The earlier we test, the more we can do. Early evaluations open doors to services like ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and school supports, giving your child the chance to meet milestones with confidence—and giving you answers without the long wait.
No two children are alike—and neither are their evaluations. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we provide different types of assessments designed to match your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique needs. Whether you’re looking for answers about autism, developmental concerns, or learning challenges, our team will help you find the right evaluation and next steps.
Families who are seeking early clarity often begin with our autism assessments for toddlers and preschoolers.
These evaluations are available in Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Evanston, and Naperville, with appointments typically lasting around 3 hours.
For younger children with concerns related to behavior, language, attention, mood, or anxiety, our developmental testing offers a broader look at growth and functioning.
These evaluations take place at our Des Plaines center, with sessions lasting 3–4 hours.
For school-age children, we offer full neuropsychological evaluations that explore learning, memory, attention, emotional functioning, and more.
Depending on your child’s needs, assessments may last a half day or full day at our Des Plaines location.
When questions arise about your child’s development, school performance, or behavior, it can feel overwhelming. Neuropsychological testing provides answers.
Many clinics use the ADOS-2 for autism testing—but who gives the test matters just as much as the test itself.
At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, your child’s evaluation is led by licensed neuropsychologists in Evanston, Deerfield, Naperville, and Arlington Heights. These are doctoral-level clinicians with specialized training in child development, diagnostics, and a wide range of learning and emotional concerns.
Why families across Illinois choose NSPT:
When a neuropsychologist leads your child’s autism testing, you gain clearer answers, a full picture of their development, and confidence in the next steps. At NSPT, every evaluation is doctor-led—because your child deserves the most thorough, reliable start.
Dr. Stasi is a 2005 graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology. Over the years, Dr. Stasi has been published professionally and has given numerous presentations on Neuropsychology. Previously, Dr. Stasi was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and an adjunct professor for The Illinois Institute of Technology.
In 2009, Dr. Stasi started the Neuropsychology and Testing Center for North Shore Pediatric Therapy. In his tenure, he has helped thousands of kids reach their fullest potential.
Rhiannon Law, Ph.D. is a graduate of Indiana University - Bloomington. Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning. Dr. Law specializes in testing related to ADHD, autism, learning, and complex medical conditions (epileptic syndromes, genetic/metabolic disorders). Past research has focused on joint attention in autistic toddlers, pediatric performance validity testing, executive functioning following traumatic brain injuries, and trauma-informed systems in schools. Dr. Law has worked with families in a variety of settings, including pediatric hospitals, academic medical centers, schools, DCFS/juvenile justice, and residential treatment centers.
Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning.
Starting the evaluation process can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve just started noticing signs, or maybe your pediatrician has already recommended testing and you’re wondering what comes next. Either way, we’ll meet you where you are.
Our clinicians and care team are here to listen, guide, and make sure you feel supported at every stage.
Assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions including:
The purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation is to help identify strengths and challenges with children’s cognitive functioning. The goal of the testing is not only to help determine specific diagnoses that a child might have, but more importantly, to help determine and develop appropriate accommodations and interventions that would make the child’s life easier.
In reality, any child could benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation. The main goal is not to diagnosis a child, but more importantly, to help determine how a child learns best and what his/her social/emotional strengths are. Typical diagnostic questions that are presented to a Neuropsychologist include:
Testing batteries are individualized to address specific presenting problems. However, a neuropsychological evaluation will always address, in some form, a child’s:
The evaluation process is individually based and dependent upon the age of the child. What is included for every child, no matter age or need is:
Many children can receive some form of psychological testing through the school system. The testing that is conducted by the schools is limited. School psychologists are not able to make diagnoses and typically only administer cognitive and academic testing. Even if a child has had a recent school psychological evaluation, it is recommended to have a partial evaluation with a Neuropsychologist.
The Neuropsychologist would be able to add onto the school evaluation and help determine if there are any concerns regarding the child’s social/emotional/behavioral functioning, as well as, various domains not assessed within the school environment (e.g., attention, executive functioning, memory, visualspatial functioning).
Typically, the parent can expect a copy of the report within two weeks following the feedback session (or sooner if needed). The initial report is usually a draft and edits might be done based upon the findings from the feedback session.
The process is by no means over when the testing is completed and the parents have met for a feedback session.
Even if the child does not meet the necessary criteria for a particular diagnosis, the parents do not leave empty handed. The goal of the Neuropsychologist is to help develop appropriate interventions based off the parent’s concerns. Just because a child does not meet criteria for a given diagnosis, there are still issues regarding his or her behavior. The same process applies in that the Neuropsychologist will evaluate results from the assessment in order to determine strengths and weaknesses, and then develop appropriate accommodations for the child.
Typically, a neuropsychological evaluation would be conducted for children 18 months and older.
Through our Early Autism Testing Clinic, children 4-and-under undergo a three-hour, play-based assessment which can be scheduled within two weeks of families reaching out to us.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy provides compassionate, neuroaffirming care for children and families. Our expert team offers autism testing, ABA therapy, speech, occupational, and physical therapy. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families to help every child grow, learn, and thrive.
