What Will the Evaluation Process Look Like?
Each diagnostic team has its own way of conducting a diagnostic evaluation. Therefore, it is impossible to know ahead of time exactly what you will experience, personally. However, there are some common practices among evaluation teams. The professionals will usually start by interviewing you about your child's developmental history. They may ask you detailed questions about each and every step of your development, so be prepared to provide this type of information using the notes you have prepared. It is helpful to bring along a "baby book" if it includes notations regarding your child's early development, such as when he first sat, walked, spoke, etc. The entire team may jointly conduct the interview, or you may meet with each team member individually. Hopefully, you will not have to answer the same questions over and over again if separate meetings are scheduled, but this is not uncommon.
If the entire diagnostic team is on-site during the evaluation, professionals may take turns interacting with your child while other team members interview you. Interactions between your child and each team member should seem low-key and natural. Many assessments involve evaluating your child's abilities by engaging him with games or toys so that he is unaware he's being evaluated. Team members will nonchalantly attempt to engage your child in conversations in order to assess communication skills. They will also be constantly observing your child's behaviors and reactions to gain a better understanding of his development and what might be an appropriate diagnosis. Some clinics have two-way mirrors that allow parents to watch their child being assessed, which can be reassuring for parents who are uncomfortable with the idea of being separated from their child.
One of the team members may attempt to take your child to another room while you remain with another team member. If your child becomes excessively upset or you personally don't feel comfortable being separated from your child, directly express your preference to have your child remain with you. Discuss this possibility with the team ahead of time in order to find out how they will respond to this issue. It may also be advantageous for you to stay with your child until he has warmed up to the environment and the evaluators and then attempt to leave him again. Sometimes the team can gain important information by observing child without you being there (e.g., does the child recognize their parent's absence? How does the child respond when reunitied with his parents?)
It is often necessary to allow your child frequent breaks from the evaluation process in order to prevent any behavioral challenges or upsets. It is usually better to schedule these breaks ahead of time rather than waiting until your child begins to show signs of being upset. We all know it can be difficult to calm a child once he's become excessively agitated. More suggestions for how to make the evaluation process a positive experience for you and your child will be provided in the 'General Guidelines section below.
The entire diagnostic evaluation might take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the number of professionals involved. Most often, parents are provided the team's initial diagnostic impressions via an informal discussion at the end of the evaluation. A written report should be forthcoming within the next few weeks. If you do not receive a report within a month of the assessment, call the agency and prompt them to send you one.
The day of the evaluation is usually a rather tiring and difficult one for you and your child, especially if you've had to travel any distance to obtain specialized expertise. However, if conducted in a comprehensive, thorough manner with sensitivity to everyone's needs, a successful diagnostic evaluation can finally provide you with answers regarding your child's development.
