Psychological Testing at CAPS

General Information

Background

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders are first manifested in childhood, but many college students with these disorders are often able to succeed in elementary school, middle school, and high school. It is not until college, with its increased demands for autonomous functioning, that these disorders become extremely problematic for these students. Other students have been diagnosed with these disorders as children but need updated documentation in order to pursue academic accommodations through the Disability Resource Center.

These disorders manifest in a variety of ways:

• In the case of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), problems with the capacity to sustain attention and effort are frequently reflected in procrastination, disorganization, and poor persistence.
• Learning disabilities involve specific problems in learning or processing that affect proficiency in the areas of language arts and/or mathematics.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), including Asperger’s Disorder, can impact adjustment to college, quality of social relationships, and academic performance.

Students who are interested in new or updated evaluation for ADHD, learning disabilities, or ASD are encouraged to pursue this process at CAPS.

Philosophy

CAPS believes that the testing process should be a part of a student’s growth in self-understanding. Regardless of the final decision regarding a diagnosis, students are given in depth feedback about psychological test results, provided with recommendations for addressing any concerns, and given the opportunity to ask questions.

Evaluation process

The testing process at CAPS begins with a thorough initial consultation. Initial consultations are provided at no charge. These appointments conclude with recommendations, which may include coaching services, therapy, medication management of symptoms, referral to the Disability Resource Center, and/or comprehensive testing. If comprehensive testing is recommended, several options are available. Testing specialists can help students locate referrals in the Lafayette community, surrounding communities, or in their hometowns, or students can choose to pursue comprehensive testing at CAPS.

Students who decide to pursue comprehensive testing at CAPS are generally placed on a waitlist. Comprehensive testing at CAPS involves a fee. This fee is waived for students who are in high financial need, as determined by the Division of Financial Aid. Students in high financial need are also prioritized on the waitlist in order to allow access to services to students who could not pay to receive testing elsewhere.

Getting started

Students who are interested in ADHD, learning disability, or ASD testing should go to the CAPS PSYC location (Psychological Sciences Building, Room 1120) to complete paperwork pertaining to their concerns. They will be scheduled with a psychological testing specialist for an initial consultation after completing the paperwork.