Your first session
An hour to talk, without your child
The first session is a parent interview. Your child doesn't come, and nothing is tested.
You tell Dr. Paschal about your child: what they love, what comes easily, what is hard, and what has been said by teachers and doctors. He asks questions, explains how the testing would go and answers yours.
What it covers
Your child's history, in your words
Your questions, and what you hope to understand
How testing would go, and how long it would take
A written estimate, before you decide
What to bring
Helpful to have, none required
Past reports
Earlier testing, school evaluations or report cards, if you have them.
Teacher notes
Emails or comments from teachers, including the ones that surprised you.
Your questions
Written down, so none gets lost on the way.
What a first session is not
No testing, no commitment
Not a test
Your child isn't there and nothing is scored.
Not a commitment
You leave with a plan and an estimate. You can take time to decide.
Before day one
Questions before the first session
What is private, and what are the limits?
What you and your child tell Dr. Paschal stays in the practice's records. He shares it only with people you name in a signed release, or as the law requires, for example when someone is in danger. He explains the limits at the first session.
Who gives consent for my child's evaluation?
A parent or legal guardian gives consent in writing before testing starts. Dr. Paschal explains the evaluation to your child in plain words and asks for their cooperation, and a child can say when they need a break. If you share custody, tell us at the first session who can sign.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your fee letter says how much notice we ask for and what happens if a visit is missed. We go through it with you before you start, and a sick child is never a problem.
Start when it suits you
Tell us when you are free, and Dr. Paschal finds a time.