Diagnostic Services

In the course of pursuing an international or domestic adoption, prospective parents are oftentimes asked to complete a psychological evaluation. The focus of this evaluation is typically geared towards obtaining a picture of their psychological well-being, relational style and readiness for adoption. Heritage psychologists who specialize in adoption evaluations understand the lengthy and involved process of adoption and work closely with the sending agency and the prospective parents to provide timely and helpful evaluations.

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

At times, a person may experience difficulties in completing tasks, staying focused, organized and/or managing impulsivity. This may raise a concern related to possible Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or executive dysfunction. Please see “What is Neuropsychological Testing?” for more information on what ADHD testing entails.

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

Gifted testing is a specific type of testing which can identify exceptional students who may benefit from an enriched learning environment; this would also include testing for those who may be 2e, or “Twice Exceptional”.  Heritage psychologists/testing providers can make recommendations for school placement and/or various enrichment activities geared to specific intellectual and emotional needs of the student. Social and emotional testing may also be included in these evaluations as needed.

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

A learning disability (LD) evaluation is designed to look into specific processing deficits which are not due to intelligence, motivation problems, or other diagnosable factors such as ADHD/ADD, depression or anxiety. Concerns may be initially raised when a student does not achieve adequately for his/her age or meet state-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas:

· Basic reading skills

· Reading fluency

· Mathematics calculation

· Oral expression

· Written expression

· Reading comprehension

· Mathematics problem solving

· Listening comprehension

Newer approaches to LD evaluations use a variety of tests (cognitive, neuropsychological, educational, achievement) in order to examine both the achievement areas of concern (ex. reading comprehension, math calculation) along with the underlying neurocognitive processes which support this area of learning. Achievement testing alone provides information on “what” a problem is, but does not provide information on “why” it is a problem. A comprehensive LD evaluation which focuses on patterns of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) provides valuable information on both the “what” and the “why” which are contributing to the academic difficulties; this provides greater clarity on what specific interventions and accommodations would be most helpful.

A good LD evaluation also includes a comprehensive diagnostic interview to make sure that other difficulties, which can look like learning disabilities, are not the primary cause of the learning concerns. Issues such as ADHD/ADD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or lower intelligence may contribute to (or look similar to) difficulties in learning. In some cases, if other concerns are present, it may be important for them to be identified and treated before formal LD testing can occur. This helps to clarify that the learning difficulties are due to true, underlying processing deficits rather than other factors. 

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

Evaluations such as clergy/ordinand evaluations or pre-field assessments may be requested for those who seek greater involvement in ministry, either within a local church/parachurch organization or abroad within a missions context or field placement. These evaluations typically provide information on a person’s emotional and relational health, interpersonal style, and coping strategies. The evaluation process typically involves a personal interview and some tests completed independently. 

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

At times, it may be helpful to gain clarity on aspects of one’s personality, including one’s relational style, approach to conflict, style of handling stress and emotions as well as one’s view of the world and others. These evaluations typically include an interview with a psychologist/testing provider, objective personality tests; sometimes projective tests may be included as well. One’s personality strengths/adaptive factors are identified as well as areas for growth/possible risk factors.

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

Wellness evaluations can be provided as a part of Boarding Programs/Exchange Programs for international high school students who are studying in the United States. These evaluations typically focus on the adjustment of the student to the U.S. culture, including their strengths and any possible risk factors (such as emotional concerns) which may affect their positive adjustment. Heritage psychologists/testing providers work closely with schools/boarding programs in order to provide culturally relevant and timely evaluations to help facilitate the student’s positive well-being and emotional adjustment while enrolled in the program.

For more information about these services for your student or your school’s boarding program, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

Neuropsychological testing is a specific type of testing which takes a more in-depth look at you or your child’s abilities in thinking (ex. memory, attention, problem solving), executive functioning, language, and the ability to make sense of what you see (i.e. visuospatial). Some specific types of neuropsychological testing may also evaluate specific learning areas (reading, writing or math) and/or social functioning. 

Depending on the referral question, some testing batteries are more comprehensive and include testing all of these areas, while other testing batteries may not require in depth testing all these areas. Most evaluations also include a picture of how you/your child are doing emotionally (ex. depression, anxiety) and/or behaviorally as these areas could impact your neuropsychological abilities and vice versa. Your psychologist/testing provider will work with you to determine what testing is best for you/your child.

Together, information in these areas will help to clarify you/your child’s strengths and weaknesses, including any specific difficulties or diagnoses which are interfering with quality of life or functioning in an important area of life (ex. relationships, work, school, home responsibilities, parenting, etc.). This will be summarized in a report which is given to you and to others (ex. school personnel, medical provider, etc) with your written permission to do so.

Common neuropsychological concerns include:

· Neurodevelopmental disorders such as learning disabilities, ADHD/executive dysfunction and Autism Spectrum Disorders

· Neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, memory difficulties, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions

· Gifted/high intelligence evaluations

· Capacity evaluations to determine one’s decision-making abilities, or ability to safely live independently

· Difficulties related to a primary medical concern such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, movement disorders, seizures, cancer, diabetes, genetic conditions, brain tumor, and COVID-19 “brain fog”

· Other problems with thinking abilities such as intellectual functioning, academic achievement, memory, attention, language, visuospatial skills, and executive functioning.

· Testing for both neuropsychological and psychiatric concerns (ex. anxiety, mood concerns, trauma) given the complex interplay between these two areas as one or both can impact one’s quality of life and overall functioning.

For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Sandy Kruse (630) 653-9700 x286.

At times, a person may struggle with behavior/conduct, social issues, and/or emotional concerns. Psychological testing can provide clarity on what is contributing to the emotional and/or behavioral issues and helpful recommendations and guidance for ways to move forward.

Typically, an evaluation starts with a diagnostic interview, then specific tests are given which are related to the identified area(s) of concern. Once testing is completed, a report is written which contains a summary of the testing results along with specific recommendations.

Common areas for psychological testing include:

· Anxiety

· Depression

· Trauma

· Mood swings/irritability

· Social issues (social anxiety, difficulty reading social cues, limited social awareness)

· Disordered eating

· Disruptive behaviors

· Career interests

For information on other areas of testing (for issues such as ADHD, high functioning autism, learning concerns, memory/cognitive issues), please see “What is Neuropsychological Testing?” dropdown above.