Evaluation & Testing Services

Evaluation Services are provided at our Barnstable office. In-home evaluations are available for seniors only.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing

ASD testing looks specifically at the sometimes subtle cluster of behaviors through neuropsychological and social skills testing using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which is an assessment of communication, social interaction, and play for individuals suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder.

  • We provide a specialized evaluation service for transition planning. This may include social evaluation, activities of daily living, vocational and interest assessment, emotional and projective assessments

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological testing is used to understand an individual's' functioning by measuring various cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, executive function and self-regulation by looking at brain functions, such as working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control.

  • We provide evaluation services for dementia related disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other mild to severe cognitive impairments

Dementia Testing

Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember, and affects memory in ways that are directly related to the types of memory.  Memory is intricate and multifaceted, encompassing various types each utilized for different activities. Understanding these types can be beneficial.  Each type of memory is associated with specific brain regions, and different types of dementia may affect these areas in varying degrees. 

Alzheimer's disease, for example, initially tends to damage the hippocampus, a key area involved in episodic memory, before affecting other parts of the brain. 

Frontotemporal dementia may impact the frontal and temporal lobes, which are crucial for processing semantic memory and personality, affecting behavior and language skills early in the disease.  

Understanding how dementia impacts different types of memory can help in diagnosing the specific type of dementia and tailoring care and support to the individual's needs.  During the evaluation, we will discuss the four types of memory including working memory, episodic memory, semantic memory, and prospective memory. These are highlighted in the report.  

Sometimes, mental health and mood symptoms can be accounted for within the context of a major neurocognitive disorder or as a seperate vulneralbility.  In dementia, there are progressive brain changes, including the loss of brain cells, can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to anxiety and depression. Cognitive decline may result in awareness of deficits, causing frustration and sadness. Communication challenges can lead to anxiety or depression due to difficulty expressing needs. Loss of independence and social isolation often contribute to depressive symptoms. Additionally, physical health issues in dementia can further worsen mood. Addressing these emotional and psychological aspects alongside cognitive challenges is vital for improving the well-being of those with dementia.

ADHD/ Executive Functioning Testing

In neuropsychological evaluations focused on executive functions (EF).  We look at the brain’s command center for managing tasks and behavior. These functions are crucial for effective learning and daily management of tasks, helping us plan, organize, and complete tasks effectively. This can help us understand if conditions like ADHD or learning differences might be problematic.  Understanding these functions can help identify if there are any difficulties that might be affecting a person’s learning or behavior. This insight allows for the development of tailored interventions that support areas of weakness and leverage strengths, ultimately helping these individuals succeed in school and daily life.

These are often the areas where individuals with ADHD or learning differences face the most challenges assessing. Executive functions include: working memory,  cognitive flexibility,  inhibitory control,  problem solving,  and planning.

EF Problem Solving: This involves figuring out what to do when faced with a new challenge, finding ways around obstacles, and coming up with effective solutions. For individuals with learning differences, finding new ways to approach tasks can be tough. An understanding of their problem-solving skills can guide strategies that help them tackle tasks more effectively.

EF Cognitive Flexibility: This refers to our ability to adapt and switch gears between different tasks or thoughts when the situation changes.   individuals with ADHD or learning differences may have trouble adapting to new rules or switching between tasks, which can impact their learning and social interactions. 

EF Working Memory: This is like a mental sticky note that helps us hold on to information while we are using it, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.  This is crucial for following instructions and solving problems, tasks that individuals with ADHD or learning differences often struggle with due to difficulties in holding information in mind while using it. 

EF Planning: Similar to planning a trip, this skill helps us think through the steps we need to take to reach a goal, and then organize our actions accordingly.   Many individuals with ADHD or learning differences struggle with organizing their tasks and managing their time. Evaluating their planning skills can lead to better strategies for helping them structure their activities and improve their productivity.

EF Inhibitory Control: This is our ability to stop ourselves from doing the first thing that comes to mind, which allows us to think before acting.  This involves controlling impulses and distractions, a common challenge for those with ADHD. Difficulty with inhibitory control can affect a child's ability to stay focused on a task or behave appropriately in social settings. 

Psychological Testing

Psychological testing is often helpful for individuals who may feel ‘stuck’ in their life or to help better understand other factors which may be influencing your daily life. By using measures like the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3™ which is a measure of all five dimensions of personality: Agreeableness (A), Conscientiousness (C), Neuroticism (N), Extraversion (E), and Openness to Experience (O). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) to assess an individual's cognitive, personality, and emotional functioning.