What to Expect During Psychometric Tests

Are you curious about cognitive or neurodivergent signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one? Testing and evaluations play a crucial role in identifying, understanding, and supporting individuals with various conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), ADHD, cognitive disabilities, and personality disorders. These assessments provide invaluable insights that can lead to better interventions and improved support and outcomes for individuals undergoing testing and for their families and partners. Psychometric testing is also sometimes used for school or career evaluations to provide insight into a person's aptitudes for certain tasks or to confirm a learning difference or disability.

How Does it Work?

First, find a qualified testing center near you. You can ask your child's school psychologists or community advocates for referrals, search Lifeologie's specialists in testing here, or explore a site like Psychology Today and look for professionals who perform psychological testing and evaluations in your area. Once you connect with the clinic or testing center, an intake specialist will learn more about your needs. If you determine testing is right for you, they will most likely schedule an interview session, 1-2 testing sessions, and a follow-up session to review the results. 

Who Conducts These Tests?

An experienced psychologist, psychometrist, or specially trained counselor will conduct each evaluation in a quiet, professional setting. (A psychometrist is a trained expert who administers psychological, personality, and academic tests.)

How Should We Prepare?

Luckily, there is nothing to study for or prepare. Most psychometrists actually prefer clients to come in for evaluations with no advance practice or anxiety about having to perform well. It's best to get a good night's sleep the night before and to pack a few snacks and some water for break periods during testing. 

How Long Does It Take?

Testing can take from 2-8 hours, over 1-2 days, depending on whether a client needs a quick assessment for a singular issue, or a comprehensive evaluation that includes a full battery of tests, including IQ, achievement, ADHD/ASD assessment, and language or sensory screenings. 

What Happens During An Evaluation?

During the test sessions, people are tasked to complete many things, depending on their age and abilities, including answering questions verbally, in writing, and manipulating or completing puzzle-like tasks. Many are designed to assess characteristics but are not designed in a pass/fail format. There is no single test that can diagnose a disorder like ADHD, but evaluating how an individual performs across a series of tasks can provide valuable insight.

How Much Does it Cost?

At Lifeologie Counseling Midlothian, for example, session costs typically range from $300 to $1,000, with most services costing $150 to $200 per hour. However, testing rates vary across the country, and may be as high as $5,000 to $7,000 for comprehensive evaluations. 

Our initial interviews and information-gathering sessions typically last 1 hour, and testing usually occurs within a 2 to 8 hour time frame depending on the referral or reason for evaluation. Prior to testing, a deposit may be collected to cover the cost of evaluation materials. 

Does Insurance Cover Testing?

Insurance does not typically cover neurocognitive evaluation unless it is considered medically necessary. Lifeologie Counseling does not bill insurance for psychometric testing. However, if ASD, ADHD, or a personality disorder is diagnosed, a multispecialty counseling practice can connect you with an individual or family therapist who takes insurance or offers a wide range of fees, and specializes in helping people navigate life's new challenges. They may also be able to connect you with free community resources for more support.

Since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was amended in 2004, parents have a legal right to request that their public school evaluate their children for special educational needs. 

However, the process can sometimes be challenging. Limited resources in many school districts, including understaffing and lack of training, can delay testing and a subsequent diagnosis for months or even years. Parents may choose to pursue testing on their own to access appropriate services and early interventions.

How Will I Receive Results?

Typically, a few weeks after testing is completed, the person conducting the tests will meet with the client (and a parent or family member if a child is undergoing testing), and provide a comprehensive written report detailing the test results and diagnostic findings.

Is Testing Necessary?

If someone is struggling with the signs and symptoms of a disorder, an accurate diagnosis can be the most important step in finding effective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Early interventions help children tap into their strengths so they can better navigate school and social life, but it’s never too late to learn about your cognitive, behavioral, or neurodivergent world. 

For more details about how testing works, read my blog, Consider Testing for ASD, ADHD, and More here on wefixbrains.com