LINKS TO RESOURCES
Alex recently started an instagram page to disseminate quick, approachable, accessible, evidence-based information on parenting typical and neurodivergent kids.
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Explaining a psychological evaluation to a child can feel tricky, but it’s also a chance to build trust, reduce anxiety, and help your child feel empowered. Here’s an approach to guide the conversation:
🧸 Keep It Simple and Supportive
Use age-appropriate language: Say something like, “We’re going to meet someone (Alex) whose job is to see what your brain is good at, and what is harder! She’ll do some activities with you - like puzzles, brain games and asking questions -to see how your brain works!
Avoid scary words: Instead of “testing” or “evaluation,” you might say “activities,” “games,” or “meeting.”
Can you stay? Parents are welcome to wait in the adjacent waiting room and have easy access to their children at all times :) Some assessments even require parent participation!
🧠 Focus on Strengths and Curiosity
Frame it as a way to learn more about what makes them unique -their strengths, how they learn, and what might help them feel better or do better in school.
You could say, “Just like a doctor helps us understand our body, this person helps us understand how your brain works best.”
💬 Invite Questions and Feelings
Ask how they feel about it: “Do you have any questions about what it’ll be like?”
Reassure them: “We’ll have lots of snacks, breaks, even prizes, and most kids have a good time!”
🛠️ Normalize the Experience
Let them know lots of kids do this - it’s not a punishment or something to be worried about.
Share that it’s a team effort: “We’re all working together to help you feel your best - me, your teachers, and the person you’ll meet.”
🗓️ Preview What Will Happen
Describe the day: “We’ll go to an office, meet a friendly person, and you’ll do some activities. I’ll be nearby the whole time.”
If possible, show them pictures of the office or introduce the evaluator ahead of time (a video of our office space is available on our Instagram page!).
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PA Early Intervention: Early Intervention Services | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Counties:
Early Intervention - Delaware County Department of Human Services
EI Forms | Montgomery County, PA - Official Website
Getting Early Intervention Services | Chester County, PA - Official Website
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Dr. Alex Reed on Executive Functioning from a GI perspective
Good Inside- Behaviors at School
Disclosure: Alex is a paid contributor to the Good Inside Community, leading the Neurodivergent Kids Room for parenting support and psychoeducation.
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Use Code: ACORNCHILD20
Resources based on neuroscience. Rooted in compassion. Backed by a community that gets it.