Frequently Asked Questions



What is included in the Comprehensive Assessment program?

Our comprehensive assessment program includes complete case history review, initial consultation, psychoeducational evaluation, neurodevelopmental evaluation, a preliminary review conference, and a detailed report and recommendations plan. Following these steps, an academic coaching consultation (when indicated), advocacy support conference, and  follow-up consultation with Dr. Yellin are included in the program, in addition to outreach to a school, institution, tutor, or teacher if requested. 


What if we need more help?

The Yellin Center provides ongoing management, follow-up support and periodic re-assessment services. Types of follow-up available include check-ups for ongoing management, medication management, academic coaching, progress monitoring, counseling, educational therapy and periodic re-evaluation. Fees for ongoing support services vary; please contact us for assistance.


What is a neurodevelopmental assessment?


Our assessment aims to determine a student’s profile of neurodevelopmental functions and academic skills. These functions are the basic brain processes that affect learning: attention, memory, language, spatial ordering, sequencing, higher order thinking, social thinking, and neuromotor skills. Understanding a neurodevelopmental profile helps reveal why a student may be struggling in school. Each student's individualized learning plan will be based on his or her unique profile.


We've been told we need "neuropsych" testing. Is this something you do?


Yes. In addition to our neurodevelopmental assessment, we provide traditional psychoeducational and neuropsychological testing batteries, standardized scores, and traditional diagnoses in many cases. We have found that these measures can help make our work accessible for students seeking services and accommodations from schools and testing organizations. We individualize our approach for each student, so please call us to discuss your particular needs or questions.


What is Mind, Brain, and Education?


The emerging field of Mind, Brain, and Education is based upon the importance of creating connections among individuals whose work deals with learning, education, and cognitive science. Scientists who study the brain’s structures and functions, and clinicians who look at how individuals think, perceive, feel, and learn have made enormous strides in understanding how educators can teach most effectively. But without linkages among scientists, clinicians, schools of education, and classroom teachers, these groups cannot benefit from the knowledge and experiences that each can offer to the others. An important part of our work includes bringing scientific findings about learning to our assessment process and in working collaboratively with schools and organizations to implement our learning plans, share our knowledge, and obtain meaningful feedback about what works. 


How much will this cost?

Fees for services provided at The Yellin Center vary and are informed by the types of specific services indicated for each student. Please contact us for current information regarding our fees and policies; a written list is available upon request. You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” in writing before your initial appointment, explaining how much your care at The Yellin Center will cost. We offer a need-based sliding scale fee reduction program for qualifying families. Some patients have experienced success in receiving partial reimbursement from health insurers through their out-of-network benefits; however, we urge you to check with your individual carrier for specific details. 


How might this differ from other assessments my child may have had?


Our model is interdisciplinary, which means that multiple clinicians assess each student individually and integrate their findings as a team to provide a comprehensive profile of a child’s strengths and weaknesses that is directly linked to academic performance. Our assessment is not limited to standardized batteries, but can be individualized to identify your child’s specific needs. The process is dynamic and highly interactive; and most students enjoy this experience.


Who conducts the assessment? 


Assessments at The Yellin Center are conducted by a team of clinicians led by Paul B. Yellin, MD, FAAP. Dr. Yellin conducts major aspects of the evaluation personally, and works alongside experienced Learning Specialists to enable multi-disciplinary collaboration. Each student’s medical history and neurological status is reviewed by an experienced, board certified pediatrician.


What will the assessment be like? 


Students meet with clinicians in a one-on-one setting. Breaks and snacks are provided. Parents can view portions of the assessment from a separate room via video camera. Most students enjoy the experience, and often leave the process with increased optimism, self-awareness, and empowerment.


How long does it take?


Our comprehensive evaluation program encompasses a series of appointments ranging from initial consultation to post-assessment conferences. A typical assessment for a student usually requires about two days with us in our office. Most assessment days begin at 8:45 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m, however, we will work with your family to identify an appointment schedule that works for you. The number and duration of visits necessary will depend upon each student's particular situation.


Should my child take prescribed medication? What if we have medical concerns?


If you have questions about the effectiveness of a current medication treatment plan, please discuss your concerns with our intake staff in advance of your appointment. Dr. Yellin can provide guidance on how to administer medications during the assessment process. If the student wears glasses, corrective lenses, or regularly uses any type of assistive technology for school or work, please bring them on the date of your appointment. Dr. Yellin will meet with you to review any medical issues that are relevant to learning.


What kind of report will we receive? 


Our reports are designed to provide insight into a student’s individual strengths and challenges, and include a descriptive profile of the student’s specific neurodevelopmental functioning, as well as an individually-tailored recommendation plan to address each student’s strengths and challenges at home and at school or work. The report will also include a summary of the neurodevelopmental, educational, and medical portions of the assessment, including relevant scores and findings where applicable. 


How can we use the report to help our child in school?


The Yellin Center uses a dynamic assessment approach which allows us to incorporate a variety of data points into our findings, including clinical observation, test scores and information collected from home, school, and other settings. The recommendation plan included in the report provides specific strategies that students, parents, and educators can implement into their current practice. While we can advise you about specialized services, no independent evaluator can mandate that a school must follow all of their recommendations. If you have specific concerns about eligibility for school services or accommodations for standardized tests, please discuss them with us prior to the scheduled assessment.