Benefits of Virtual APD Testing

Virtual APD testing is typically far easier on everyone involved, because it can be completed in multiple sessions, without a long commute. Being in the child’s home or in a quiet, familiar environment, like at school, often allows better evaluation due to the child’s comfort and willingness to test.

When I test virtually, I allow the testing to be child-led, meaning that I check in with some about how they are doing, and if they are done for the day, I don’t continue. That is a benefit about being virtual. We can return to the task later.

I explicitly ask for the child’s permission to test. I periodically ask for their feedback as to their experiences as the test goes on, as it can be traumatic to know that you are failing something. It’s important that the child understands that many people have trouble in these areas, and that they are not failing by having difficulty. They are succeeding in identifying where they have trouble so that we can help them in the future with more targeted support.

I also generally tell children where I have personally failed the tests, and how I might have felt during a particular portion, so as to model that it is OK to feel frustrated… because it is frustrating to struggle. But it is because of this struggle that we are able to map out what they need and that I appreciate their teamwork in the testing.