Why Work with Us
There are a number of factors that make our services unique.
We approach each assessment holistically, where we customize our methods depending on the questions that need answering. We work hard not to “over-test.” We aim to learn as much as we can about your child as efficiently as possible. At the same time, our goal is to get to know your child or teen beyond diagnostic labels. The aim is for us to come away with a strong understanding of your child’s personal assets and strengths, as well as areas where support or intervention would be helpful.
We prioritize making the evaluation experience positive and enjoyable for your child or teen. Many parents worry that testing will be a negative experience for their child, but most often the young people we work with actually enjoy their time with us.
First, we work with you ahead of time on how best to talk to your child or teen about the visits. Second, we've found that young people enjoy the one-on-one attention they receive during their sessions. Our providers are dedicated to getting to know each client, and kids often experience this focused attention as therapeutic in itself. Third, we highlight your child's strengths throughout the process. Many of our clients leave feeling proud of the hard work they accomplished during testing. Also, our clients usually leave excited, since we have great prizes for them at the end of each visit!
We typically work in teams, which gives us the chance to have more than one set of eyes on your child. This can be really helpful when assessing children with complex profiles.
We offer the option of a school observation, which can be a rich source of information about a child’s behavior and needs.
Whenever possible (and with your consent), we connect with your child’s teachers and other providers who are involved in your child’s care. Communicating with others who know your child well helps us to gain a fuller picture.
We specialize in assessing children who present with complex pictures that may involve learning challenges, neurodevelopmental issues (autism or ADHD), anxiety, and disruptive behavior.
We specialize in assessing preschoolers, in addition to older children and teens.
We strive to complete the evaluation process within approximately six weeks (with a typical range of one to two months from start to finish). The report is usually complete within a day or two after the feedback session. This is a remarkably efficient timeline for child assessments.
We work hard to create a written report that is integrative, clear, and readable. We offer directions that caregivers can take to better support their child’s needs. Our recommendations consist of steps that are realistic and doable, and that reflect a child’s specific needs as opposed to “boiler plate” lists.
Our assessment space is cozy and welcoming. Many visitors comment that it feels like a living room. Kids love to explore our extensive fidget toy selection. We offer fun snacks and prizes. During their child’s visit, caregivers can set up a work space in our waiting room. Or, while they wait, caregivers can enjoy the Madison Park shops, coffee shops, or a lake front walk.
In addition to the lead provider, we typically also assign an advanced practictioner (Karen Pavlidis, PhD, or Andrea Dorsch, PhD) to collaborate on each case. Dr. Pavlidis has had extensive training and 25+ years of experience in child assessment. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in neurodevelopmental disabilities at the University of Washington’s Center for Human Development and Disability and at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Dr. Dorsch has had a 30+ year career as a pediatric neuropsychologist, with prior positions at the University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
