Who We Are

The Next Steps Center is a team of licensed psychologists and clinicians dedicated to helping people succeed in school, at work, and throughout later life.

Areas of Specialty

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• College/University Accommodations and Supports
• Developmental Delays
• Gifted/Private School Entrance Testing
• Learning Disabilities
• Mood and Behavior Concerns

What We Do

Independent Educational Evaluations

Under IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education Act), parents of a child with a disability have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation of their child, meaning that the evaluator is not employed by the public agency responsible for the child’s education. A parent may choose to have their child evaluated at any time.

Neuropsychological Evaluations

A neuropsychological assessment evaluates functioning in various areas including intelligence, memory, attention, language, emotional and social functioning. This evaluation is used to formulate customized recommendations for treatment to build upon strengths and address areas of weakness, to develop educational or work accommodations, and to inform treatment planning and therapy.

Autism Assessments

Next Steps offers timely access to a comprehensive assessment for autism. Assessments include use of the gold standard tool ADOS-II in addition to gathering a full personal history and reviewing all relevant documentation.

Diagnostic Services

Next Steps provides complete assessments designed to provide answers regarding diagnosis and treatment recommendations for a variety of disorders including Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Memory Disorders, and Mood Disorders.

The Evaluation Process

The initial appointment at Next Steps is conducted in person or by phone and is an opportunity to discuss concerns and determine a plan for the assessment process. Testing is typically conducted in one full day with a break for lunch, or may be broken into two half-day sessions.

Contact Us

For additional information or to make an appointment, please contact Next Steps by calling 484-454-8787 or by emailing [email protected].

FAQs

Does anyone need to accompany me to the assessment?

If your child is being tested, a parent must accompany the child to the Next Steps testing session(s). If you are being tested, we welcome a spouse, parent, and/or close friend who may accompany you to the initial session for support. If there are concerns regarding changes in behavior or memory, please have an adult close to you accompany you to complete a questionnaire and help identify any changes.

What should I bring to the assessment?

Please complete and bring the history form. If your child is being tested, a legal guardian must be present for the assessment process. We recommend you bring a spouse, parent, or close friend to the initial session if you are the one being tested.

What happens during the assessment?

Next Steps testing is typically conducted in one full day with a break for lunch, or may be broken into two half-day sessions. Testing will involve a range of tasks, each designed to measure an aspect of cognitive functioning. Tasks vary depending on the ability being measured. This can include assessing memory by repeating back numbers or listening to stories and repeating them. Other activities might include putting together puzzles or solving verbal analogies.

Should I take my medication on the day of testing?

Please take any medication prescribed by your physician or psychiatrist. Any changes in medication should be approved by your doctor.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of testing?

While Next Steps does not accept insurance, we do recommend that you contact your insurance company to determine benefits, and we can certainly provide a bill that you may submit to your insurance company. Please note that evaluations for Learning Disabilities and Independent Educational Evaluations are not covered by insurance, but they may be paid for by your school district.

What happens after testing is completed?

While Next Steps may be able to provide some immediate feedback following the evaluation, complex neuropsychological evaluations require more time until results of all testing are reviewed thoroughly. For more complex assessments, a feedback session will typically occur within two to three weeks after testing, at which time results will be explained and next steps will be discussed.