Navigating the Roadmap
Answers to Common Questions about the Evaluation Journey
Answers to Common Questions about the Evaluation Journey
School-based evaluations are designed for one purpose: to determine if a child meets specific criteria for special education services under state law. While valuable, they are often limited in scope. Our tailored private evaluations provide a deeper, clinical "High-Resolution" view of your child. We look at the whole child across all environments, providing a formal medical-grade diagnosis and a roadmap that schools are legally required to consider. Our reports bridge the gap between "qualifying for help" and "truly thriving."
We understand that in the life of a struggling child, every week counts. While many hospital-based clinics have 6–12 month waitlists, we operate with clinical urgency. You can typically expect your Initial Consultation within 2 weeks of your inquiry. Once testing is complete, we schedule your Results Feedback Session and deliver your final roadmap within 2–3 weeks—ensuring you have the documentation you need for this school year, not next.
The most accurate clinical data comes from a child who is comfortable and well-rested. We recommend framing the day as a way to "discover how your brain learns best." For younger children, you can describe the session as "Brain Games" or "Puzzles and Activities." Explain that everyone’s brain works differently—some are great at stories, others at solving mysteries. These activities help us find their "Superpowers" and identify where they might need a little extra "Scaffolding." Most importantly, let them know there are no grades and they cannot "fail."
To ensure we get the most out of our time together, please bring any items that help your child perform their best:
Physical Supports: Corrective lenses or hearing aids are essential for valid testing.
Comfort & Energy: A favorite water bottle, a protein-rich snack for breaks, and a small "fidget" toy or familiar stuffed animal to help them feel at ease.
Medication: Unless instructed otherwise during our intake, please have your child take their usual medications as prescribed.
Records: If not already uploaded to the portal, please bring copies of previous IEPs, 504 plans, or private therapy reports.
Our office is a safe, quiet space designed specifically for your child’s focus. To capture a true picture of their cognitive and emotional "gears," we prioritize building rapport first. We move at your child's pace, taking plenty of "brain breaks" throughout the session to ensure they stay engaged and comfortable.
At Knight Psychological Institute, our specialized focus is on providing comprehensive diagnostic and psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents. We are dedicated to delivering in-depth insights into your child's learning style, developmental profile, and any potential diagnoses.
It's important to understand that we are an assessment-only practice. This means that while we excel at understanding your child's unique needs through detailed evaluations, we do not offer ongoing therapy, direct treatment, or long-term consultation services.
Our commitment to your family extends beyond the assessment. The comprehensive report you receive will not only provide clear answers but also include specific, tailored recommendations for educational supports, interventions, and clinical services that could benefit your child.
Should our assessment findings suggest that services such as therapy, specialized treatment, or ongoing behavioral consultation are appropriate, we will provide you with trusted referrals to reputable agencies and qualified professionals in Gilbert and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to ensure your child connects with the best possible support to foster their continued growth and well-being.
To maintain our specialized speed and clinical depth, Knight Psychological Institute operates as an out-of-network provider and does not bill insurance companies directly. This independent, "Whole-Child" model allows us to focus entirely on your child’s unique needs rather than navigating the restrictive "wait-and-see" mandates often imposed by insurance providers.
While we do not interface directly with insurance, we are committed to helping you maximize your benefits. We are happy to provide a Superbill upon request, which contains the necessary documentation—including formal diagnoses and CPT codes—for you to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Note for Families: If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement; however, this is not guaranteed. We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage and "out-of-network" claim process before your appointment.