Psychologists

Is the Weschler test the same thing as an IQ test?  What is the difference between the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V?   How do I know which one my child needs to take?

The Weschler Intelligence test is the most commonly used IQ test.  The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th ed. (WPPSI-IV) is the version of the test for younger children and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th ed. (WISC-V) is the version for older children. For the purposes of school admission testing, children younger than 6 years of age on the day of the test take the WPPSI-IV and children 6 years of age and older take the WISC-V.

Are Dr. Whitham and Dr. Gooding approved to provide testing for Harker and Nueva Schools?

Yes.  Testing is provided by Dr. Jennifer Kuhn and her associated psychologists, Dr. Siena Whitham and Dr. Elizabeth Gooding.  All psychologists have been specifically approved by Harker and Nueva Schools to provide testing.

How much does the test cost and what is included?

We charge a flat fee of $775. This includes test administration, a full narrative report with behavior observations and test scores, and a 15 minute parent video or phone feedback session to discuss your child’s unique cognitive profile. If parents choose to have us submit the report to one or more schools, we provide the report directly to the school(s) of your choosing.

 What is the overview of the cognitive testing process?

After making an appointment online, please arrive on time at our office and wait in your car due to COVID-19 safety precautions. We will call you for your appointment and escort you and your child to the office. After helping your child to feel comfortable by playing and talking, we will ask you to leave and wait in your car. The actual testing time takes between 45-100 minutes, depending the age of your child, their natural testing pace and the number of breaks provided. At the end of the test, we will walk your child to your car. You will be provided with the report and testing results within 1 week of the test administration. The psychologist will contact you to arrange the 15 minute parent phone or video feedback session. At that time, we would be happy to send the report to the school(s) of your choosing.

How long does it take to receive the results of the test?

A complete narrative report including behavior descriptions, test scores and interpretation of test scores will be provided within 1 week of the test.

Can I choose not to have the psychologist submit the test scores to one or more schools after I find out the test scores?

 Yes.

 How can I help my child prepare for the test?

Please note that prior exposure to test or Weschler “test-like” materials will invalidate the testing results. We strongly suggest making sure your child has had a good meal prior to the test and is well-rested. Also, your child will take his/her cues from your behavior. If you act relaxed and calm about the session with the psychologist, your child is likely to feel more relaxed and less anxious.

How often can my child take the Weschler test?

Children can take the WPPSI-IV or WISC-V once every 12 months.

My child is shy, anxious or needs extra time to warm-up to new people. Will this affect his/her performance?

As clinical psychologists who provide treatment to children with the above temperament, we know how to help your child feel comfortable. We pride ourselves on helping children who are nervous to feel comfortable before beginning the test. We read their body cues and observe the degree to which they are talking or playing to get a sense of their level of comfort. We have heard from many parents that their child who tends to be anxious had such a pleasant experience that they have asked to come back.

 My child can sometimes act silly. Will this affect his/her performance?

It is common for children to act silly and playful. While we encourage a light sense of humor during breaks, if we feel a child is distracted during the testing because of silly behavior, we will remind them that it is important for them to try their best and “show what they know.” We also provide a clear sense of when the next break will be and make sure to involve movement in that break.

What do I do if I need to reschedule the test?

Please try to give us at least 24-hours notice whenever possible to reschedule. However, we understand that sometimes illness can come on suddenly and we will reschedule any test with short notice if your child or a family member is ill. For everyone’s safety and to give your child an opportunity to perform their best, it is important to reschedule.

 What if my child wakes up ill the day of the test?

If your child has a body temperature of above 100 degrees or is feeling unwell, please contact us directly to reschedule the test.

 What should I tell my child?

We suggest telling your child that he or she will be meeting with a psychologist who is a “teacher-like” person who will be asking them to look at some pictures, complete puzzles and respond to questions. We strongly recommend showing your child a picture of the psychologist with whom they will be meeting so that they can see a smiling picture of her without a mask before the in-person meeting. Pictures of Dr. Kuhn, Dr. Whitham and Dr. Gooding can be found on this webpage. Please let your child know you will come initially come into the office in the beginning during some warm-up time and then will need to leave while the psychologist spends individual time with them while their parent waits in their car outside. We suggest avoiding telling your child they will take a “test” as this can create anxiety. Instead, it is suggested that you tell your child it will be important for them to try their best. 

Can the test be administered in a language other than English or can a translator be used?

For the purposes of admission to Harker or Nueva School, the Weschler test must be administered in English.  A translator cannot be used.

My child speaks a language other than English at home. Will this affect his/her performance on the test? 

It depends. If your child is fluent in English, your child’s test scores will generally not be affected by his or her bilingual or multilingual ability. If your child is stronger in a language other than English, your child’s scores on the verbal activities may be lower than their actual capacity for language-based reasoning. However, non-verbal subtests are generally not affected.

We provide testing to many bilingual and multilingual children. During the test we explain each task using hand gestures and modeling of the task in addition to saying the directions. Before beginning each task, we make sure your child demonstrates understanding of the task. 

We make sure to indicate on the testing report that languages your child speaks and the degree of fluency he/she has in English so that the prospective school can take this into consideration.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, what safety precautions are you taking?

 It is mandatory for you and your child to wear masks at all times. Your psychologist will also be wearing a mask. We are asking parents to not bring siblings to the testing appointment and to have only one parent accompany each child to the session. We are asking each family to complete a recent health symptoms questionnaire prior to the testing session. Office surfaces are cleaned between each session. All testing materials are cleaned between each use. Children are asked to use hand sanitizer before and after touching testing materials. Whenever weather cooperates, we have all the windows open in the office to promote maximum ventilation.

Is it advantageous to wait until as late as possible in the school admission cycle so my child is older?

 It is not advantageous to wait. Children’s test scores on the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V are in tight age bands. This means that your child’s performance will be compared with those of other children within a few months of your child’s age on the day he/she takes the test. Your child’s scores are not determined by comparing your child’s performance with the performance of other children in the same grade level.