Serena has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education and taught special education in public schools. She then became a homeschool mom to two girls in 2012 (who are now in high school and college). For 15 years, Serena has specialized in testing to uncover learning struggles and help parents with practical next steps to enhance their child’s academic success. This assessment takes 3 hours (possibly a little longer for older students or very slow processors). The parent consultation is typically 1.5 hours. Budget approximately 5.0-5.5 hours for the entire appointment. (Serena has a fun backyard (trampoline, swingset, saucer swing, zipline), a game cabinet, coloring books, and Lego. Pack snacks, water, lunch, and/or other things for your child to do during your parent consultation, or plan for someone to pick up your child while you consult with Serena.)
Currently, Serena is administering the brand new WJ-V which has a new platform, utilizing new norms, as well as an iPad screen for a handful of subtests. For a limited time, this $400 test package will be $250-$300.
Testing by a psychologist costs $1500-$2500, provides a diagnosis, and results in general recommendations. A psychologist provides Achievement testing and IQ (Cognitive) testing. If needed, they will also administer rating scales for autism, ADHD, and social/emotional struggles, as well as test for visual-motor skills. They often do not assess language (typically assessed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP)) or auditory processing skills (typically assessed by an audiologist). Psychologists are not usually unaware of vision therapy, or the reading and writing symptoms indicative of needing vision therapy (assessed by a certified Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: www.covd.org). Serena is skilled at determining if you need to be evaluated for VT, OT (occupational therapy), SLP, audiology.
Serena is not a licensed psychologist but she specializes in giving practical next steps to families (especially homeschoolers). She enjoys working with children of all ages and abilities. She loves to encourage students and families. If you test with Serena Manning for $400, the assessment includes Achievement testing, some extended dyslexia and auditory and language testing, and if applicable, a Beery Visual-Motor Integration test. Serena is skilled at pinpointing potential indicators of dyslexia, receptive or expressive language struggles, visual processing deficits, fine motor delays, sensory struggles, etc. She is skilled at letting families know if they need to pursue an evaluation for VT, OT, speech therapy, language therapy, or audiology therapy.
Serena can administer some Achievement subtests that utilize working memory and processing speed abilities. However, she cannot diagnose ADHD. She coaches families on some practical strategies and resources for ADHD symptoms. If you suspect a below average IQ, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, you should pursue testing with a psychologist. If you need a diagnosis of a disability, pursue testing with a psychologist. Please see the list below for the psychologists we recommend.
If parents needs a licensed psychologist for IQ testing, a full psychoeducational assessment, and/or diagnosis, we refer families to these locations:
Triangle Psychoeducational Consultants: Laura Wyatt & Cheryl Stallings
3-C Family Services in Cary
NCSU Psychoeducational Clinic
From time to time, Serena Manning will help parents who have pursued full psychological testing who need a little extra help understanding their report. Serena specializes in practical next-steps (especially for homeschoolers). This report review is typically $50-$100, depending on whether parents need some simple notes written up, and how long the phone conference lasts).