Testing Accommodations
Here are some of our FAQs. If you can’t find the answer below, feel free to reach out to us via phone or online contact form.
Is a neuropsychological evaluation required to get a testing accommodation?
The need for a neuropsychological evaluation in qualifying for testing accommodations depends on the type of testing accommodation and the tests that it is being used for. For some accommodations and for some standardized tests, it is possible to qualify for the accommodations by simply showing that the student is already receiving those accommodations in their school. However, for many tests, the administering company (i.e., Pearson, College Board, State Agency) requires medical/clinical documentation that demonstrates the need for the accommodations. This is where it can be essential to have a neuropsychological evaluation report to prove the need for the accommodation.
This is especially true when the student is requesting extra time for a difficulty with reading or ADHD. As these types of disorders do not have visible medical markers, testing companies will often require more than a letter or a previous diagnosis to grant the accommodation request.
Which tests can a neuropsychological evaluation be used for?
Neuropsychological evaluations can be used for practically any test in which an individual’s disability impacts their ability to display their knowledge on the test. This applies for tests at the elementary, high school, college, graduate, and post-graduate level. The most common tests for which neuropsych evaluations are requested are aptitude or admission tests, including:
- SAT
- ACT
- LSAT
- MCAT
- GRE
- GMAT
What materials/documentation do you provide as part of a testing accommodation recommendation?
The main documentation for the accommodations is the neuropsych evaluation report, which is generally sufficient to display the individuals deficit and need for accommodations. Often there are forms to be completed as well, and sometimes it is also necessary to write a letter specifically outlining the need for accommodations. Our neuropsychologists try to help each individual get the accommodations they need and work to ensure that this happens.
What support services do your neuropsychologists offer during the testing accommodation application process?
Individuals often have various questions when filling out the forms for testing accommodations, and our neuropsychologists work with each client to make sure that the forms are completed accurately. In addition, when necessary, they will also write a letter of support or complete a necessary form to assist with the application process.
What happens if you do not recommend a testing accommodation for my child?
Although many children do qualify for testing accommodations, there are often cases in which an individual does not qualify. In these situations, it is often due to the fact that the individual does not have a demonstrable deficit or diagnosis which would require such accommodations. Because of this, the accommodation would be inappropriate as there is no medically based need. Instead, our neuropsychologists will often work with the client on developing a test-taking plan through which they can work around the difficulties that they experience during the test.
Under what conditions would a testing accommodation NOT be recommended?
Testing accommodations are only recommended when there is a demonstrable medical, psychological, or cognitive deficit that is impairing the individual’s ability to display their knowledge on the test. In some situations, it is necessary to have a specific medical diagnosis without which the individual would not be able to qualify.
