Testing

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection—but for many parents, they can also bring stress, worry, and questions about their child’s well-being. Between changes in routine, increased social demands, and the pressure to “make it magical,” you might notice behaviors or struggles that raise concern. This is where psychological testing can bring clarity, understanding, and peace of mind.

Understanding What’s Really Going On

When a child struggles in school, seems unusually anxious, or has frequent emotional outbursts, it’s easy for parents to feel uncertain about what’s normal and what may need more support. Psychological testing provides objective, research-based insight into your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning or emotional patterns.

At Dayspring Behavioral Health, these assessments are designed to uncover the “why” behind behaviors—helping parents and professionals create plans that work, not just guesswork. Whether it’s attention issues, learning differences, or emotional concerns, testing helps bring the full picture into focus.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

The holiday season often brings a natural pause from school routines, making it an ideal time to schedule testing. With fewer academic pressures, your child can participate in assessments in a relaxed environment. Results are typically ready by the time the new semester begins—allowing parents to meet with teachers and plan targeted supports before the next grading period starts.

Plus, going into the new year with clarity can ease the mental load for parents who’ve spent months wondering what’s going on. Answers replace worry, and understanding replaces frustration.

Gaining Peace of Mind and a Clear Path Forward

One of the greatest gifts psychological testing can offer is peace of mind. It helps you understand your child’s unique needs so you can advocate confidently, communicate effectively with educators, and provide the right type of support at home.

For some families, that means identifying a learning difference like ADHD or dyslexia; for others, it’s confirming that a child’s challenges stem from stress, anxiety, or emotional changes. Either way, you walk away with practical next steps and a sense of relief knowing you’re not navigating this alone.

Support That Grows With Your Family

At Dayspring Behavioral Health, our psychologists work closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure that each child’s care plan is thoughtful, effective, and sustainable. We believe that understanding your child’s mind is one of the most powerful tools you can have—and that every family deserves peace, especially during the holidays.

Ready to learn more about how psychological testing can support your child? Contact Dayspring Behavioral Health today to schedule a consultation and start the new year with clarity and confidence.

Every child’s brain develops in unique ways. Sometimes, parents and teachers notice challenges in learning and behavior that are not fully explained by typical testing or classroom observation. In these cases, a neuropsychological evaluation can provide answers and direction.

What Is a Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological assessment looks at how a child’s brain functions in areas such as memory, problem solving, attention, and emotional regulation. Unlike general academic testing, this specialized evaluation is performed by a pediatric neuropsychologist, who has training in how medical, neurological, and developmental factors affect children.

The goal is to identify both the child’s strengths and weaknesses so families and schools can better understand their needs.

When Is an Evaluation Helpful?

Children may be referred for testing for many reasons, including:

· Suspected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

· Concerns about learning disabilities

· A history of brain injury or concussion

· Presence of a brain tumor or other neurological conditions

· Effects of a chronic medical condition that impacts thinking or learning

In each case, a thorough evaluation provides insight into how the child’s brain is functioning and what supports may help.

What Areas Are Measured?

A pediatric neuropsychology evaluation looks at:

· Child’s intellectual abilities, including reasoning and memory

· Academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math

· Behavioral functioning, including attention, self-control, and emotional regulation

· Problem solving and critical thinking skills

· Processing speed, coordination, and other areas linked to brain health

Together, these results give a full picture of a child’s strengths and challenges.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding how a child’s brain works helps everyone involved—parents, teachers, and medical providers—make better decisions. For example:

· A child struggling in school may be showing early signs of a learning disability.

· A child recovering from a brain injury may need specific accommodations.

· A student with ADHD may require classroom strategies to improve focus.

By clarifying these issues, a neuropsychological evaluation ensures that interventions are targeted and effective.

What Happens After the Evaluation?

After testing, the pediatric neuropsychologist reviews the findings with families. The results are used to design a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

· Academic support or special education services

· Therapy for learning or behavioral challenges

· Medical follow-up for neurological conditions

· Guidance for parents and teachers to support the child’s daily life

Final Thoughts

A child’s development is shaped by many factors, from their medical history to their learning environment. A pediatric neuropsychology evaluation goes beyond labeling challenges—it highlights a child’s strengths, identifies weaknesses, and builds a path forward.

For families, this process offers hope and clarity. With the right knowledge, parents and teachers can work together to help every child reach their full potential. Contact Dayspring Behavioral Health today to learn more about our testing evaluation.