FAQ

Children are referred for diagnostic evaluations for a variety of reasons related to their development, behavior, and learning abilities. Here are some common reasons:

1. Developmental Delays: Concerns about a child's progress in reaching developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling, walking, or talking, can prompt a referral for a diagnostic evaluation to determine if there are underlying issues.

2. Learning Disabilities: If a child is experiencing significant difficulties in academic areas such as reading, writing, or math, a diagnostic evaluation can help identify potential learning disabilities.

3. Behavioral Issues: Persistent or severe behavioral problems, such as aggression, hyperactivity, inattention, or defiance, may lead to a referral to determine if conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or other behavioral disorders are present.

4. Speech and Language Disorders: Delays or difficulties in speech and language development, such as trouble articulating words, understanding language, or social communication challenges, often necessitate a diagnostic evaluation.

5. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): If there are concerns about social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication issues, a diagnostic evaluation can determine if a child has characteristics of a child on the autism spectrum.

6. Medical and Genetic Conditions: Children with known medical or genetic conditions that may impact development, such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, or other genetic disorders, often undergo diagnostic evaluations to understand the full impact on their development and learning.

7. Academic Performance Discrepancies: Significant discrepancies between a child's academic performance and their potential or intelligence may warrant a diagnostic evaluation to uncover hidden learning disabilities or cognitive impairments.

8. Parental or Teacher Concerns: Concerns raised by parents or teachers about a child's development, behavior, or academic performance can prompt a referral for a diagnostic evaluation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues.

9. Regulatory or Adaptive Challenges: Difficulties with self-regulation, adaptive skills, or daily living activities may lead to a referral for an evaluation to determine the need for interventions or accommodations.

10. Trauma or Environmental Factors: Exposure to trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse environmental factors can impact a child's development and behavior, necessitating a diagnostic evaluation to assess the effects and provide appropriate support.

11. Follow-Up Evaluations: Children who have previously been diagnosed with developmental, behavioral, or learning issues may undergo follow-up evaluations to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans.

Diagnostic evaluations provide critical insights that help in identifying specific conditions, understanding their impact, and developing targeted intervention plans to support the child's development and well-being.

What's assessed?

Assessments of a child's developmental domains typically cover the following key areas:

1. Cognitive Development: Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think through problems and come up with solutions. Memory: Short-term and long-term recall. Attention and Focus: Ability to concentrate and maintain attention. Reasoning and Logic: Understanding concepts, making connections, and logical thinking. Conceptual Understanding: Grasping abstract ideas and concepts.

2. Physical Development: Gross Motor Skills: Large muscle activities such as crawling, walking, running, jumping, and balance. Fine Motor Skills: Small muscle activities such as writing, drawing, cutting, and manipulating small objects. Coordination: Ability to coordinate movements smoothly and efficiently. Strength and Stamina: Physical strength and endurance in activities.

3. Language and Communication Development: Expressive Language: Ability to express thoughts, needs, and ideas through speech and writing. Receptive Language: Understanding and processing spoken and written language. Non-Verbal Communication: Use of gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Social Communication: Pragmatic language skills used in social contexts.

4. Social and Emotional Development: Emotional Regulation: Ability to manage and express emotions appropriately. Interpersonal Skills: Interacting and forming relationships with peers and adults. Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotions of others. Self-Concept: Self-awareness and self-esteem. Adaptability: Coping with changes and new situations.

5. Adaptive (Self-Help) Development: Daily Living Skills: Activities such as dressing, eating, toileting, and grooming. Personal Responsibility: Independence in taking care of personal needs. Safety Awareness: Understanding and practicing safety measures. Problem-Solving in Daily Activities: Ability to navigate everyday challenges and tasks. Household Responsibilities: Participation in chores and managing basic household tasks.

These domains offer a thorough view of a child’s overall development, helping to identify both strengths and areas where support may be needed. Evaluating these areas is essential for designing effective strategies and interventions that promote optimal growth and learning.These domains provide a comprehensive overview of a child's overall development and are essential for identifying strengths and areas that may need support. Assessing these areas helps in creating effective intervention plans to foster optimal growth and development.

Do you provide a diagnosis?

We offer a thorough, whole-child understanding of your child’s strengths and needs. Although we do not issue formal diagnoses, our results can support discussions with your child’s psychologist or medical provider

What should I expect?

You can expect these key components during this evaluation process.

Make an appointment: Our intake coordinator will ask you some questions about your reasons for assessment and set up the intake and testing appointments with one of our diagnosticians.

Intake Session: (Approximately 30 minutes) A parent questionnaire will be completed to provide important background information about your child. At this stage, a 50% payment is required through our online checkout system. You will also be prompted to create your account during this process.

Evaluation: (Approximately 1 hour) The evaluator will ask questions using standardized rating scales or hands-on tasks (for in-person testing) to assess your child’s development and behavior. You may also submit relevant documents, such as medical records, school reports, or previous evaluations, if needed.

Evaluation Analysis Session: (Approximately 30 minutes) During the Evaluation Analysis Session, we will thoroughly review and discuss your child’s assessment results. You will receive a written report outlining detailed findings for each developmental domain assessed. The report will explain the test scores, what they represent, and how they compare to typical developmental milestones. It will also include recommended interventions and strategies to support your child’s development and learning.

What states are you available in?

Learning Lab Diagnostics proudly serves children ages 2–5 across the globe. Through our online platform, we provide evaluations to families throughout the United States as well as internationally.

Payment:

A 50% payment is required during your Intake Session. The remaining balance will be due at the Evaluation.

Learning Lab Diagnostics accepts PayPal as well as major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express).

At this time, we do not accept insurance. Payments can be made securely online using PayPal or major credit/debit cards.

Tips for Parents:

Gather Background Information

Have details about your child’s developmental milestones, medical history, and school performance ready.

Bring any previous assessments, school reports, or therapy notes if available.

Create a Comfortable Space

If the evaluation is online, choose a quiet, distraction-free environment.

Ensure your child has a familiar and comfortable setup for testing.

Be Ready for Questions

Expect to answer questions about your child’s behavior, learning, and daily routines.

Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or more information at any point.

Prepare Your Child (Virtual & In-Person Testing)

Explain in simple terms that they will play some games, answer questions, and do activities to help adults understand how they learn.

Keep expectations low and positive—encourage curiosity, not performance.

Bring Comfort Items

For younger children, having a favorite toy, snack, or blanket can help them feel at ease.

Allow Enough Time

Arrive or log in a few minutes early to reduce stress.

Ensure your schedule allows the session to go at a natural pace without rushing.

Engage with the Process

Participate when prompted, provide honest observations, and share examples of your child’s behavior and skills.

Follow-Up After the Evaluation

Review the written report carefully.

Schedule a follow-up consultation if you have questions about recommendations or next steps.