Assessments

Dr. O’Rourke conducts assessments that are individualized and unique to the person being evaluated. The focus and scope of an assessment depends on the presenting concern and person's age as well as the developmental, medical, social and emotional history.

After an intake process, the assessment itself typically consists of two to three appointments for a total of four to five hours. The core of a child or adolescent assessment usually includes an assessment of cognitive abilities and academic skill development. From the information gathered at the beginning of the assessment and the information that emerges from the core testing, Dr. O’Rourke will utilize different neurocognitive and psychological tests to complete an assessment that is both specific and comprehensive. These different tests might specifically examine memory, auditory processing, visual processing, attention controls, executive functions, language functioning and emotional factors related to mood, relationships and self-concept. This in unlike the assessment process that is often done in other setting where the same battery of tests is used thus limiting what is assessed and what can be determined.

In the feedback meeting and final written assessment report, Dr. O’Rourke will provide an integrated summary of the quantitative and qualitative assessment results woven into the information gathered at the beginning of the assessment process. Those results are discussed with regard to how the person’s strengths and weaknesses manifest in school, at home, at work, in social relationships, etc. An integral aspect of the feedback meeting is a discussion of the recommendations that emerged from the comprehensive assessment process. These recommendations are also represented in the final written assessment report. Upon request, Dr. O’Rourke will make professional referrals and with written request, follow up with related professionals (i.e. teachers, therapists, doctors, etc.) If the assessment was with a child over the age of 12, Dr. O’Rourke likes the opportunity to meet with that child to discuss the results of the assessment and the recommendations. This is done in a developmentally appropriate manner and enables the child to better understand him/herself and accept the supports or interventions that may have been suggested.