Evaluations
Evaluation Process
The Diagnostic Team at Pediatricians of Dallas provides comprehensive testing, recommendations, and treatment planning for learning disorders and ADHD. They also screen for mood disorders and offer re-evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning).
Are you worried that your child is struggling in their academic setting as well as socially, emotionally, and behaviorally? They may need more support, but you are unsure where to start…we can help! You might have noticed grades or work performance slipping, trouble with concentration, or difficulty with completing assignments, which could all indicate an attention or learning problem. They may appear quickly frustrated or easily overwhelmed by their challenges. A lowering in self-confidence or increase in sadness/anxiety can be indicators of a learning difference that needs to be identified and supported by your child’s educational setting.
The best way to determine whether an attention or learning deficit exists and the most appropriate treatment recommendations is to have a psychoeducational assessment. Our diagnosticians provide assessments to determine accurate diagnoses, recommendations for treatment, and whether academic accommodations are needed. An assessment battery is designed to address the following issues for students age 5 and above:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD)
- Specific Learning Disorder (such as Dyslexia, processing speed issues, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia)
- Re-evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning)
- Screen for Depression or Anxiety
- Screen for Social or Behavioral Problems
Assessments are comprehensive and individually tailored for each student’s challenges. Testing sessions typically include a clinical interview, standardized intelligence (IQ testing) and cognitive testing, evaluation of academic achievement, and developmental measures of attention span and impulsivity. A screening for depression or anxiety can be included, if needed. Our testing batteries meet criteria for SAT, ACT, and Section 504 requirements.
Assessment results will include cognitive strengths/weaknesses, learning patterns, and potential diagnoses. This information along with specific recommendations will be detailed in a report as well as reviewed with you at a Test Result appointment.
First Steps
To begin this process with one of diagnosticians, we require completion of the following forms:
- New Patient Registration Form
- Parent Vanderbilt Form
- Teacher Vanderbilt Form
- Teacher Education Evaluation
Please start out by calling our office at (214) 691-3535 to inquire about educational testing. After we discuss the process with you, copies of previous assessments or school documentation may also be uploaded online. Once submitted, someone from our office will contact you within the next week to schedule a new patient appointment.
Evaluations typically require 4-6 hours to complete and are scheduled in a sequence of 2 hour appointments depending on the presenting concern and the age of the student. The assessment process itself involves many different types of tests, some may seem like tasks that one might do in school while other parts appear like brain games or puzzles. If you are unsure of how to discuss this process with your child, please read our suggestions here: Talking to your Child about Testing. A school absence excuse will be provided.
Diagnostic evaluations including actual testing time, scoring, compiling of results and report writing for the feedback session (Test Results). We accept private insurance in-network plans to assist in covering the cost of your child’s assessment. After the first appointment, our diagnosticians will specify which assessments are best suited for your child. Our billing department will verify your insurance benefits and determine covered services. You will be notified of your out-of-pocket portion for the assessment. Please note that reimbursement rates are an estimate of payment not a guarantee of payment.
Testing Day Prep
Please ensure your child receives a full night’s rest prior to their evaluation. You may send your student with a snack, lunch, or drink to eat during their appointment. Parents are not required to remain at the office during the evaluation. Students who currently take stimulant medication for ADHD are requested to suspend taking their medicine on the day of their evaluation.
Evaluation Results and Recommendations
A 1 hour Test Results appointment will be scheduled to review your child’s assessment. Your child does not attend this last appointment, it is recommended both parents are present. A discussion of the results will include:
- observations during the evaluation
- teacher feedback
- review of your child’s scores
- explanation of cognitive IQ and any areas of concern
- recommendations for implementing school accommodations
- referrals of further evaluation or counseling
What do our Diagnostic Specialists do?
Our diagnosticians perform psycho-educational evaluations of children struggling with developmental delays and learning differences. They diagnose learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Disorder of Written Expression, and ADHD. They also offer re-evaluations for High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. After the diagnostic evaluation is completed, a test results appointment is scheduled is assist parents in educational planning in their child’s public or private school setting as well as recommendations for their child's social and emotional health. A full report is provided to parents at the test results appointment.
Lee Ann Hamm, M.S.
