Frequently Asked Questions
Are APS evaluations compliant with College Board requirements?
APS continuously strives to insure that evaluation procedures and reports are College Board compliant.
Are APS evaluations compliant with the Louisiana Pupil Appraisal Handbook (Bulletin 1508)?
APS is able to coordinate evaluation procedures and produce reports compliant with Louisiana Bulletin 1508, Pupil Appraisal Handbook. However, additional evaluation components (e.g., classroom observation, teacher interviews) and complete cooperation of your child’s school are needed to bring customary evaluations into compliance with Bulletin 1508. Please consult with your clinician at your first appointment, if you are interested in the additional services required for Bulletin 1508 compliance.
Are APS evaluations accepted by organizations regulating adult graduate entry and professional examinations?
APS evaluations have been widely accepted to inform eligibility for accommodations (e.g., extended test time) on many graduate entry and professional examinations, including (but not limited to) the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, Praxis, and CPA, among others.
What should I expect during an assessment?
Depending on your current concerns and/or the referral question to be answered, an evaluation might examine intellectual functioning, adaptive development, memory, information processing, academic skills, attention, executive functioning, listening comprehension, auditory processing, expressive oral language, visual-motor integration, personality and emotion, or some combination of these factors. After testing, a report summarizing your or your child’s performance, including skill strengths and weaknesses, will be issued. This report includes specific recommendations to increase your or your child’s personal, academic, and/or vocational success.
What is an attention disorder?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), now called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a diagnosis applied to children & adults who display inattention, hyperactivity, &/or impulsivity significantly more than peers at home, school, work, &/or in social settings. Such people may be…
- Inattentive, have a hard time keeping their mind on any one thing & may get bored with a task before it is complete
- Hyperactive & in constant motion
- Impulsive & unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act
What is executive functioning?
Although not a diagnosis unto itself, executive function impairments may impede your day-to-day performance & often co-occur with ADHD. People with executive functioning impairments have difficulty with their ability to…
- Shift or adjust to change in routine or task demands
- Finish tasks such as homework or projects, & meet deadlines
- Inhibit impulsive responses or think before acting
- Modulate emotions
- Sustain working memory
- Problem solve effectively
- Plan & organize their environment & materials
- Monitor their behavior & emotional reactions
How do I know if I have attention or executive function impairments?
Although you may have difficulty with either, such problems often occur hand in hand. A psychoeducational assessment is often needed to determine whether you have an attention disorder, executive function impairments, or another disorder that is mimicking or contributing to your outward symptoms. Both problems can be exacerbated by language/communication, non-verbal, or emotional disorders, which an evaluation can help you uncover.
I have problems with attention and executive functioning. Now what?
If you are diagnosed with an attention disorder, your physician might prescribe medication; however, there are non-medication treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapies, for people who have trouble with attention and executive functioning.
Dr. Creveling offers an evidence-based program designed to help you manage your symptoms related to attention & executive function impairments. This program can be offered in both individual & group formats, but is routinely tailored to your presenting symptoms. It is designed to teach you how to …
- Bolster Organization & Planning Skills, including use of a calendar & task list, and exercises to help you prioritize tasks, problem solve, & manage/organize papers/materials
- Reduce Distractibility through attention building & distractibility reducing instruction & exercises
- Think Adaptively through instruction & exercises designed to increase positive “self-coaching,” teach you how to identify & dispute negative thoughts, and assess situations/tasks objectively to design & implement the best solution
- Prevent Procrastination & Relapse by assimilating skills learned & recognizing the “red flags” of relapse
- Regulate Emotions that contribute to inattention & executive function impairments
Will insurance cover the cost of assessment?
How much and for what services insurance companies choose to reimburse varies considerably. Although some portions of an assessment may or may not be covered by your insurance plan (e.g., attention, mood), evaluations services related to learning are EXCLUDED on nearly all insurance plans. You will be responsible for the cost of any evaluation services that are excluded by your insurance plan. You should note that information obtained from your insurance carrier, including verification of eligibility and coverage, does not constitute an assurance or guarantee of coverage or payment.
Do you offer services on a sliding fee scale?
Although we do not offer services on a sliding fee scale, we are happy to set up a payment plan. We ask that you have finalized your payment plan (e.g., submitting post-dated checks or a credit/debit card for monthly withdrawals) prior to your evaluation feedback session.
