Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s an appropriate referral scenario?
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a. Struggling with emotional and/or behavioral challenges that have significantly impacted school or work
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b. Concerns with school performance and learning abilities
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c. Concerns related to typical development in children (Ex. “My son doesn’t play with other children, and I think he has problems communicating.”)
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d. School refusal, suspension, risk of expulsion
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, e. Already has a diagnosis, but support hasn’t been helpful
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f. Already has a diagnosis, but functioning in school or work has not improved
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g. Any referral sent by a pediatrician or another physician
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h. Any referral sent by a school
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i. Any referral sent by a CSA Coordinator/FAPT
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What can families reasonably expect?
ALL REFERRALS: An intake appointment to determine whether…
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i. The referral is appropriate for testing
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ii. CAVA has the tools required to answer referral questions
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IF APPROPRIATE for testing, any of the following scenarios, and combinations of, are possible:
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iii. Caregivers will complete multiple questionnaires;
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iv. Child will undergo testing in person without the caregiver present for at least one half-day and at most two full days;
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*For children under 18, the caregiver is expected to stay in the office waiting area throughout the entire testing session (or be available within 5 minutes of call/text)
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v. School personnel will be contacted to complete questionnaires and/or provide other data (w/ ROI);
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vi. Referral sources will be contacted (w/ ROI);
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vii. Feedback will be provided to caregiver(s) and child, as developmentally appropriate, verbally and in report form;
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viii. An additional follow-up appointment will be scheduled to review findings again, ensure understanding, and help families navigate recommendations
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IF NOT APPROPRIATE for testing, services through CAVA and/or another provider will be offered.
What are some common reasons a referral could be deemed inappropriate for testing?
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j. Problems are isolated to one setting or person (Ex. “She will do her homework at school but never at home with me.”)
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k. Caregivers share custody, and both adults are not on board or refuse to sign consent forms
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l. Child refuses to be tested
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m. Child predominantly speaks and reads in a language other than English
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n. Only one kind of testing for one specific diagnosis is desired (Ex. “We need an autism diagnosis so that services he already receives can be covered.”)
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o. Testing results would have very little to no utility or potential for improving current functioning or family disposition
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p. Individual is unable to abstain from unprescribed substances and/or alcohol during testing or likely to experience immediate withdrawal
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What’s the difference between psychological and neuropsychological testing, and are both available at CAVA?
Yes, Dr. Sale conducts psychological evaluations that may include both types of testing. Neuropsychological testing will be conducted if there is reason to suspect developmental or neurological problems, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and/or social communication disorders.
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Psychological Testing |
Neuropsychological Testing
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Included in all CAVA psychological evaluations in some form
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Added when brain development is a concern or greater diagnostic clarity is necessary to improve treatment recommendations
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Aims to focus on emotional well-being and treatment for one or more psychiatric diagnoses (ex., depression)
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Aims to deliver a comprehensive profile of an individual’s brain functioning and their ability to take advantage of learning opportunities
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Usually includes only self-report measures or questionnaires completed by caregivers
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Includes multiple tests that help measure functioning related to cognition, achievement, social communication, memory, and executive functioning
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