WHO ARE OUR PROVIDERS?
Ashleigh Langheim, Ed.S., NCSP, LPES currently serves the South Carolina Low Country (Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island, Summerville, St. George, Beaufort and beyond).
(T): 843.212.0380
(E): ashleigh@palmettoassessments.com | Psychology Today
Liz Hiller, Ed.S., NCSP, LPES currently serves the South Carolina Upstate (Clemson, Easley, Anderson, Seneca, Greenville and beyond).
(T): 864.453.0253
(E): Liz@palmettoassessments.com | Psychology Today
HOW DO I INITIATE THE TESTING PROCESS?
Our evaluation process typically begins with a complimentary phone consultation to understand your evaluation needs and to see if we are a good fit. This initial appointment involves speaking with the parent or caregiver; your child doesn't need to be present. If you're seeking an evaluation for yourself, the consultation will be directly with you. Click 'Schedule Now' to book your appointment with the Licensed Psycho-Educational Specialist in your area. We look forward to hearing from you!
WHAT CAN A PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION DO FOR MY CHILD?
A psycho-educational evaluation can help answer questions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your child by analyzing their cognitive and academic abilities as well as social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Based on the findings, a diagnosis may be given. Recommendations to assist the child are also part of the psycho-educational evaluation.
WHAT DO OUR COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATIONS INCLUDE?
Each evaluation is tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs and is completed over several sessions. These sessions include:
Complimentary Phone Consultation; review of referral concerns and determine the need for psycho-educational testing.
(Virtual) Developmental Intake Session; comprehensive developmental and social history, review of all educational, and health records, etc.
Testing Session/s; testing sessions will likely occur in the morning. All testing occurs at our local offices and typically last 2 to 3 hours each session. Please make sure your child is well-rested and has eaten a healthy meal before your appointment.
(Virtual) Feedback Session (including a report); results and any diagnoses are explained in depth to the parents/guardians, and if appropriate, the child. Individual Instructional Plans/Recommendations are reviewed in detail.
Continued Consultation; results from our psycho-educational evaluations provide meaningful information regarding your child’s cognitive and learning profile. We believe parents and guardians are the best advocates for their children and will thoroughly explain potential options in the educational setting.
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF AN AUTISM EVALUATION?
All providers at Palmetto Assessments & Learning Services have extensive training and experience in assessing and diagnosing Autism. The PALS Autism evaluation process includes collaboration and testing data analysis with both providers. Our evaluations consist of the following:
Complimentary Phone Consultation
(Virtual) Developmental Intake Session (1 to 2 hours); comprehensive developmental and social history interview and an Autism diagnostic intake interview.
Autism screening scales
School/Community Observation conducted by the LPES.
Comprehensive in person testing including assessments of cognitive abilities, academic achievement/school readiness, visual/motor skills, etc.
Autism evaluation; providers at Palmetto Assessments & Learning Services have extensive training and experience conducting the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is considered the “gold-standard” of ASD observation and measures and assesses behavior, communication, social interaction, play, imagination, etc.
Autism, Social/Emotional/Behavioral, Adaptive Behavior, etc. rating scale instruments completed by parents/guardians and teachers/educators.
The PALS professional team conducts additional observations as needed, collaborates, and evaluates all gathered assessment data to determine the presence of autism and/or additional diagnoses.
(Virtual) Feedback Session/Continued Consultation
HOW DO I TALK ABOUT THE TESTING PROCESS WITH MY CHILD?
Ensuring your child is aware and informed of the evaluation process is helpful to alleviate any anxiety they may feel. We recommend initiating a simple conversation about how this process aims to uncover their unique strengths and provide support for any learning challenges they may encounter. As clinicians, we often describe our role to children as being “learning detectives”, helping to uncover how they learn best so we can equip them with the necessary tools to support them in school, at home, and within their communities.
WILL MY CHILD BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES?
Maybe. Parents/Guardians have the right to seek their own independent psycho-educational evaluations. If a disability is identified your child may be eligible for educational supports and/or special education services. The assessments utilized by Palmetto Assessments & Learning Services meet South Carolina state special education guidelines for eligibility purposes. Schools may require additional evaluation components, which can only be conducted in the educational setting. Liz and Ashleigh are committed to collaborating with you and your child’s school to ensure they are accessing their learning environment and ultimately being successful in their education.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION?
All evaluations will begin with a free initial consultation to determine the need for psycho-educational testing.
Hourly Rate: $150
Approximate Time for Evaluation: 10- 16 Hours
Average Cost: 1,500 to 2,400*
*This is an estimate for comprehensive initial evaluations to assess for ADHD, Autism, and/or Learning Disorders. Please contact us for individual pricing if you may be seeking a reevaluation or have a unique need.
DO WE ACCEPT INSURANCE?
We do not accept insurance. We are an out of network provider for all insurance companies. Upon request, we can provide a Superbill, which can be submitted to insurance for possible reimbursement. We do accept FSA & HSA Card Payments. It is essential you contact your insurance company for any questions regarding coverage.