Licensed Psychological Associate, Licensed Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor
Lee Ann Hamm, M.S., is a Licensed Psychological Associate (working independently), Licensed Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor. She specializes in assessments for children with developmental delays, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mood/behavior challenges. In addition, Lee Ann offers re-evaluations for students with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Crichton College, Lee Ann earned her Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and Dallas Psychological Association. Lee Ann has had the pleasure of working with children with learning differences for the last twenty years. She has experience in dyslexia tutoring, executive-skills’ coaching for ADHD individuals, group therapy, parent coaching, and counseling. However, her primary focus has been in psychological and educational evaluations of children struggling with developmental delays, learning differences, and ADHD. Lee Ann’s passion is to help parents best understand their child’s individual learning style and to provide parents with the resources they need to request greater educational support within their child’s academic setting. Lee Ann is the mother of two college-aged children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, kayaking, and gardening.
Lee Ann Hamm joined the staff of Pediatricians of Dallas in 2005.
We are honored that you have reached out to Pediatricians of Dallas for the developmental care of your child. We understand as a parent you may feel the need to complete developmental testing quickly. We are working to meet with you and your student as soon as possible; however, we do have a lengthy wait time. This is because we work diligently to obtain some insurance coverage to assist with evaluation cost. We are also currently seeking to increase our team with additional providers to offer developmental testing. Your child’s mental and emotional health is a priority to us. If you are comfortable with waiting to meet with one of our diagnosticians, please proceed with filling out our new patient packet. However, if you are not comfortable with our scheduling availability, we have attached a list of providers to review and refer to for psycho-educational testing.
The Housson Center 214-351-0053
Michelle Lurie Psy.D 972-248-3682
Dr. Alexandria Doyle 214-361-5900
Dr. Catherine Stevenson 972-673-0102
The Shelton School and Evaluation Center 972-774-1772
The Winston School and Evaluation Center 214-691-6950
If you have questions about scheduling or the testing process, please call 214-691-3535 x228.
If you have questions about insurance or your bill, please contact Niecy at (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can call our office (214) 691-3535 ext. 242.
Suggested Reading Materials, Websites, and Podcasts
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell
Delivered from Distraction by Edward Hallowell
ADD Quick Tips by Carla Crustinger and Debra Moore
Spark by John Ratey
Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell Barkley
Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD by John Taylor
Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons that Medicine Cannot Teach by Vincent Monastra
The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences - Schools with Programs for ADHD, ASD, or Learning Differences by The Princeton Review
Calming the Chaos: Behavior Improvement Strategies for the Child with ADHD by Jim Fay (Audio CD)
Attention Girls! by Patricia O’Quinn
Executive Functioning/Organizational Skills
Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Approach for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential by Richard Guare, Peg Dawson, and Colin Guare
Organizing from the Right Side of the Brain by Lee Silber
Time Management for the Creative Person by Lee Silber
The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents by Nancy Ratey
Learning Disabilities
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
Straight Talk About Reading by Susan Hall and Louisa Moats
A Special Education: One Family’s Journey Through the Maze of Learning Disabilities by Dana Buchman
Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up: Help Your Child Overcome Slow Processing Speed and Succeed in a Fast-Paced World by Ellen Braaten and Brian Willoughby
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
How Does Your Engine Run? by Mary Sue Williams
The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz
Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller
Childhood Development
How to Read Your Child Like a Book by Lynn Weiss
Parenting with Love and Logic, Teaching Children Responsibility by Jim Fay
Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting From Birth to Six Years by Jim Fay
Parenting Teens with Love & Logic – Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood by Jim Fay
Why Do They Act That Way? by David Walsh (Adolescence)
Weight Loss Confidential by Anne Fletcher
The Explosive Child by Ross Greene
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior by Jed Baker
Website Recommendations for ADHD
Center for Brain Health at University of Texas – Dallas
https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/
Excellent magazine for families with children diagnosed with ADHD
Building concentration techniques for ADHD children
Explanation, support, and resources when evaluating your child
https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/
Benefits of Fish Oil for ADHD
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/what-are-the-benefits-of-fish-oil-for-adhd/
Website Recommendations for Autism
https://www.autism-society.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/
Associated Websites
AlphaSmart Word Processor
Testimony of young adult’s journey with High Functioning Autism
