Benefits of a Comprehensive Assessment

  • Assessment Types

    Comprehensive assessments for:

    • Autism (ASD)

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Learning Disabilities/ Psychoeducational

    • Giftedness

    • Other Psychiatric Concerns

  • Understand One's Strengths/Weaknesses

    An assessment helps obtain a fuller understanding of one’s cognitive, behavioral, and academic functioning. It can explain one’s strengths, the root cause of some challenges, and provide a therapeutic roadmap.

  • Determine Appropriate Treatment or Support

    Evidence-based interventions for mental health and behavioral issues different somewhat based on diagnosis. There are a variety of treatments that someone can benefit from.

  • Access Accommodations or Support at School

    A comprehensive assessment can provide individualized and tailored recommendations that can help or enhance one’s academic or work functioning.

Assessment Types

Dr. Kwan understands the importance of comprehensive assessments in determining the best treatment approach. With her expertise, she can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.

  • ASD evaluations require speciality experience and training. Dr. Kwan has training and expertise in administering the gold standard assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).

    An ASD evidence-based evaluation includes:

    • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)

    • Measure of cognitive functioning (IQ test)

    • Measure of social skills

    • Measure of daily living skills

    • Measure of social, emotional, and behavioral concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, inattention)

    • Caregiver and teacher interviews

    • Daycare or School Observation

    Formally evaluating for Autism helps determine appropriate treatment/early intervention services, access to supports, and a better understanding of an individual's strengths/weaknesses. Dr. Kwan provides a detailed report following a comprehensive assessment.

  • Symptoms of ADHD can look like a lot of other psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, or trauma). A comprehensive assessment for ADHD avoids accidental misdiagnosis and provides a clearer picture of one’s strengths and weaknesses.

    An ADHD evidence-based evaluation includes:

    • Measure of cognitive functioning (IQ test)

    • Standardized measure of attention-related problems (Connors Continuous Performance Test 3)

    • Measure of daily living skills

    • Measure of social, emotional, and behavioral concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, inattention)

    • Caregiver and teacher interviews

    • Daycare or School Observation

    Formally evaluating for ADHD helps determine appropriate treatment/early intervention services, access to supports, and a better understanding of an individual's strengths/weaknesses. Dr. Kwan provides a detailed report following a comprehensive assessment.

  • A psychoeducational assessment can help you understand an individual’s intellectual and academic strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive assessment can be shared with an individual’s school and can be used to help develop and/or enhance one’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

    A Psychoeducational evaluation includes:

    • Measure of cognitive functioning (IQ test)

    • Measure of Academic Functioning to rule-out reading, writing, or math learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia)

    • Measure of daily living skills

    • Caregiver and teacher interviews

    • Daycare or School Observation

    Formally evaluating for a learning disability helps determine appropriate academic intervention services, access to supports, and a better understanding of an individual's strengths/weaknesses. Dr. Kwan provides a detailed report following a comprehensive assessment.

  • A gifted assessment is also know as an “intellectual assessment” or an “IQ test.” A bright individual might experience behavioral challenges at school (e.g., disruptive, appear to not listen) because the individual is bored or unchallenged. Without an individual being identified as gifted, that individual may be a risk of losing motivation, social challenges, and other psychiatric problems.

    A gifted assessment involves:

    • Measure of cognitive functioning (IQ test)

    • Parent or Teacher Questionnaires

    Formally evaluating for a giftedness helps determine appropriate academic intervention services, access to supports, and a better understanding of an individual's strengths/weaknesses. Dr. Kwan provides a detailed report following a comprehensive assessment.

  • In addition to ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and gifted assessments, Dr. Kwan is also able to rule-out other psychiatric concerns through any of these assessment options. It is essential to consider other factors which may be impacting an individual’s behaviors.

    Other psychiatric concerns include, but are not limited to:

    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

    • Gender Dysphoria

    • Conduct Disorder

    • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

    • Tics/Tourette’s

    If a condition you’re thinking about isn’t listed, contact Dr. Kwan and ask about it.