Mindwell Psychology

Child & Adolescent Psychologists

ADHD / ADD • Autism Spectrum • Dyslexia • Anxiety • Depression

Testing & Treatment
Schedule an appointment Enter Patient Portal
Phone:     (703) 378-7998
14110 Robert Paris Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151

IQ Testing: What does it really mean?

In this competitive area, concerned parents are always looking for ways to give their children an advantage or a way to stand out among their peers. Many parents see gifted education as an important way to accomplish this.  When schools provide the Cogat and NNAT they become highly invested in having their children perform well.  This has spawned an entire industry of tutors, workbooks and websites that claim to prepare your child for the evaluation by practicing questions similar to the tests and even administering old versions of the test.  This can be helpful as it provides strategies and reduces a child’s anxiety about a new format. However, are you really CHANGING your child’s intelligence?
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Adult versus Childhood Depression

Adult Depression. Depression has no single cause. Both genetics and the environment play a role, and some people may be more likely to become depressed. Depression can be triggered by a medical illness, a stressful situation, or the loss of an important person. Adults may feel depressed during different life stages if they are feeling stagnant or unfulfilled. Men and women can get “into a rut” and it becomes more than just feeling “blue,” but actually feeling apathetic and hopeless. Many adults grow accustomed to feeling depressed. They may lose sight of the fact that life can be better. It is hard to be hopeful about treatment when you are feeling depressed, so often spouses and family members encourage the person to get help.

Childhood Depression. Over the last 20 years, depression in children has been acknowledged with serious concern. However, because children manifest symptoms in such a unique way from child to child a critical symptom to look for is a change in mood and behavior. For some young children there will be physical complaints, irritable mood, sleep disturbance or anxiety. For older teens it can be moodiness. If you notice any changes in your child’s mood or behavior, decline in social and academic functioning or a general lack of interest; have them evaluated immediately.

Recognizing the “Red Flags” of depression:

  • Ongoing feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, tearfulness, and anger
  • Loss of interest in social activity
  • Increased or decrease in sleep or appetite, low energy.
  • Physical complaints , stomach aches, pain (with no medical cause)
  • Poor school or work performance (poor concentration)
  • Thoughts of dying or suicide ( get help immediately)
  • Feeling like nothing matters

If you, your child, or a loved one face depression and would like to get help, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Northern Virginia office.

Why we just don’t use one test.

We often hear from parents that they are frustrated by the lack of psychologists who take insurance plans for testing.  They often ask if we can do “one test” for a diagnosis or learning issue rather than a battery.  However, we all founded out practices on the belief that the whole child contributes to any learning or behavioral equation. We have made the decision to do good, thorough testing.  That way, you have the whole picture and can develop a better plan to move on.

Recent research proves that our approach is the best for your child! Because many mental health and developmental issues overlap or co-occur, quick testing that jumps at the more obvious answer can miss underlying difficulties that will lead to other symptoms or complicate the treatment of the disorder that is easy to identify.  This can cost your child dearly as it will prevent interventions that could be crucial. New research indicated that Autistic children who were diagnosed with ADHD often had a significantly delayed diagnosis of Autism.  Adults working with the child focused on the most obvious explanation, and missed the bigger picture. This delayed treatment and causes some children to miss those crucial early interventions.  Testing is an investment, but a thorough evaluation can save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Check out the research at:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/adhd-symptoms-can-delay-autism-diagnosis-years?utm_source=social-media&utm_medium=text-link&utm_campaign=espeaks

October 22: Next Steps: A Dyslexia Family Networking Forum

  • Watch the documentary, “Being You”
  • Experience a dyslexia simulation
  • Become more knowledgeable about testing results and IEPs: Dr. Varia will be presenting.
  • Learn about intervention options
  • Hear how a panel of young dyslexics overcame their challenges
  • Seating is limited; register today!
  • https://www.eventbrite.com/e/next-steps-a-dyslexia-family-networking-forum-tickets-27880588591?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MTA3OTQ5OTkvZHJ2YXJpYUBtaW5kd2VsbC51cy8w&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&ref=enivtefor001&utm_term=attend