Counseling and Assessment Services
We provide specialized, diagnostic assessments for college students who are referred for a broad spectrum of learning problems, including language-based Learning Disabilities and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Assessments are available on a fee-for-service basis.
Learning Disabilities are a group of disorders. Symptoms include significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction. They are not a result of other handicapping conditions such as cultural differences or inadequate instructions.
Learning disabilities occur in people of all ages and their impact is not restricted to academic settings. These individuals may experience problems in daily living including planning, starting, or completing tasks, and with social interaction; however, such problems in and of themselves do not constitute a Learning Disability.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, overactivity, and impulsivity. These often arise in early childhood, are relatively chronic in nature, and are not readily accounted for on the basis of gross neurological, sensory, language, or motor impairment, mental retardation, or severe emotional disturbance. These difficulties are typically associated with deficits in maintaining a consistent pattern of work performance over time.
How may I obtain Assessment Services?
You will need to schedule an intake appointment at CAS.How do I schedule an Intake Appointment?
You may either call 545-0333 or come into the office (located at 123 Berkshire House) to schedule the intake appointment through the receptionist.How do I schedule Assessment Appointments?
Once you have completed the initial intake, you will need to complete additional paperwork. Also, you will need to provide to the receptionist a copy of your unofficial transcript. If you have SHIP (the UMass Supplemental Health Insurance Plan), you will need to provide a photocopy of your insurance card to the receptionist. If you do not have SHIP, you will need to bring a CASHIER'S CHECK or MONEY ORDER (personal checks are not accepted) for the full amount, payable to the University of Massachusetts. Within approximately two weeks after all paperwork is submitted, you will be contacted by Barbara Hastings, the Assessment Administrative Assistant, to schedule a Contract Appointment with Dr. Rotkiewicz, Coordinator of Assessments.How many appointments will be scheduled for an assessment?
Based on the information obtained in your Intake and Contract appointments, specific testing will be recommended to assess the presence of a Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and/or psychological conditions that may affect learning. Any of these test batteries may be recommended alone or in combination. Depending on the type of testing recommended you may be scheduled for two to seven additional appointments.How long will it take to receive my results from the assessment process?
While we make every attempt to provide services in a timely manner, psychological assessments can be a lengthy process. There are times when it may take a complete semester before you receive your results.How will I receive my results?
Your last appointment will be a one-hour final consultation appointment, at which time you will receive verbal feedback regarding your assessment findings and recommendations, as well as a written copy of your testing results.If I am diagnosed with a Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or a Psychological Disorder, what services will I be eligible to receive?
If you receive a diagnosis of any of the above, you will become eligible for academic services and accommodations from either Disability Services or Psychological Disabilities Services. Recommendations specific to your evaluation results will be discussed with you at your final consultation appointment.If you are interested in off-campus testing, we can provide you with a list of referrals.
You may obtain this list from the receptionist in 123 Berkshire House.
Last updated October 6, 2005