Psychological Testing

The purpose of a psychological evaluation is to assess and measure symptoms in order to accurately determine diagnosis. Diagnosis then directs treatment, both psychotherapy and psychological intervention, if necessary. A psychological evaluation provides a significant amount of information about cognitive functioning, academic functioning, visual perceptual reasoning skills, auditory versus visual strengths, long term memory versus short term, and personality traits.

Psychological tests are normed and standardized, which means they are given in the exact same way every time. The process of a psychological assessment involves use of the scientific method, where the scientist, i.e., the psychologist, gathers information, develops a hypothesis to rule in or rule out specific diagnoses, assesses, and then determines if the data supports the hypothesis or not. This allows for a much more objective examination as the client is compared with others their age and sex.

ADHD

The diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly used in today’s culture. Accurately assessing the symptoms to determine the severity of inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity is imperative before considering treatment, especially psychological intervention. The psychological evaluation provides several measures of the presence and severity of each diagnostic criteria as well as cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. The possibility of learning disability must also be rolled out in children and adolescents. It is essential to know and understand your child’s level of academic achievement as this impacts their functioning in the classroom, and eventually impacts all aspects of life.

The overall benefits of a psychological evaluations allow for a baseline to be determined which provides a quantitative measure to assess the effectiveness of treatment. The overall goal is to reduce the impact of the symptoms by increasing coping and compensatory skills.

The assessment of adults to rule out potential symptoms of an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is essential. So many adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel a sense of underachievement because they are able to be successful during short periods of time, which leads others in their lives to say, “You can do it if you just try hard enough!” The word “just” is used so often with those with ADHD, and it is so frustrating to know one is capable of achieving but cannot do so consistently across time and different settings.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is an area of expertise for Dr. Davenport. Helping parents, teachers and those interacting with clients with Autism is so important because the how and why then makes sense. Not only are the brains of those with Autism different, but the neurological hypersensitivities are constantly bombarding them with auditory and visual stimuli, olfactory and tactile sensations, and the many demands of life. It can be a daily struggle to ignore and avoid these stimuli, and understanding the struggle is imperative for their family and teachers. It is possible to develop coping strategies, but the client’s world must be understood as qualitatively different.

Anxiety, Depression, and OCD

Providing psychotherapy for clients with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, and Autism allows for improvement in functioning. Many people become used to feeling anxious or unhappy, and they do not know that it is possible to change! The use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy within an eclectic approach facility understanding, growth and change for clients. There is a whole world out there to explore and being free from anxiety and depression is the best gift one could give themselves! My job is to help you achieve this goal of joyfulness. We are so often reminded to be present in the moment and joyful, yet few people understand the “how” to get there.