Psychological Testing for Children and Adolescents

The goal of testing is to understand an individual’s strengths and areas of growth, which can guide treatment planning across social, adaptive, communication, and educational domains. If you have concerns about your child or adolescent’s behavior or development, psychological testing can provide valuable insights to help address their needs effectively.

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Psychological testing in children and adolescents is a process that helps evaluate an individual’s mental health, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. It involves a variety of assessments, such as questionnaires, interviews, and standardized tests, administered by a trained psychologist.

    Autism-Focused Testing
    These evaluations look closely at social skills, language and social communication, behavioral or mood issues, and general development. This testing is beneficial for:
    • Children and adolescents, ages 16 months through 17 years old, who have never received an autism diagnosis.
    • Individuals with a previous diagnosis of autism who require a re-evaluation for treatment planning and maintaining insurance coverage.
    • Parents seeking second opinions about Autism regarding appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
    • School districts seeking private testing for educational support.
    Comprehensive Neurodevelopmental Testing
    These evaluations provide a thorough assessment of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and adaptive functioning. They are useful for diagnosing conditions such as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
    Psychological Testing
    These evaluations assess a range of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and behavioral disorders. They help in treatment planning and understanding an individual’s emotional and mental health needs.
    Additional Services
    • Parent Coaching for Disruptive Behaviors: Individual or group therapy for parents to help them navigate the Autism diagnosis and provide support for managing behaviors and building skills.
    • Consultation: Consultation services for schools, therapists working with neurodivergent populations, and medical professionals seeking insight or guidance on supporting their patients.
    • Sleep Training: Groups or individual sessions focused on helping children improve basic sleep hygiene and address a range of behavioral sleep disorders.

    Kristen Poelker, Ph.D

    Dr. Poelker is a board certified, licensed clinical psychologist with a background in working with individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions in pediatric populations. Dr. Poelker has dedicated years of training to acquire the skillset needed to provide diagnostic clarification and appropriate treatment planning for your child or adolescent.

    Dr. Poelker is a licensed psychologist specializing in autism and other developmental and psychological conditions in children and adolescents. She offers comprehensive assessments to help individuals and families gain a better understanding of their child’s unique strengths and areas of growth. Dr. Poelker offers evidence-based services in a compassionate, family-centered environment, aiming to support early identification and intervention for children and clarity and direction in adolescents with autism and other psychological needs.

    Mission Statement: To provide high-quality, individualized autism evaluations for children and adolescents, empowering families with accurate diagnoses and actionable insights to help their children thrive.

    Contact me for questions…

    Phone: 314-557-3474