Psycho-educational Testing
Ashleigh and Liz leverage their extensive experience as building-level School Psychologists to provide strategic and individualized evaluations. With a deep understanding of both state and federal special education policies and laws, they ensure all assessments comply with South Carolina's regulations. At PALS, we recognize that each individual has unique strengths and challenges, and we adapt our approach accordingly. Our evaluations are comprehensive and personalized, with the specific battery of tests selected based on the referral concern identified during a detailed developmental intake. This tailored approach ensures that the evaluation meets the specific needs of you or your child.
Utilizing a neuropsychological framework, our comprehensive evaluations aim to achieve a thorough understanding of an individual’s cognitive, academic, and social/emotional profile. The results of these assessments will highlight individual strengths and identify potential areas of weakness that may be affecting learning and overall functioning. In addition to potentially leading to diagnoses, our comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations offer tailored recommendations and individualized instructional plans to support any identified deficits. Results from our evaluations help to determine the presence of the following:
SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDER
Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia)
Impairment in Writing (Dysgraphia)
Impairment in Mathematics (Dyscalculia)
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
ANXIETY
DEPRESSION
GIFTEDNESS
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM A PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION?
Children who have been delayed in reaching their developmental milestones.
Children exhibiting difficulties acquiring reading, math and writing skills.
Individuals with a history of, or who are currently experiencing, academic difficulties.
Individuals experiencing difficulties with attention, focus, executive functioning, and organization.
Individuals having difficulty with social communication and social connections.
Children who are receiving early intervention services prior to enrolling in school.
High School/College students applying for SAT/ACT/GRE, etc. accommodations.
Those applying for admissions to private schools or seeking additional supports.
Those seeking Independent Educational Evaluations.
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Approximate Evaluation Time: 14-16 Hours
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 comprehensive process includes cognitive and academic assessments, the gold-standard Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd edition (ADOS-2), and evaluations of social, emotional, and adaptive behaviors. We also incorporate parent, teacher, and student insights as well as direct observation to create a complete profile.
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Approximate Evaluation Time: 10-12 Hours
Are you or your child facing challenges with attention, organization, or managing activity levels? At Palmetto Assessments & Learning Services, we offer detailed evaluations to help understand and address these difficulties. Our holistic approach examines cognitive ability, academic achievement, executive functioning, and attention regulation. We also assess social, emotional, and behavioral functioning, incorporating insights from parent and teacher rating scales, as well as student self-reports and interviews.
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Approximate Evaluation Time: 12-13 Hours
Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are neurodevelopmental conditions affecting the acquisition and use of academic skills, stemming from differences in brain information processing. Our approach to assessing learning disorders involves a comprehensive evaluation that examines cognitive abilities, academic achievement, phonological processing, attention, executive functioning, and other relevant areas. At PALS, we are committed to identifying the most challenging academic skills for your child to create a targeted and personalized instructional plan that enhances their learning experience.
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For children ages three to four years and younger, our primary goal is to assess all areas of development to ensure your child is thriving and progressing as expected.
Autism Evaluations: If autism-related behaviors are observed, we conduct comprehensive assessments to deliver accurate diagnoses and personalized recommendations.
Global Developmental Delay Evaluations: For children where autism is not suspected, we assess key developmental areas, including cognitive ability, adaptive functioning, social/emotional behavior, communication, motor skills, and school readiness. These evaluations are thorough yet efficient, typically involving 2 to 3 hours of in-person testing, complemented by virtual developmental intake and feedback sessions.
We provide a Good Faith Estimate after our initial intake, ensuring transparency and clarity regarding the financial aspects of the evaluation process.
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Approximate Evaluation Time: 10-12 Hours
When a child struggles with emotional regulation, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, or depression, it can impact many aspects of their life and make parenting and family life challenging. We are here to support you through this process. If we identify areas of emotional functioning where your child needs help, we will guide you through obtaining support at school and in the community.
Our assessment process includes a thorough evaluation of cognitive ability, academic achievement, executive functioning, and attention regulation. We also focus on social, emotional, and behavioral functioning through parent and teacher ratings, student self-reports, interviews, and observations.
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Palmetto Assessments and Learning Services offers evaluations for individuals up to age 25, including those in college or graduate school. If you're 18 or older, we invite you to explore our website and schedule a free consultation to determine if our services meet your needs. Our evaluations typically cover cognitive and intellectual ability, academic achievement, self and observer rating scales, developmental history, interviews, observations, and assessments tailored to specific concerns such as ADHD or Autism.
Upon reaching 18, you have legal rights to all health-related information, but we encourage collaboration with parents or guardians for completing necessary paperwork like developmental history.
The cost of an evaluation ranges from 1500 to 2400. While we do not accept insurance, we can provide a Superbill for potential reimbursement. We accept FSA and HSA card payments. Please contact your insurance provider to discuss coverage options before scheduling your evaluation.
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Many private, independent schools and magnet programs require intellectual (IQ) testing and/or achievement testing as part of their admission process. Our evaluations are designed to meet the specific requirements of these educational institutions, ensuring a smooth admission process.
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If you are interested in obtaining a reevaluation from Palmetto Assessments and Learning Services (PALS), please reach out to the Licensed Professional Educational Specialist (LPES) in your area for detailed information on services and associated fees.