Developmental Consultation:
In order to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your child, a developmental consultation/initial evaluation typically takes place over four visits. The first three visits are typically spaced over 3-4 weeks. The fourth visit takes place approximately one month later.
Visit One: Interview, Observation and Physical Exam (typically 60 minutes)
The initial visit will include an interview with caregiver(s) including a detailed history exploring medical, psychological, family and educational factors that may be contributing to concerns about your child’s development. This visit will also include a comprehensive physical exam of your child.
You will be provided with intake forms and questionnaires to be completed prior to your appointment. (Please see the FORMS section of this website.)
We will review relevant reports and information provided to us. Your child will have the opportunity to play and/or participate in the interview depending on your child’s age.
You may be provided with additional forms and questionnaires to be completed by you, teachers or others who know your child well. Please return these materials at the second visit.
Visit Two: Neuro-developmental Assessment (typically 60 minutes)
Your child will have a neuro-behavioral evaluation and will participate in standardized testing specific to area(s) of concern. Developmental tests are designed to evaluate your child’s cognitive, language, motor and academic abilities, or specific aspects of behavior.
Visit Three: Feedback Session (Typically 40 Minutes)
This session is for parents/caregivers only.
Findings, diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations from the evaluation will be shared.
A written summary of your child's developmental evaluation will be provided following this visit. Recommendations may include behavioral planning, educational placement and services, medical interventions, family resources, referrals and additional testing when indicated.
Visit Four: Information/Feedback/Planning Session (Typically 40 minutes)
This visit is typically scheduled for approximately one month after the third visit and once parents/caregivers have had an opportunity to review the written summary of their child’s evaluation .
This is an opportunity to review findings and recommendations in more depth and plan “next steps”.
This visit is for parents/caregivers only.
For some children, a separate feedback session to hear a “developmentally appropriate” version of the findings can be helpful.
Established Patient Follow Up Visits: (30 minutes or 45 minutes)
For established patients in our practice, the frequency of the recommended follow up visits will be individualized to the current needs of your child. Developmental “check ups” to assess progress are typically scheduled every 3-6 months. Recommended follow up may be more frequent when a family and/or child are working on skill building or addressing a specific behavioral challenge.
Some reasons for follow up include:
A new question or concern about your child’s behavior or development
Periodic developmental “check up” to assess progress and update goals. If updated developmental testing is indicated, the follow up visit will be scheduled for 60 minutes
Addressing specific behavioral concerns or developing strategies to build new skills
Discussion about educational and developmental goals, and therapy plans
Preparing for your child’s first visit:
We recognize that going to the doctor may make children feel apprehensive. It may be helpful for caregivers to prepare their child for the visit by providing information about what to expect. Caregivers can reassure their children by letting them know that Dr. Levy will be talking and playing with them. For older children, Dr. Levy may ask them to engage in some activities that they do every day at school like reading, writing and math, but there are no grades. Dr. Levy will perform a physical exam similar to their primary care doctor; however, she will not be giving any shots.
For older children, sometimes they want to know why they are going to the doctor. Caregivers may want to let their child know that Dr. Levy is a doctor who tries to help children do their best at home and at school.
Whenever possible, we strongly encourage you to bring only the child being evaluated to visits.