How is My Kindergartener Doing in School?

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Did your child begin kindergarten this fall? Are you concerned about the impact of preschool absence on later academic success? Do you worry about a delayed school start effecting the trajectory of your child’s education?

In Neuropsychology, we answer these questions by assessing the level of what we call, “School Readiness”. School readiness is a term used to describe essential skills and knowledge that have been identified as key factors for social-emotional and academic success. These factors are also related to healthy development in addition to the ability to function and learn within a school environment.

In order to assess School Readiness, we check to see if your child can verbally label and identify basic concepts in the following categories prior to beginning formal education:

  • Colors
  • Alphabet knowledge
  • Numbers/counting
  • Sizes/Comparisons
  • Shapes
  • Direction/Position
  • Self-/Social Awareness
  • Quantity
  • Time/Sequence

If your child has demonstrated the above milestones, they are more likely to experience a smooth and successful transition from home/preschool into kindergarten…Below, we’ve listed some activities you can do from home to help make sure your child is ready for kindergarten this fall!

Activities to support your child at home:

  • Going on a color walk outside
  • Shared reading activities to promote letter identification and letter-sound recognition
  • Count out loud when washing hands
  • Comparing sizes of different toys, people, or objects
  • Go on a shape walk through the house
  • Identify basic emotions while watching movies
  • Narrate your own and your child’s actions using descriptive vocabulary

Still concerned? NSPT is here for you! We can help assess your child’s current level of school readiness, identify areas of need, and ensure supports can be in place when your child does begin school. Neuropsychology consultations are available in person and via video chat. Contact us today to set up your appointment!

Want to know if your child should get a Neuropsychology Evaluation?
We now offer FREE 15 Minute Neuropsychology Consultations!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

Will My Child Be Ready for School In the Fall?

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Is your child scheduled to begin kindergarten in the fall? Are you concerned about the impact of preschool absence on later academic success? Do you worry about a delayed school start effecting the trajectory of your child’s education?

In Neuropsychology, we answer these questions by assessing the level of what we call, “School Readiness”. School readiness is a term used to describe essential skills and knowledge that have been identified as key factors for social-emotional and academic success. These factors are also related to healthy development in addition to the ability to function and learn within a school environment.

In order to assess School Readiness, we check to see if your child can verbally label and identify basic concepts in the following categories prior to beginning formal education:

  • Colors
  • Alphabet knowledge
  • Numbers/counting
  • Sizes/Comparisons
  • Shapes
  • Direction/Position
  • Self-/Social Awareness
  • Quantity
  • Time/Sequence

If your child has demonstrated the above milestones, they are more likely to experience a smooth and successful transition from home/preschool into kindergarten…Below, we’ve listed some activities you can do from home to help make sure your child is ready for kindergarten this fall!

Activities to support your child at home:

  • Going on a color walk outside
  • Shared reading activities to promote letter identification and letter-sound recognition
  • Count out loud when washing hands
  • Comparing sizes of different toys, people, or objects
  • Go on a shape walk through the house
  • Identify basic emotions while watching movies
  • Narrate your own and your child’s actions using descriptive vocabulary

Still concerned? NSPT is here for you! We can help assess your child’s current level of school readiness, identify areas of need, and ensure supports can be in place when your child does begin school. Neuropsychology consultations are available in person and via video chat. Contact us today to set up your appointment!

NSPT offers services in the Chicagoland Area. If you have questions or concerns about your child, we would love to help!Give us a call at (877) 486-4140 and speak to one of our Family Child Advocates today!

Should My Child Be Tested for Autism?

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As parents, it is natural to worry about your child’s development if he or she does not seem to be meeting developmental milestones on time. When will my child say their first word? Shouldn’t they be walking by know? Should they still be having this much trouble reading?

Children’s developmental milestones can vary greatly, and the rate of when milestones are accomplished does not always yield significant advantages or disadvantages in the long run. However, there are some early markers for Autism Spectrum Disorder that could indicate you should get them tested.

Does your child…

  • reduced eye contact
  • loss of previously acquired speech or social skills
  • delayed language development
  • resistance to minor changes in routine
  • repetitive behaviors (e.g., flapping, rocking, spinning)
  • unusual and intense reactions to smells, tastes, textures, lights

If your child demonstrate some of these early markers, a neuropsychological evaluation is helpful in identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder.

An Autism evaluation includes:

  • An interview with the child’s parents/caregivers
  • Administration of a play-based test designed to evaluate the presence of the behavioral excesses and deficits found in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • A completion of rating scales that help assess your child’s level of functioning

Depending on your child’s age, a neuropsychological evaluation can also include assessment of cognitive functioning, language skills, and visual-motor skills to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s global functioning.

Should findings indicate that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, receiving a diagnosis will allow for treatment specifically geared towards helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as provide recommendations for school regarding your child’s needs. Should findings not reveal Autism Spectrum Disorder, recommendations are still generated based on your child’s strengths and weaknesses to maximize their opportunity to reach optimal success.

The earlier a child receives intervention, the better the outcome. We are committed to continuing to provide these diagnostic services, even during the pandemic, by  following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. What this may look like is a tele-health diagnostic interview and feedback session, where we review the results of the evaluation. In-person sessions would involve our best efforts at social distancing and use of protective gear to minimize risk of transmission. If you believe that your child may have autism spectrum disorder, schedule a neuropsychology consultation today.

Want to know if your child should get a Neuropsychology Evaluation?
We now offer FREE 15 Minute Neuropsychology Consultations!

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

Your Guide to Telehealth Consultations for Neuropsychology

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Parents and children are faced with a variety of challenges in reacting and responding to the ways COVID-19 affects their families. Many find themselves at a loss for how to handle this crisis. We want to help. That’s why our neuropsychologists are available for consultation, via telehealth, to assist you.

What is telehealth consultation?

Telehealth are essential health services provided via phone or through a video. Telehealth allows you to get the assistance you need while also keeping your family safe. Using telehealth, our neuropsychologists can answer questions, guide services, and help your family navigate next steps.

What questions can consultation answer?

  • During e-learning, I noticed my child has a hard time in a certain subject, such as reading or math. Is this typical or should they be tested by a neuropsychologist?
  • My child has a hard time sitting still and focusing, is this ADHD or e-learning?
  • I am worried my child is falling behind developmentally, what can I do?
  • My child was already diagnosed with ADHD, how can I make sure they continue to learn and grow?
  • What are the next steps in advocating for my child to get school-based services/accommodations?
  • How can I get other services (speech, OT, ABA, etc.) started for my child?
  • My child already has school accommodations, how can I make sure they continue in the fall? How can I adapt them to reflect any new concerns from e-learning?

What we can do through consultation:

  • Provide information for you to decide whether a neuropsychological evaluation would answer questions you have about your child’s developmental needs
  • Help guide services and find appropriate supports for your child
  • Collaborate with schools to navigate how your child can successfully return to their educational setting
  • Work with service providers (OT, speech, ABA) to problem-solve any new or existing concerns
  • Answer questions about past evaluations in light of new stressors or challenges

NSPT offers services in the Chicagoland Area. If you have questions or concerns about your child, we would love to help!Give us a call at (877) 486-4140 and speak to one of our Family Child Advocates today!