Recommendation on CAAT

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any experience with CAAT - I am hearing mixed reviews on the intake process and overall wait times.

[Anonymous]

We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand what kind of mixed reviews there could be of the intake process?

For my daughter it was a 2 hour parent interview, 6-8 hours divided between 2 days for her, and then a 2 hour feedback meeting for just parents. Each of the psychologists schedules a bit differently though so you’ll have to ask about the specific person your child is seeing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?

Call them and ask these questions, OP! I believe they prefer for the child to be at least 6 at the time of testing because they can use certain tests at 6 that they can’t use before 6, but you’d have to ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

NP. Did you pay extra for the session where they explained the results to your child? Or the session (or emails, however you did it) where you discussed edits to the report before you submitted it to school? We are awaiting an appointment but it occurs to me that I don’t know whether the $5k is a flat rate or for the 4 main appointments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

NP. Did you pay extra for the session where they explained the results to your child? Or the session (or emails, however you did it) where you discussed edits to the report before you submitted it to school? We are awaiting an appointment but it occurs to me that I don’t know whether the $5k is a flat rate or for the 4 main appointments.

We did not pay for the emails to edit the report. I think we did pay for the child briefing session.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?

Call them and ask these questions, OP! I believe they prefer for the child to be at least 6 at the time of testing because they can use certain tests at 6 that they can’t use before 6, but you’d have to ask.

Interesting point - though isn't that too late for EI (or as early as possible ideally). What I don't appreciate about CAAT is there's an upcharge for everything if DX with ASD...which I find a bit off-putting

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?

Call them and ask these questions, OP! I believe they prefer for the child to be at least 6 at the time of testing because they can use certain tests at 6 that they can’t use before 6, but you’d have to ask.

Interesting point - though isn't that too late for EI (or as early as possible ideally). What I don't appreciate about CAAT is there's an upcharge for everything if DX with ASD...which I find a bit off-putting

I don’t understand what you’re saying. But by all means, just go somewhere else if CAAT isn’t your cup of tea. For some of us with kids with really complex needs, CAAT has been extremely helpful at understanding our children. But just go somewhere else if what they offer isn’t what you need.

Maybe try a developmental pediatrician if you’re looking for a diagnosis for a young child, or go through ChildFind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?

Call them and ask these questions, OP! I believe they prefer for the child to be at least 6 at the time of testing because they can use certain tests at 6 that they can’t use before 6, but you’d have to ask.

Interesting point - though isn't that too late for EI (or as early as possible ideally). What I don't appreciate about CAAT is there's an upcharge for everything if DX with ASD...which I find a bit off-putting

DP. I also had an unpleasant experience with CAAT’s pricing/billing that kind of turned me off from the whole place. Yet everyone keeps on telling us to go there so I may have to reassess.

For just the evaluation, I will say that we got very good and thorough neuropsychs from Childrens and KKI, completely covered by insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges.

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?

Call them and ask these questions, OP! I believe they prefer for the child to be at least 6 at the time of testing because they can use certain tests at 6 that they can’t use before 6, but you’d have to ask.

Interesting point - though isn't that too late for EI (or as early as possible ideally). What I don't appreciate about CAAT is there's an upcharge for everything if DX with ASD...which I find a bit off-putting

DP. I think there is a lot of unhelpful conflation between the “neuropsych” and diagnosis. You should definitely take your child for a free evaluation through the school/county to qualify for educational services & therapy. Do that as soon as you see challenges. You can also go to autism specialty centers and children’s hospitals (KKI or Childrens) for a diagnosis but the wait is longer. The “neuropsych” that is extensive and generally the kid has to be 6+ is not necessary for diagnosis, but a lot of people think it is helpful for understanding the supports the child needs. I am on the fence about how useful the neuropsych was for our kid w ASD - the school based testing seemed to be fine for him. I definitely would not have thought paying CAAT $6000 for what I got for free from Children’s would have been worth it. That money is better spent on therapies and an educational consultant.