INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

An intellectual disability (ID) is diagnosed when there are significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. The extent of the intellectual impairment is measured by intellectual testing, which measures your capacity to understand and learn, and an adaptive functioning measure, which assesses the extent to which the person is able to adequately and independently perform daily tasks at a level typical of their age.

Evaluation Process
The evaluation process is usually completed in 2-3 sessions. The 1st session is often completed online and typically takes 45 minutes. It usually involves a clinical interview in which background information is gathered. The 2nd session is in-person at one of our office in Winter Park to complete testing. It takes approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the test(s) administered. If the individual being tested takes psychotropic medication, especially if it is medication for ADHD, it is important to ensure that they take their medication as prescribed on the days prior to and including the days of the sessions, in order to better ensure accuracy of the test results.

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The feedback session occurs a few weeks after testing. The feedback session is usually completed online or by phone. You are provided an electronic copy of the report so that you can then give one to whomever you think needs a copy, such as school or the pediatrician for children, or work, college, or primary care physician for adults. Dr. Schuster will give a diagnosis or diagnoses, if any are present.

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Ideal age for testing

It is possible to complete intellectual testing on children as young as 3. However, it is important for you to know that testing children 5 and under is unlikely to provide clear, stable, and specific results. If your child is too distracted or hyperactive, some testing may be invalid and may not be able to be completed in those situations. There is no upper age limit for an intellectual assessment.