Why preparation matters: Getting the most out of an autism or ADHD Assessment

You finally booked the assessment. Now what? For many families, preparing for an autism or ADHD evaluation can feel overwhelming. What should you bring? What should you tell your child? What if they’re tired or having a bad day? In Episode 4 of the Dr. B & Friends podcast, Dr. Anthony Benigno and co-host Jordan tackle these very questions with practical tips, real-life stories, and compassionate guidance.

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Because the truth is, the success of a psychological evaluation often depends not just on the test itself, but on how well your child is prepared for it.

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What to bring and what not to bring

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The most important item? Your child. It sounds obvious, but Dr. B shares that more than once, a parent has arrived solo for an assessment appointment, assuming only paperwork was involved

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Beyond that, parents should bring:

• A well-rested child
• Any medication the child regularly takes (administered as usual)
• A filled-out intake form
• Relevant documents like IEPs, teacher notes or medical reports
• Snacks and water for breaks

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What not to bring? Siblings. While it may seem convenient, bringing other children can lead to distractions, compromise testing conditions and split parent attention.

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Why rest and routine matter

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Evaluations are long, mentally taxing, and unfamiliar especially for younger kids. Dr. B emphasizes the importance of a good night’s sleep, a full breakfast and sticking to normal routines as much as possible.

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Scheduling matters too. A 1:00 p.m. appointment might overlap with your child’s usual nap time, setting them up for fatigue or meltdowns. Dr. B recalls an evaluation where the child arrived groggy and irritable, making it difficult to gather quality data. Despite best efforts with toys and humor, the session struggled until rescheduled.

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Prepping your child emotionally

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Instead of springing it on them, explain the session in simple terms: "You're going to meet a new teacher who will play games and ask questions to learn more about how your brain works."

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Framing it this way helps reduce anxiety and encourages cooperation. Dr. B suggests calling the clinician ‘your teacher for the day’ to create a sense of familiarity.

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Why distractions matter

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Standardized testing requires controlled conditions. Every distraction, from a sibling fidgeting nearby to a buzzing phone, can impact attention, behavior and results.

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Even parental presence can sometimes be a distraction. That’s why in most cases, parents wait in the lobby while their child works one-on-one with the evaluator. Some clinics offer observation rooms, but most do not.

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Working as a team

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The most successful assessments are not one-sided. Dr. B sees families as partners in the process. That collaboration starts well before the testing day. A 15-minute free introductory call is available to help parents ask questions, explain concerns, and receive guidance on next steps.

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We also have a Pre-Assessment Questionnaire for Parents which provides some immediate feedback. While not a diagnostic tool, it offers clear, personalized insights, placing your responses into one of three categories: Low, Moderate and High Concern.  So, a valuable first step in understanding your child’s behavior and identifying areas that may need attention. Then, if you book the 15-minute call, your answers will help the AB Psych Team offer you support that’s informed and purposeful from the start.

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Dr. B stresses the importance of transparency. If there are signs of ADHD, anxiety or learning differences, clinicians may adjust the testing schedule or tools used. It’s not about checking boxes, it’s about gathering valid, useful data.

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Building rapport matters

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Clinical skill is one thing. Building trust with a child is another. Dr. B trains his team not just to administer tests, but to connect. The more comfortable a child feels, the better their performance and the more accurate the outcome.

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One of the most powerful tools? Play. Whether it’s jokes, bubbles or high-fives, the goal is to help the child feel safe enough to be themselves. Sometimes the testing session may need to be split across two days to ensure a child is completely relaxed.

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Transparency in real time

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Parents shouldn’t be surprised by the results. Throughout the assessment, especially during autism evaluations with younger children, AB Psych clinicians offer real-time feedback. They might point out patterns like repetitive play or sensory behavior and check in with the parent to confirm if that aligns with what they see at home.

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That way, by the time the report arrives, nothing feels shocking. It’s already been discussed, gently and clearly.

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Why emotional readiness matters too

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Sometimes the hardest part of an evaluation isn’t what the child does, it’s what the parent hears. Getting unexpected feedback can be emotional, even painful. Dr. B explains how he and his team gauge each family’s readiness, tailoring their tone and pacing to meet parents where they are.

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Even when the clinical message doesn’t change, the delivery does. Because if a parent isn’t ready to hear it, they may reject the results entirely, undoing hours of valuable work.

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AB Psych’s eBook and resources

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Families don’t need to walk this road alone. Dr. B’s eBook, Making Friends With Your Child’s Brain, offers practical ways to support kids before, during, and after an evaluation. From managing behavior to setting up home routines, it’s a resource built on years of clinical experience and family insight. Download the eBook.

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Combined with free pre-assessment calls, AB Psych gives families multiple entry points to get support, not just paperwork.

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Better preparation, better results

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The goal of every evaluation is clarity. But to get there, parents need guidance. Episode 4 is filled with tips, reassurance, and examples that help take the mystery and stress out of the process.

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If you’re preparing for an autism or ADHD assessment, listen to this episode of Dr. B & Friends to learn how a little planning can lead to better insights, stronger relationships and a smoother experience for everyone involved.

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Take the free pre-assessment or book an introductory call.

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