evaluation process typically involves multiple appointments: an initial parent interview (1–1.5 hours), one or more testing sessions with your child (2–4 hours total, often split across days), and a feedback session to review findings and recommendations. From first appointment to final report typically takes 4–6 weeks. I'll give you a more specific timeline during our consultation.

Absolutely. While my office is in Guilford, I serve families from across New Haven County and the Connecticut Shoreline — including Madison, Branford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, New Haven, and beyond. Some parts of the evaluation can be done virtually, making it accessible for families farther away.

I offer both. In-person sessions take place at my office at 2614 Boston Post Road, Lower Level, Guilford, CT (by appointment only). Some components of the evaluation process — such as parent interviews, feedback sessions, and adult consultations — can be conducted virtually. Hands-on testing with children is generally done in person. We'll discuss the best format for your specific evaluation during the consultation.

Keep it simple and honest. You can tell your child they'll be meeting someone who wants to learn how they think, learn, and feel — and that there are no right or wrong answers. Reassure them that it isn't a test they can pass or fail. For younger children, you might say they'll be playing games and answering questions with a doctor. Make sure they're well-rested and have eaten before the appointment. Bring any comfort items if helpful.

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee. I understand that life happens — especially with young children — so please reach out as soon as you know you need to change your appointment.