As summer winds down, many parents find themselves wondering whether the worries they’ve noticed- trouble focusing on summer reading, heightened frustration with siblings, or lingering sadness- will turn into bigger hurdles once homework begins. For some families, a psychological evaluation before school starts offers a clear map of a child’s strengths and weaknesses, guiding teachers and caregivers toward the right supports from day one.
Below, we’ll walk through what a psychological assessment involves, why timing matters, and how results can shape a smoother, more successful school year – especially if concerns such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), anxiety, or learning differences are on your mind.
What Exactly Is a Psychological Assessment?
A comprehensive assessment goes far beyond a single test. At The Ross Center, our testing services typically start with our unique consultation process. We recognize that every family, and every child is unique, and there is no “one size fits all” for testing. During a one-hour consultation with our Director of Psychological Evaluation or a senior member of our Testing Team, we will start by identifying what specific questions you have and how testing is best able to address those concerns. Afterwards, we’ll build an individualized testing plan for you.
This will typically include:
| Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
| Clinical interview* | We speak with parents (and often the child) about developmental history, school experiences, and current challenges. | Context helps pinpoint where struggles began and which patterns persist. |
| Standardized psychological testing | Depending on the referral question, tools may measure cognition, academic skills, attention, or emotional functioning. | Standard scores allow apples-to-apples comparison with peers. |
| Behavior checklists | Parents and the child’s teacher complete well-validated questionnaires. | Captures how symptoms show up in both home and school settings. |
| Feedback session & written report | We translate data into practical recommendations- classroom accommodations, therapy, or skill-building exercises. | Families and teachers receive a roadmap they can reference all year. |
*This interview is conducted as part of our consultation, but the testing provider may also work to gather additional information as needed based on your unique circumstances.
Think of the process as detective work: gathering clues from multiple sources to see the full picture, not just one snapshot. And by starting out with a consultation first, you’ll be able to better understand the whole process from start to finish, and make an informed decision for you and your child.
Signs Your Child May Benefit Before School Begins
- Persistent attention challenges
- Teachers report “daydreaming” or incomplete assignments; summer tutoring hasn’t closed the gap.
- Struggles with reading, math, or writing
- Skills remain below grade level despite extra help.
- Big emotions that derail routines
- Frequent meltdowns, prolonged sadness, or intense worry about friends and performance.
- Uneven performance
- Bright in conversation yet freezes during tests – suggesting undiscovered learning hurdles.
Starting the school year with unanswered questions can lead to misinterpretations (“lazy,” “defiant”) that dent self-esteem. An early evaluation reframes the narrative, turning confusion into concrete next steps for parents and teachers alike.
Key Benefits: Beyond a Diagnosis
- Targeted Interventions
Knowing your child’s strengths and weaknesses means tutoring or therapy time can focus on true growth areas rather than guesswork.
- Classroom Accommodations from Day One
A research-supported plan – extended test time, movement breaks, graphic organizers – helps children show what they know instead of battling their challenges in silence.
- Early Access to Services
Public schools require documented evidence before providing resource support. A summer report speeds up eligibility meetings and reduces that stressful “wait and see” period.
- Improved Self-Understanding
When children learn why reading feels harder or attention drifts, self-blame decreases and motivation often rebounds.
FAQs We Hear Every August
Isn’t psychological testing only for ADHD or learning disabilities?
Not at all. Assessments also clarify mood, anxiety, executive-function, and social-communication concerns. Understanding emotional functioning can be just as critical as measuring cognition.
Will labels limit my child?
Labels aren’t the goal – actionable data is. Many families find that a well-explained diagnosis opens doors to resources rather than boxes a child in. In fact, our approach focuses more on how to help your child rather than focus on a particular label (although we do provide diagnoses as appropriate).
What if the teacher wants to ‘wait until October’?
Teachers rightly observe performance over time, but starting with objective information lets them tailor strategies immediately, preventing a rocky first quarter.
How long does it take?
From intake to feedback, most evaluations span four to six weeks—still plenty of time to implement recommendations before mid-semester assessments roll around.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Collect school samples. Bring spring report cards or writing samples; real-world work enriches test data.
- Explain the visit positively. Framing it as “finding out how you learn best” reduces anxiety.
- Schedule breaks. Assessments require focus; snacks and movement between subtests keep energy steady.
- Loop in the school early. Sharing the test schedule allows the child’s teacher to note behaviors they’d like evaluated.
When a Psychological Assessment Makes the Biggest Difference
The transition from elementary to middle school- or middle to high school- often exposes hidden gaps in organization or reading comprehension. Likewise, if medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorders hasn’t fully addressed academic dips, updated data can refine treatment plans. Essentially, any moment where expectations jump is a smart time to refresh objective insights.
Ready to Clarify the Path Forward?
The Ross Center’s licensed psychologists provide compassionate, evidence-based testing services for children and teens. Whether you’re seeking clarity on ADHD, learning concerns, or mood-related school struggles, we translate results into realistic, school-ready plans.
Schedule an Assessment Today
- Washington, DC (Friendship Heights) – 202-363-1010
- Vienna, VA (Northern Virginia) – 703-687-6610
- New York City (Midtown Manhattan) – 212-337-0600
Prefer convenience? We also offer select assessment components via secure telehealth for families in DC, Virginia, New York, Maryland, and additional PSYPACT states. Call your nearest office to learn more and reserve a late-summer appointment.
Start the new school year armed with insight- not uncertainty- and give your child the tailored support they deserve.
