Our Services
Dietzel Butler & Associates, LLC provides diagnostic testing,
admissions testing and consultation services to children, adolescents and adults. We strive to make the evaluation process as client-friendly and helpful as possible. We understand that all individuals have unique strengths and that many people also experience blocks to learning or success for which they can benefit from specialized instruction and support.
Dr. Laurie Dietzel and Ms. Jamie Butler and their colleagues are experienced
professionals with expertise in the identification of learning disabilities, Nonverbal Learning Disorders,
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Pervasive Developmental Disorders (including Asperger's), giftedness, and emotional and behavioral difficulties which interfere with an individual's ability to learn and succeed. We also conduct evaluations to provide documentation for testing and workplace accommodations.
We work with children, adolescents, and adults as well as with schools and organizations.
All services are delivered with respect and appreciation for different cultural and ethnic
backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and personal and family values. Services are confidential and delivered using the best practices in education, psychology, and assessment.
Assessment
The assessment process:
- begins with an initial interview to gain important information about the client's developmental and
educational history, areas of concern, and questions to be addressed
- after reviewing background information and relevant
records, we will make a recommendation about whether or not an evaluation would be beneficial. If so,
- we recommend a level of testing and the related fees.
An evaluation includes intellectual, neuropsychological, achievement, and, if appropriate, tests of social, emotional, and behavioral functioning as well as information from other sources as agreed to by the client/parent. The primary purposes of an evaluation are:
- to gain a better understanding of strengths and needs
- to answer questions posed by the individual, family, school, or other professionals, and
- to generate individualized recommendations to promote the child or adult's success and well-being.
After completion of formal testing, we meet with the client to explain and discuss the findings and present recommendations. A detailed written report, with test results and recommendations, follows.
Admissions Testing for Independent Schools
Many independent schools in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area require administration of an
individually-administered cognitive test as part of the admissions process. Generally, children applying to
prekindergarten or Kindergarten take the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Third Edition
(WPPSI-III) and children 6 years and older applying to first grade or higher are administered the Wechsler
Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Please check with the school(s) to which you are applying to
make sure which test they require for your child.
Dietzel Butler & Associates provides admissions testing with weekday and weekend appointments available. All testing is conducted by doctoral-level licensed psychologists with extensive experience working with children of all ages.
Please E-mail us or call us at 301-588-9412
for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Consultation
In addition to performing evaluations, Dr. Dietzel and Ms. Butler often consult with parents or adults to review previous testing, discuss concerns, and develop recommendations to assist individuals in meeting their goals. We are also available to accompany parents to IEP
(individual education plans) and other school meetings and to assist adults in advocating for their needs in higher education and employment. We can also provide referrals to other mental health and educational professionals and services if needed.
As schools and other organizations grow and change, consultation with an outside professional can often be useful to identify areas of difficulty through sensitive organizational assessment and to make recommendations to address concerns. Dr. Dietzel is experienced working with students, parents, staff, and administrators to assist schools and other organizations in understanding and effectively coping with many types of challenges.
Fees
Dietzel Butler & Associates, LLC provides services on a private pay basis. We are not participating providers in any insurance plans but are happy to provide an itemized receipt once payment has been received. For a fee schedule, please
E-mail us or call us at
301-588-1400.