Gifted Testing

Learning Disability

ADHD

SAT/Standardized Test Accommodations

Rebecca Elman, Ph.D., P.A.

1875 NW Corporate Blvd.

Suite 100 (Frank, Weinberg & Black)

Boca Raton, FL 33431 

Phone: 561-470-8660

Fax:  561-470-8284

Email: rebeccaelman@gmail.com

Download Directions (PDF)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder experienced by children, adolescents, and adults.  There are three subtypes of ADHD: Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Predominantly Inattentive Type, and Combined Type.  Core symptoms of ADHD include significant levels of impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.  Specific behaviors may include: struggling to follow through with instructions, not appearing to listen, being forgetful in daily activities, having difficulty sustaining attention, having difficulty waiting one's turn, interrupting others, and being excessively restless.   

For several reasons, it is necessary to administer a comprehensive neuropsychlogical evaluation in order to diagnosis ADHD.  First, there is no single definitive test to determine ADHD.  Second, it is important to rule out out possible disorders (e.g., learning disability, anxiety, etc.) that may be causing the individual to exhibit behaviors associated with ADHD.  For example, a student may be struggling with math. Consequently, he or she may appear inattentive or disruptive in class because he or she is frustrated and does not have the appropriate coping skills to express his or her frustration.  Thirdly, it is possible for a student to have more than one disability or diagnosis.  Only a comprehensive psychological evaluation will uncover the full range of current issues presenting in the individual.  Finally, this comprehensive evaluation will also provide valuable information of how your child learns best (i.e., his/her learning style and profile), and what interventions will allow him/her to be most successful. 

Each psychoeducational evaluation is tailored to the individual needs of the student.  As such, evaluations may require up to four testing sessions.  Once Dr. Elman has met with you to obtain a detailed history and description of the current concerns, she will begin the evaluation by observing your child in the school setting and interviewing his/her teachers.  It is important for Dr. Elman to observe your child in different settings, especially becuase children often behave differently in the classroom as compared to the office setting.  Next, she will meet with your child to assess a broad array of functioning, including, intellectual ability (IQ), academic functioning across all subjects, social-emotional functioning, and various cognitive processing depending on your child's profile (e.g., attention and executive functioning, auditory processing, phonological awareness, short-term and working memory, long-term retrieval, fluid reasoning, abstract reasoning, visual spatial ability, sensorimotor ability, and visual motor coordination).  Additionally, Dr. Elman will administer a Continuous Performance Test (CPT) on the computer in order to assess your child's ability to sustain attention and his/her ability to refrain from responding impulsively to repetitive and monotonous stimuli.

Upon completition of the assessment, Dr. Elman will write a report detailing the results and her recommendations.  After you have had an opportunity to review the report and formulate questions, Dr. Elman will meet with you to discuss the evaluation.  Finally, Dr. Elman will meet with school pesonnel (e.g., teachers, School Psychologist and ESE Coordinator) to determine whether your child qualifies for an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and the interventions and accommodations that will meet your child's needs.