Autism & ADHD Assessment & Neurodiversity Consultation in the Santa Barbara Area
ADHD ASSESSMENT
Dr. Vernon is an expert at ADHD assessment (ADHD testing) in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area. He has a long history diagnosing and working with folks who have ADHD and other neurodiverse populations in a variety of in-patient and outpatient clinics, hospitals, and centers. He also has significant lived experience, as he himself is diagnosed with ADHD and his wife and most of his four children also have ADHD. He is intimately familiar with both the strengths and challenges associated of the condition, which can include social and sensory differences, motivation and task completion difficulties, impulsivity and energy fluctuations, disorganization and forgetfulness, high levels of creativity and empathy, and an tendency for outside-the-box thinking. He will work closely with you to give you the answers you need.
ADHD ASSESSMENT SERVICE DESCRIPTION
An ADHD evaluation involves a careful assessment and inquiry into a person's strengths and challenges related to attention, inattention, hyperfocus, hyperactivity, impulsivity, planning, organization, time-blindness, task initiation and completion, and other executive functioning skills. It can be present in both children and adults, folks who have intellectual disability, as well as highly gifted individuals.
This psychological evaluation is also suitable for conditions that commonly co-occur with ADHD, including oppositional-defiant disorders, conduct disorders, and/or mood disorders. This process includes 2-3 hours of face-to-face testing and interview assessment, administration of appropriate clinical survey measures, 2-3 hours of assessment scoring, integration, record review, and report writing, and a 1-hour feedback session with the individual or family.
ADHD TESTING PROCESS
Dr. Vernon's ADHD assessment process is tailored to the needs of each individual or family, but generally includes (a) in-person testing with the person being assessed, (b) interview-based assessment (either in-person, online, or over the phone) conducted with a parent, caregiver, family member, or partner, (c) a number of questionnaire/survey measures, and (d) a review of an intake packet summarizing developmental information and current challenges.
The standardized assessments used in this evaluation include interactive activities, paper-and-pencil tasks, visual puzzles, question-and-answer activities, paper questionnaires, checklist surveys, and structured interviews.
The ADHD assessment battery generally includes:
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Cognitive/Intelligence Assessment (Children, Adolescents, Adults)
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Verbal Knowledge
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Fluid Reasoning
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Visual Spatial Skills
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Working Memory
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Processing Speed
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Developmental Assessment (Young Toddlers)
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Visual Reception
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Fine Motor Skills
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Gross Motor Skills
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Expressive Language Skills
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Receptive Language Skills
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Broad Behavioral/Diagnostic Clinical Survey Measures
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ADHD-Specific Clinical Survey Measures
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Clinical Interview with the Client
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Clinical Interview with a Parent, Caregiver, or Partner
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Review of Intake Questionnaires and Past Documentation
ADHD ASSESSMENT FEE
The current fee for ADHD testing is $1800.
Additional assessment, observation, interview, or consultation services are billed at a rate of $300/hour. Fees for Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) and third party assessments are typically more comprehensive, require more time, and incur a higher fee.
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
The results of this process will be summarized in both:
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A psychological report that is typically 12-24 pages in length. This report includes all test results, a clinical summary, diagnostic information, and clinical recommendations. The report will be finalized and sent within 30 days after the last assessment measure is completed. This report ca
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An oral feedback session with the client and/or family. Test results and diagnoses will be summarized, and the client and/or family will have the opportunity to ask questions. This session is typically 60 minutes.
BROADER ASSESSMENT EXPERIENCE
Dr. Vernon is an experienced local psychologist and diagnostician who specializes in the assessment of toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults suspected of having a wide range of conditions, including autism, ADHD, developmental delays, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, depressive and anxiety disorders, behavioral/conduct disorders, OCD/tic disorders, and gifted/twice exceptional individuals.
He uses an empowering assessment approach that focuses on identification of strengths, deep respect for diversity and intersectionality, and a positive, therapeutic feedback process with practical recommendations.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All communication with Dr. Vernon will remain private and confidential while adhering to all applicable laws regarding limits to confidentiality and mandated reporting. Physical records are stored in locked, secure locations and digital records are securely stored on encrypted computers or cloud storage services. Dr. Vernon will not share clinical information over email and encourages clients and family members to refrain from using email and text to share any clinical information with him.
INSURANCE INFORMATION
Dr. Vernon does not currently accept health insurance for his psychological services. Upon request, he can provide a detailed invoice with CPT Service Codes and ICD-10 Diagnostic Codes that can be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement. In most cases, Dr. Vernon's services are considered out-of-network, which can limit reimbursement with some providers.
EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES
Individuals are instructed to call 911 or visit their local hospital’s emergency room for any medical or psychiatric emergency requiring immediate assistance due to imminent danger to themselves or others. Dr. Vernon does not provide 24-hour hour crisis services. He is not typically available outside of scheduled session times and is not able to deescalate someone during a medical or mental health emergency.
SCHEDULING & QUESTIONS
If you have would like to schedule a psychological assessment or have questions about the assessment process or policies, you can contact Dr. Vernon using the button below.