It is not uncommon for parents to have a variety of questions regarding their child. At Magnolia Connection, we take a neurodiversity affirming approach to assessments, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process tailored to each child. We understand that you and your child have the most knowledge of your lived experience. Together, we will collaborate throughout the entire process to ensure that we develop a personalized plan to support your child’s unique strengths and needs. Psychological testing services are available at the Norwalk and Ames offices.
Magnolia Connection psychologists conduct consultations as the first step for each assessment client, and they are available for psychological testing, neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational (academic) testing, and intellectual disability evaluations.
Download our Welcome Letter to better understand the assessment process.
If you are ready to join us on the journey of better understanding you or your child, select the START NOW button to complete the intake packet. Once the packet has been submitted, we will contact you to schedule the evaluation appointments.
Please allow up to 3 business days for us to contact you for scheduling.
The Assessment Journey
INTAKE INTERVIEW
Clinician gathers information regarding medical, academic, and social history, concerns, and strengths.
TESTING SESSION
Clinician meets with the client to understand how their brain thinks and learns and to determine intervention.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Review testing results, discuss appropriate diagnoses and recommendations based on the process.
REPORT
REVIEW
A copy of the final report will be uploaded to the IntakeQ portal within 1 week of the feedback session.
STAKEHOLDERS
You may consider sharing the report with other providers, school personnel, or caregivers.
The Assessment Journey
INTAKE INTERVIEW
Clinician gathers information regarding medical, academic, and social history, concerns, and strengths.
TESTING SESSION
Clinician meets with the client to understand how their brain thinks and learns and to determine intervention.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Review testing results, discuss appropriate diagnoses and recommendations based on the process.
REPORT REVIEW
A copy of the final report will be uploaded to the IntakeQ portal within 1 week of the feedback session.
STAKEHOLDERS
You may consider sharing the report with other providers, school personnel, or caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Psychological/Neuropsychological testing includes using a range of testing materials, assessment tools, and observations to arrive at a diagnosis and guide future treatment. The process is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the child’s unique strengths and needs.
A neurodiversity affirming assessment is a respectful, individualized, and strengths-based evaluation approach that recognizes and values neurodiversity, focusing on understanding and supporting the unique needs and abilities of neurodiverse individuals. We do this to foster a positive self-concept, enhance overall well-being, and create an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates neurological differences.
We typically conduct 3 separate appointments for evaluation clients.
The first appointment is our virtual consultation. In-person appointments are also available by request. At this appointment, the clinician meets with the parents (or young adults if the client is over the age of 18) to learn more about the child and gather important history information. This conversation helps the clinician determine the best testing plan for each unique client. This appointment generally takes 90 minutes.
The second appointment is our in-person testing appointment. At this appointment, the child (or young adult) will meet one-on-one with the clinician to complete the testing. Testing appointments range between 2-6 hours, depending on the amount of testing that needs to be completed and the age of the child. Unless your child is under 5 years old, parents are generally not needed for this appointment. Parents may opt to wait in the lobby or when appropriate, may leave the office for a nearby location. Breaks are offered throughout the appointment. If the appointment is scheduled across the morning and afternoon, a lunch break will be offered. There will be some limited snacks and drinks for you and your child, and we also recommend bringing preferred snacks.
You may schedule a follow-up visit with your clinician after the feedback session if additional assistance is needed regarding interventions or recommendations. A follow-up evaluation is often recommended in 2-3 years to monitor progress and re-evaluate treatment goals. Most commonly, the clinician will equip you with the information you need to take the next steps in supporting your child.
The idea of taking your child for psychological testing can be intimidating or even scary. Here are some tips to help prepare your child.
- Stick with the routine: Try to keep your regular schedule before the testing day. Make sure they eat a good breakfast and are well-rested.
- Avoid the word “test”: When speaking with your child, do your best to avoid using the word “test” as this is intimidating to some children and may skew test results. Rather, explain to them that the clinician works with children and families to help them understand how they think and learn, and ultimately, to offer suggestions on how to help in areas where they may be experiencing difficulties. For younger children, referring to the clinician as a “teacher” rather than a “doctor” may be more appropriate.
- Offer some insight: Be sure to give your child some information about what is happening. Remind them that their provider is who they will be seeing to increase their familiarity and comfort. Tell younger children that there will be toys and games for them to play with. School-aged children need to know they will be doing activities that could involve listening, talking, looking at pictures, building things, and drawing. Adolescents often benefit from knowing more about why they should want to participate. Often relating testing to areas they have complained about helps increase buy-in. For example, “I know that you have been frustrated with math this year, and the provider wants to try and help figure out why.” Offering this information will help prepare your child for what to expect and can set a positive tone for the day.
- Take a breath: Trust the providers. They will meet your child where they are and get the information needed. If you are nervous, your child may sense it. Take a breath and know it will be okay.
Yes! When there are questions or concerns about academics and learning, we evaluate academic achievement performance across the areas of reading, writing, and math. Please note that learning disability testing is not deemed “medically necessary” by insurance providers, and therefore, it is not covered by insurance. This type of testing is subject to cash pay.
We provide testing for children aged 18 months through young adults up to age 22.
This will be discussed during the intake appointment. Generally, we will have your child take their prescribed medications unless we agree upon an alternative plan.
Our Testing Team
Heather Soyer, PsyD
Founder & Licensed Pediatric Psychologist
Taylor Kutchen, PsyD
Licensed Pediatric Psychologist
Amanda Khader, Ed.S, tLMHC
Licensed School Psychologist & Mental Health Counselor
Sundé Nesbit, PhD
Licensed Pediatric Psychologist
