Serena Manning administers this test package. She has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education. Serena taught special education in public schools, then became a homeschool mom to two girls in 2012 (who are now in high school and college). She specializes in pinpointing the root of learning struggles and helps parents with practical next steps to help their child succeed academically. 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 hours for the entire appointment.
Testing by a psychologist costs $1500-$2000, 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 do some extra testing for visual-motor skills. They often do not assess language or auditory skills. (That is typically completed by a speech-language pathologist.) Psychologist are not usually aware of vision therapy, or the reading and writing symptoms indicative of needing vision therapy. (This is assessed by a certified Optometrist or Ophthalmologist www.covd.org).
If you test with Serena Manning for $300, the assessment includes Achievement testing, and then some extended dyslexia and auditory and language testing. Serena is not a licensed psychologist but she specializes in giving practical next steps to families (especially homeschoolers). She enjoys working with kids of all ages and abilities. She loves to encourage families. Serena is skilled at pinpointing indicators of dyslexia, signs of receptive or expressive language struggles, signs of a need for vision therapy, etc. She is skilled at letting families know if they need to pursue an evaluation for VT, OT, speech or language therapy. She can give some practical strategies and resources for ADHD symptoms.
However, if you suspect a below average IQ, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, you should pursue testing with a psychologist. If you need a diagnosis, pursue testing with a psychologist.
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 psychological report review is typically $50-$75, depending on how much needs to be written, and how long the phone conference lasts).