Preparing for Your Evaluation Appointment Day

At Springboard Neuropsychological Assessments, we strive to make your child's evaluation day as smooth and stress-free as possible. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for the appointment and understand what to expect.

a boy child in doctors waiting room

Day of Appointment Checklist

  • Arrive on Time

    Punctuality is crucial to ensure we have ample time to complete all necessary evaluations. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late, we may need to reschedule your appointment.

  • What to Bring

    • Glasses, hearing aids, or any other assistive devices your child uses.
    • An updated list of all medications your child is currently taking.
    • Reports from previous neuropsychological or psychological evaluations.
    • School records, including report cards and academic/psychoeducational testing.
    • Special-education documents such as Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Program (IEP) report, Behavior Management Plan, or 504 Plan.
    • Laptops, iPads, or tablets for use while waiting, as we offer guest WiFi access.

  • Medications

    If you are unsure whether your child should take their medication before the appointment, please contact our office to speak with Dr. Erickson. Generally, if the medication is effective and helps your child function optimally, they should continue their regular medication regimen.

  • Food and Beverages

    • Breakfast: Make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast on the morning of the evaluation.
    • Snacks/Beverages: Bring any snacks or beverages your child may prefer during breaks.
    • Lunch: For evaluations lasting more than 3-4 hours, there will be an hour-long lunch break. You can bring lunch or visit one of the nearby restaurants.

  • Who Should Attend?

    For minor children and dependents, a custodial parent or legal guardian must be present to sign consent forms, participate in the clinical interview, and complete forms regarding the child. For younger children, the parent or an adult designee should remain on the premises during the evaluation. Exceptions may be made for older children who do not require constant supervision. A quiet room is available for you to work or relax while your child is being evaluated.

Timeline of the Day

Arrival and Check-in

Please arrive on time for your appointment and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed.

Clinical Interview

The day begins with a clinical interview where Dr. Erickson will meet with you and your child to discuss your concerns and gather background information. This step helps form a clearer picture of your child's past and present functioning.

Testing Session

Following the interview, your child will engage in various activities designed to evaluate different areas of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Parents will also be asked to complete some additional formal/standardized rating forms. Testing for children under 8 typically takes a couple of hours, while for children above age 8, it could last from around 5-6 hours, depending on the presenting concerns.

Breaks and Lunch

Your child will have regular breaks throughout the testing session. For extended evaluations, there will be an hour-long lunch break. You can either bring lunch or visit nearby restaurants.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a successful and productive evaluation day for your child. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office.

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