Concerns That an Evaluation Can Address

Development: Your child does not seem to be meeting age-appropriate milestones. They engage in unusual behaviors, seem excessively rigid, socially unaware or are not keeping pace with their same-age peers.  

Difficult temperament: The child seems irritable or hard to soothe. An adolescent may lack coping skills or becomes emotionally dysregulated. Difficulty following basic rules and expectations or holding the family hostage to demands and tantrums may be seen.

Poor academic performance or learning problems: The student is struggling to learn or retain information or is not performing up to their potential. They appear impulsive, inattentive, unable to sit still, or act like the “class clown.” Homework is a battle, and they seem unmotivated, discouraged, or refuse school. 

Social problems: The young person is excessively naïve, immature, or susceptible to peer pressure or bullying. They struggle to “read” social cues and seem to lack empathy or the ability to take a different perspective.  Making and keeping friends is a challenge. 

Anxiety and/or depression: The child or adolescent seems anxious, irritable, fearful, sad, lonely, angry, or isolated. They have lost interest in normal activities and may express hopelessness, low self-worth, or suicidal ideation. 

Emotional dysregulation: The young person seems emotionally fragile, distressed, and easily overwhelmed. They discharge emotions in an inappropriate or aggressive manner and may engage in self-harm, substance use or other self-destructive behaviors to cope with emotional pain.

Developmental trauma: The infant was prenatally exposed to alcohol, substances or trauma. The child may have experienced abuse, neglect, loss of a caregiver, or institutionalized care. Chronic stressors may be impacting their development and relationships.

Relinquishment / foster care / adoption: There is a history of institutionalized care, foster placements, adoption, or loss of a caregiver. The young person may seem angry, feel they “don’t belong," and struggle to develop a cohesive sense of self or identity. 

Excessive screen time: Gaming, social media, texting, or accessing inappropriate content are out of control. The adolescent isolates, "seems obsessed," and become unduly upset or aggressive when screens are limited or removed.  Screen activities are interfering with academics, family life, and age-appropriate socialization.

Substance use/risky behavior: The adolescent is “vaping,” using alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, illicit drugs, or prescription medications. They may be secretive, rationalize substance use, and fail to consider the consequences. Hanging-out with unhealthy peers and engaging in other dangerous or illegal activities may also occur.

Self-esteem or identity: The young person has low self-esteem or lacks confidence. They may have problems with body image, poor eating patterns, and questions regarding their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Nothing has worked: The child or adolescent does not seem to respond to “typical” parenting strategies. Traditional therapy has been ineffective and home or school-based interventions have failed. Problems are escalating, family conflict has increased, and parents are at the “end of their rope.”