What to expect from a full evaluation
A step-by-step look at how a comprehensive assessment works at Fair Winds, from the first call to the feedback session, and how to prepare.
Updated October 29, 2026
The short version
- A full evaluation usually takes 2 to 6 testing sessions of about 2 hours each, depending on age and the questions being asked.
- Parents, teachers and others complete forms so we see the whole picture.
- Your provider spends many hours scoring, interpreting and writing a comprehensive report, usually 20 to 75 pages depending on complexity.
- Every result and recommendation is explained in a sit-down feedback session.
Testing can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to wonder what you’re signing up for. Here is how a full-battery evaluation usually unfolds at Fair Winds. If your question is narrower, such as anxiety or depression, focused diagnostic testing is shorter and follows a lighter version of these steps.
The steps
- Your first call. Tell us what you’re noticing and we’ll help you schedule the right first step. Because the tests needed aren’t known until your provider completes the diagnostic interview, we can’t quote a testing cost on this call. You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate at any time; we’ll give you one for the diagnostic interview, then a new written estimate for testing once your plan is set.
- Intake appointment. A relaxed conversation about history, concerns and goals. For children, this is usually with parents first.
- Forms from home, school and others. Parents or guardians, teachers and sometimes other observers complete rating forms. These show how things look in different settings.
- Testing sessions. Most full evaluations take 2 to 6 sessions of about 2 hours each. Activities are chosen for each age group, and we take breaks whenever they’re needed.
- Scoring and report writing. Your provider spends about 9 hours on direct report writing alone, pulling every result together into a full picture.
- Feedback session. We sit down together and walk through every finding and recommendation so you know exactly what to do next.
Helping your child prepare
- Keep it simple and positive: “You’ll do puzzles, games and some school-type activities with someone kind.”
- Aim for a good night’s sleep and bring a snack and water.
- Bring glasses or hearing aids if your child uses them.
- Ask us ahead of time about medications, including whether to give them on testing days.
- Bring any past evaluations, school reports or medical records you have.
For adults
Adult evaluations follow the same steps. We may ask a partner, parent or close friend to complete a form, and we’ll talk about childhood as well as today. Many adults tell us the process itself feels validating.