Diagnosis & Testing

Jul 6

Diagnosis and testing offer a structured, compassionate way to understand what’s really going on—clarifying symptoms, uncovering patterns, and guiding care. In these videos, clinicians share how assessments help distinguish between overlapping issues like ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences. You’ll also hear how testing can increase self-understanding, support school accommodations, and empower families with insight—not just labels. Whether you’re preparing a child for evaluation or curious about what testing really involves, these conversations offer a clear and grounded look at the process.

Featured

Maggie Schwalbach, MA, ADHD-CCSP: On Why ADHD Isn’t the Whole Story

Maggie discusses how EF coaching focuses on functional challenges—like focus, organization, and emotional regulation—regardless of diagnosis. ADHD may inform the work, but it doesn’t define it.

Maggie Schwalbach, MA, ADHD-CCSP: On When Amy the Amygdala Takes Over

Using the metaphor of “Amy the Amygdala,” Maggie shows how anxiety disrupts executive functioning. Coaching helps students train their brains to keep working even when stress is present.

Maggie Schwalbach, MA, ADHD-CCSP: On coaching skills like time management and organization

Maggie challenges the idea that EF coaching is just about attention. She often starts with time, organization, or inhibition—skills that support focus by addressing what’s underneath it.

Lisa Novak, Psy.D.: Preparing your child for neuropsychological testing

Lisa Novak offers an explanation of the experience of neuropsychological testing that parents can share with their children.

Lisa Novak, Psy.D.: Testing and “I don’t know”

Lisa Novak explains why “I don’t know” is often an opening in psychological assessment.

Lisa Novak, Psy.D.: The importance of awareness in assessement

Lisa Novak discusses how assessment helps patients and families become more aware of their internal experience—what’s happening and why. She explains how building that awareness can open up new options for coping and change.

Lisa Novak, Psy.D.: Anxiety vs. ADHD in neuropsych testing

Lisa Novak, PhD, of Illuminate Psychological Assessments, describes how neuropsych testing can help distinguish between anxiety and ADHD—two diagnoses that often present with overlapping symptoms.

Lisa Novak, Psy.D.: What is neuropsychological testing?

Lisa Novak, PhD, co-founder of Illuminate Psychological Assessments, explains what neuropsych testing measures and why it can offer clarity for families.

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Brandon Gimbel

Diagnosis & Testing

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