About Dr. McQuiddy

My mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized psychological assessments to help your child reach their full potential. I am a licensed psychologist with specialized training and over 15 years of experience in psychological and psychoeducational testing. I specialize in the identification of learning disorders, such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), and dyscalculia (mathematics), as well as other cognitive and developmental challenges, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I have an extensive library of tests that assess the underlying cognitive and processing domains involved in learning to fully understand and recommend interventions that foster growth and development. 

I believe that every child and their needs are unique. My aim is to collaborate closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop a comprehensive plan that supports your child's educational journey. I am committed to being a trusted partner in helping your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and I strive to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that ensures your child feels comfortable and at ease throughout the evaluation process. Thank you for considering me as a resource for your child's educational and psychological needs. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future where your child can excel and flourish.

What is psychoeducational testing and how
can ​it help my child succeed? 

Psychoeducational testing involves a standardized assessment of a child's intellectual and academic skills and is often used to help facilitate educational placement and special education services. Thorough assessments not only identify specific learning disorders but also highlight your child's strengths and areas for growth. Evaluations often play a vital role in identifying the underlying factors contributing to your child's struggles, whether that be academic, social, or emotional, or more often, a combination of influences. Understanding your child’s challenges allows you and your child's teachers to implement targeted interventions to support their unique needs and learning style. By addressing your child’s challenges proactively, you can help your child unlock their full potential and obtain success in school, while feeling confident and supported. 
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Why should I choose a psychologist
for my child's evaluation? 

A psychologist, particularly one specializing in educational or clinical psychology, is often considered the best person to assess learning disorders for several reasons. Psychologists undergo rigorous education and training, earning a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) which includes years of advanced coursework, supervised clinical experience, and research. This extensive background equips them with a deep understanding of cognitive processes, such as executive functions, language processing, reasoning and logic, visual-spatial processing, processing speed, and problem-solving. This knowledge is crucial for identifying the underlying cognitive deficits that contribute to learning disorders. With their advanced training, psychologists are adept at differentiating between learning disorders and other conditions that may present similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is critical for developing effective intervention strategies tailored to your child's unique needs. While you might encounter master's level clinicians advertising for psychological testing, many of these providers do not have the appropriate training, licensure, and experience to conduct comprehensive evaluations. 

What is the evaluation process?

I understand that you're eager to get insights and answers regarding your child's educational needs. A thorough and high-quality educational assessment, however, takes time. The steps involved in this detailed process are outlined below: 

1. Comprehensive Information Gathering: We begin by collecting detailed background information. This involves completion of several forms within the patient portal, in addition to interviews with you, your child, and sometimes teachers. I need to understand your child's developmental history, academic experiences, and any concerns you have noticed. This thorough information helps me get a complete picture of your child's unique situation. Interviews often take between 1 and 2 hours to complete. 
2. Standardized Testing: I use a variety of standardized tests to measure different aspects of your child's cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning. Administering these tests correctly requires careful attention to detail and a controlled environment to ensure the results are accurate and reliable. Most often testing is completed over several days and takes between 4 and 6 hours.
3. Data Integration: Interpreting the results from educational records, interviews, tests, and observations is a complex process. I need to integrate all data to form a coherent understanding of your child's abilities, challenges, and needs. This careful analysis ensures I identify any learning disorders or other issues accurately.
4. Detailed Reporting: The written report will clearly present the findings, interpretations, diagnoses (if any), and detailed recommendations for supporting your child's learning. I aim to make this report understandable and actionable for you and any other professionals involved in your child's education. Most often data integration and report writing takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. 
5. Feedback and Support: After the assessment, we will meet to discuss the results of the evaluation. This session is crucial for explaining the findings, answering your questions, and discussing the best next steps for supporting your child’s learning and development. Generally, this is a 1 hour appointment, however, an additional appointment can be scheduled, if needed.