What is Academic Functioning?

As a parent, do you often wonder why your child’s grades are not reflective of their intelligence? You may even become frustrated when your child is unable to complete their homework despite their best efforts.

Academic success is influenced by various factors, including cognitive abilities, learning styles, attention, memory, and executive functioning skills. Difficulties in any of these areas can impact a student's ability to learn, retain information, and perform well in school.

Our Approach

We take a comprehensive approach to assessing academic functioning, recognizing the interconnectedness of cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral factors. Our licensed psychologists conduct a series of assessments tailored to your specific needs, which may include:

• Clinical Interview: We begin by gathering detailed information about your medical history, developmental milestones, and current impairment.
• Cognitive Testing: We assess cognitive abilities such as verbal and nonverbal reasoning, processing speed, and working memory to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Academic Achievement Testing: We evaluate proficiency in core academic areas such as reading, writing, math, and language skills to assess current academic performance levels.
• Executive Function Assessment: We examine executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, time management, and problem-solving to identify areas for improvement. We also assess attention and concentration through performance-based assessments and questionnaires.
• Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Functioning Assessment: We utilize validated rating scales completed by you, your family members, and teachers to gather additional information about symptoms and functioning.

Personalized Recommendations + Support

Following the assessment process, your testing clinician will provide you with a comprehensive report outlining the findings and personalized recommendations for intervention and support. Whether you require academic accommodations, tutoring, or targeted interventions, we offer guidance and resources to help you overcome challenges and achieve your academic goals.

Schedule Your Assessment Today

Take the first step towards academic success by scheduling an appointment with Coastal Therapy Group. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support you or your child on your journey to academic excellence.

College Board & Standardized Testing Accommodations

Standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT can be stressful for students with ADHD, learning differences, or anxiety. At Coastal Therapy Group, our psychologists provide comprehensive evaluations that may be used as part of the application for accommodations with the College Board and other testing agencies.
It’s important to know that approval is not automatic. The College Board and similar organizations often require a history of documented accommodations in school in addition to recent testing. Our role is to provide a thorough, evidence-based evaluation that clearly documents a student’s learning profile, strengths, and challenges. We also guide families in understanding the application process and what documentation is most helpful for a successful submission.
With the right assessment and supporting evidence, students are in the best position to request accommodations such as extended time, a separate testing environment, extra breaks, or assistive technology.

Academic Accommodations & School Support

Beyond standardized tests, many students benefit from academic accommodations at school or college. Our evaluations are often used to secure support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or university disability services.

Whether your child is struggling with reading comprehension, math fluency, attention, or executive functioning, we provide detailed assessments that lead to personalized recommendations. These may include preferential seating, modified assignments, access to note-taking support, or organizational coaching. With the right accommodations, students can focus on learning instead of struggling against unnecessary barriers.

Giftedness & Twice-Exceptional (2e) Evaluations

At Coastal Therapy Group, we provide giftedness and twice-exceptional (2e) evaluations to help families better understand a student’s unique learning profile. Some children demonstrate advanced intellectual abilities while also experiencing challenges such as ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, or anxiety that impact school performance. Our comprehensive assessments identify both strengths and areas of difficulty, offering a full picture of your child’s potential. With clear documentation, parents can pursue gifted program placement, enrichment opportunities, or academic accommodations that ensure their child is both challenged and supported. By recognizing gifted and twice-exceptional students early, we help them thrive in school, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential.