More on Neuropsychological Tests and Testing: Vision/Hearing and General Health Screenings and Assessments, and Occupational and Physical Therapy Tests

A recent blog post discussed some of the terminology associated with achievement tests, intelligence tests and speech/language assessments. Additional tests that are often requested by parents include vision, hearing and general health screenings and assessments, evaluations conducted by occupational and physical therapists and emotional/behavioral tests .

Read the information below to find out what specialist(s) are qualified to administer, interpret and make suggestions for building skills and/or remediating weak areas.

Vision/Hearing and General Health Assessments: Vision and Hearing Screenings are often available through your child’s school. Medical doctors conduct health and physical exams, and administer vision and hearing tests that can provide additional information after questionable screenings conducted through the schools. Depending on the concerns and severity of sensory issues, some children are referred to vision and hearing specialists.

Occupational Therapy Tests assess a child's motor skills: fine and gross motor, visual-spatial, visual-motor, sensory processing, sensory integration and self-help skills. Occupational therapists are specialists who are trained to observe, test and work with children on remediation of weaknesses in the areas relating to motor, sensory integration and processing.

Physical Therapy Testing: Physical Therapists assess a child’s balance, coordination, movement and muscle strength. Like occupational therapists, physical therapists provide remediation in the areas they assess.

Emotional/Behavioral Tests are designed to assess a child’s emotional, behavioral and social functioning. Observations, interviews, behavior and rating scales, and drawings are some of the methods used by psychologists to assess a child’s functioning in this area.

A lack of familiarity with testing terminology combined with other unknowns relating to the testing process make it an extra challenge for parents to make good decisions for their child(ren). This information is simply an introduction to some of many testing instruments and specialists who may be able to help you to help your child to achieve his/her potential.

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