What we do.
The FUTURES Program can provide diagnoses for complex developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing concerns, motor planning, language/auditory processing, and more.
We provide comprehensive evaluations for families with young children (18 months to 8 years) who present with atypical patterns of development. The evaluation is a comprehensive review of the child’s developmental skills by an experienced, interdisciplinary team of licensed/certified providers. We strive to identify the child’s learning style, including areas of strength and weakness. This process is important in the development of effective intervention strategies.
Our team.
- Clinical Psychologist
- Speech/Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Special Education Teacher
- Nutritionist
Our approach.
We understand that you know your child best and we are fully committed to including your family in all components of the assessment process and provide a thorough evaluation to help your family and others understand your child from a strength based perspective.
Your family will be provided with an in-depth assessment of your child’s development in the areas of: cognition/early learning, social-emotional, physical (gross and fine motor), adaptive, communication (receptive and expressive language), feeding, and nutrition. Our team also provides a thorough analysis of your concerns including, but not limited to, specific behaviors or challenges your child may demonstrate.
The FUTURES team analyzes and reflects on this information to provide a detailed description of your child’s strengths and challenges. We offer strategies to help connect with your child, using their strengths to support growth in the areas of challenge. When appropriate, a diagnosis is provided to further understand your child’s unique individual learning styles.
What to expect.
Each evaluation is structured to meet the needs of your child and family. A typical evaluation would be scheduled as listed below. These visits typically happen within a few days of one another, and every attempt is made to conclude the evaluation process within one week.
Step 1: Initial home visit and parent interview with a member of the team. [1 hour duration]
Step 2: Direct assessment at our learning center with our Clinical Psychologist, Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Special Education Teacher. These assessments are child-centered. [2 to 3 hour duration]
Step 3: Follow up meeting with 1-2 team members to discuss results, findings and diagnosis (if diagnosis is appropriate). [45 minute duration]
Step 4: If there are feeding concerns, a home visit from a nutritionist to observe a meal and collect nutritional information to provide feedback and resources for eating concerns. [1 hour duration]
Conclusion: A comprehensive written assessment with strategies, strengths and needs is mailed to your family and others who would benefit from the information. If EI or CPSE is used to pay for the evaluation, they will automatically receive a copy of the report.
We understand that the evaluation process can be a lot to take in and your family may need time to process the information. All of our families have the option to schedule a follow up home visit with a FUTURES team member to discuss after thoughts, questions, and concerns a few weeks following the assessment.
Preparing for the Evaluation.
What information is needed before the evaluation?
The FUTURES Program uses a parent questionnaire (Social History Form) to obtain as much background information as possible. With parental permission, the FUTURES Program will obtain other pertinent records, sometimes including birth records, pediatric records, and/or educational records.
Who should come to the evaluation session?
Ideally, one parent or caregiver will accompany the child to the evaluation. Whenever possible, parents should avoid bringing siblings to the evaluation.
What should we bring to the on-site assessment?
The child should be dressed in comfortable clothing. Sneakers are preferred. Sometimes a favorite book or toy may help the child feel more secure. It is advised that parents bring a snack for the child.
What is the cost?
For most families, services will be provided through publicly-funded programs, such as Early Intervention (EI) or the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). If the child is not eligible or the family chooses not to utilize these public programs, the FUTURES Program will bill health insurance carriers or Medicaid.
Get started.
Anyone, including parents, can refer a child to the FUTURES Program. Parental permission is necessary for referrals made by persons other than parents. If none of these options are available to your family, you may elect to pay out of pocket.
Referral options:
- Discuss with your Early Intervention Service Coordinator to request a diagnostic evaluation.
- Discuss with the CPSE Chairperson at your child's school district to request a diagnostic evaluation.
- Connect with the FUTURES team directly for additional questions and information on private pay options.
