Featuring Dr. Jessica Hasson, Clinical Psychologist
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Jessica Hasson, a licensed clinical psychologist, for an insightful discussion about the importance of psychological evaluations and how they differ from school-based assessments. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for neurodiversity-affirming approaches, Dr. Hasson breaks down the nuances of testing and how parents can best support their children throughout the evaluation process.
School Evaluations vs. Private Evaluations
A major focus of the episode was understanding the difference between school-based and private psychological evaluations.
- School-based evaluations are designed to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA. These assessments look at whether a student qualifies under one of the IDEA classifications but do not provide medical diagnoses.
- Private evaluations, on the other hand, are more comprehensive. They can include diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and early intervention strategies that may not immediately qualify for special education but still benefit the child.
Frances added that private evaluators often provide a holistic view, connecting academic, emotional, and cognitive dots that school evaluations—typically done in a piecemeal fashion—might miss.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Dr. Hasson stressed the value of identifying “pink flags” early—signs that may not yet rise to the level of a diagnosis but could lead to greater difficulties down the road. Catching these early allows families and schools to implement preventive supports that could help a child avoid more serious educational impacts later in life.
Frances echoed this, emphasizing how early support helps neurodivergent kids build coping strategies and learn in ways that honor how their brains work—without waiting for them to “hit a wall” academically or socially.
What Does “Neurodivergent-Affirming” Mean?
Dr. Hasson offered a powerful explanation of what it means to conduct neurodivergent-affirming evaluations. Rather than looking for deficits, this approach recognizes brain-based differences and works to identify the environments and supports in which a child can thrive.
- It’s collaborative, not top-down.
- It’s strengths-based, focusing on what the child can do, not just what they struggle with.
- It views conditions like ADHD and autism as differences, not disorders.
She noted the importance of evaluating the “fit” between a child and their environment, rather than just trying to “fix” the child.
Executive Functioning and Inclusive Classrooms
The conversation turned to practical implications in schools, especially around executive functioning—a set of skills every student needs, but which are rarely explicitly taught. Frances asked, “Why isn’t executive functioning instruction standard in middle school?” Both agreed it should be.
They also discussed simple ways classrooms can be made more neurodivergent-friendly:
- Movement breaks
- Flexible seating options
- Sensory tools
- Normalizing different learning styles
These supports don’t just help neurodivergent students—they benefit all learners.
Rethinking Re-evaluations: When Should Kids Be Retested?
IDEA requires re-evaluations every three years, but Dr. Hasson suggested a more nuanced approach:
- Don’t test just because it’s been three years—test when there’s a developmental transition (e.g., elementary to middle school, middle to high school).
- Evaluate again before college or work to assess real-world accommodations.
- Remember that cognitive skills evolve, and scores can shift with time, mood, sleep, and experience.
Frances emphasized the importance of having multiple data points—not just classroom observations or state testing—to make informed decisions.
How to Choose the Right Evaluator
Dr. Hasson’s top three recommendations for choosing a psychologist:
- Find someone who truly “sees” your child—not just someone who runs tests.
- Make sure you, the parent, are part of the process—your insights are valid and valuable.
- Find the right fit—whether it’s a large practice or a small one, look for someone who specializes in the areas you’re concerned about.
Frances added that trusting your gut matters. “If it doesn’t feel right, find someone else.”
Final Thoughts: Every Brain is Different
Frances closed the episode with a beautiful reminder: every brain works differently, and evaluations should help us understand those differences—not label kids in a limiting way.
Dr. Hasson agreed. “This isn’t about finding what’s wrong. It’s about discovering how your child’s brain works—so we can help them flourish.”
🧠 Need More Help Navigating Evaluations or the IEP Process?
Visit Dr. Hasson’s website: https://www.payitforwardassessments.com/
Or schedule a Free Case Analysis with us here!
