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FAQS
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For Adult Clients
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Please click question to expose answer
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Q. What happens during initial consultation?
We will discuss the paperwork (including relevant history) you completed on the portal and what to expect from testing.
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Q. Why do I need academic achievement testing?
Some adults need academic testing to obtain accommodations in graduate school or examinations (boards, etc.). Some adults do not need academic testing. It does help to determine learning disabilities.
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Q. Why do you test emotional areas as well?
Anxiety and mood issues can either accompany or complicate learning/attention disorders, so Dr. Mary usually includes emotional testing (even if only a screening measure or two). However, she does not go in depth generally and if you are looking for full psychological battery (including projective), you may want to seek out another provider.
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Q. What do I need to do before the testing session?
Complete all portal paperwork, upload report cards and previous testing, and the night before, please get a good night’s sleep! :) Oh and have a healthy breakfast the day of.
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Q. How long does testing take?
Anywhere from 2 to 5 hours generally, which can be done in one day or split between two.
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Q. Should I take my medication before testing?
The answer to this question must be evaluated on a case by case basis. In some instances, it’s valuable to test both “on” and “off” medications. Please consult with Dr. Mary and your prescribing physician. It also will depend on the referral questions.
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Q. What about recreational drugs?
All clients must be substance-free at the time of testing and for some time before testing.This will be discussed at the consultation meeting.
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Q. How long before I get the testing results?
Usually about 2 -3 weeks but if not all of the information is provided or checklists completed, it could be longer.
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Q. Is Cape Cod Neuropsychology handicapped accessible?
Cape Cod Neuropsychology is on the first floor.
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Q. Does Dr. Mary test for dementia?
No.
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Q. What insurance plans does Cape Cod Neuropsychology accept?
No insurance is accepted. You can investigate whether you have out of network benefits. Dr. Mary will give you all the information you will need for reimbursement.
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For Parents of Clients
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Q. Do I need to bring my child to the initial consultation?
In most cases, no. During the initial consultation, it is generally parents going over history. However, if you feel your child will benefit from visiting and becoming familiar in advance with Dr. Mary and her office, feel free to bring him/her, or schedule a “meet and greet”.
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Q. What should I tell my child about testing?
Talk to your child in general terms about why he/she is being tested. Reference any difficulties your child is having and explain that testing will help generate solutions. Discuss that testing usually takes two sessions, each lasting a few hours. Say something like, ”You are going to have some testing that will involve answering questions, drawing, and doing puzzles to see how you learn best. The testing could help let your teacher how to teach you better or how Mom and Dad can help you at home.” Do not make it sound like games or fun. While some children really enjoy it, others find parts difficult. Explain they will learn more about how they learn.
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Q. What else do I need to do before the testing session?
Complete all portal information, make sure your child sleeps well the night before, and give the child a healthy breakfast the day of.
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Q. Do both parents need to sign the forms?
Yes. If you are divorced and there is joint legal custody, both parents will need to sign the forms before you child can be tested. Portal links can be sent to both parents.
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Q. Is academic testing always included?
Generally, yes. Even if your child’s school recently tested in those areas, Dr. Mary needs to assess reading, math, and writing if learning issues are suspected.
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Q. Are emotional areas tested as well?
Anxiety and mood issues can either accompany or complicate learning/attention disorders, so Dr. Mary usually includes emotional testing (even if only a screening measure or two). However, she does not go in depth generally and if you are looking for projectives and a full emotional battery, you may want to seek out another provider.
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Q. What happens if there has been other testing recently?
Dr. Mary will review prior tests and determine a strategy. No test can be re-administered within twelve months, but Dr. Mary has alternative tests she can administer if a second opinion is needed. Also, she has an array of tests to add to whatever has been already completed to fully answer referral questions.
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Q. How long does testing take?
Plan for two sessions – usually one session is in the morning on one day, and one is in the afternoon on another day. Each session will last about two to three hours. Of course, everyone’s tolerance for testing is different, and session length is adjusted to each child’s needs. For some older children, or when circumstances permit, testing can be completed in one day.
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Q. Should I give my child his/her medication before testing?
The answer to this question must be evaluated on a case by case basis, either on the phone or during the consultation prior to testing. In some instances, it’s valuable to test both “on” and “off” medications. If necessary, Dr. Mary can consult with the prescribing provider.
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Q. Do I stay in the room while my child is testing?
No – but rest assured, Dr. Mary always works within the comfort level of your child. Some children are most comfortable if their parents stay in the waiting room. Others don’t mind if their parents leave the office. Either way, Dr. Mary will always have your cell phone number if she needs to reach you. Cape Cod Neuropsychology is located in Merchant’s Square, Sandwich, where there are stores, coffee shops, and restaurants
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Q. Will my child need a snack?
Dr. Mary provides water and healthy snacks. Please let her know if your child has any food allergies or sensitivities, or if you’d prefer to provide your own snack.
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Q. How long before I get the testing results?
If you have provided all the necessary background information – a completed Patient History Form (download the form here) and copies of ALL report cards, standardized testing, previous school or outside testing, IEPs and any other relevant medical or other reports, in addition to completed checklists given to you by Dr. Mary – a feedback session can be scheduled one to three weeks after the last testing date.
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Q. Should I bring my child to the feedback session?
Dr. Mary will discuss options with you in advance, and a decision will be made according to your child’s needs. Often, the best format is a “split session,” when the child is included for a portion of the session and then waits in the waiting room while you consult privately with Dr. Mary. An alternative is for Dr. Mary to have a separate session with the child after she reviews the report with the parent.
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Q. What happens after the feedback session?
If follow-up is requested, Dr. Mary will discuss testing results with school personnel, a physician, or a therapist. Dr. Mary routinely attends IEP meetings, though this is not covered by insurance.
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Q. Is Cape Cod Neuropsychology handicapped accessible?
Cape Cod Neuropsychology is on the first floor.
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Q. What insurance plans does Cape Cod Neuropsychology accept?
No insurance is accepted and no exceptions are made. However, Dr. Mary can provide you with all of the necessary information to get reimbursed, if you have out of network benefits.
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Testimonials
I’ve been referring patients to Dr. Mary Acunzo for the past 18+ years, and have always found her to be pleasant and professional. Her rapport with patients and families is superb! Her evaluations and reports are very thorough, well organized, and helpful for providers, families, and educators. I find the summaries of Dr Mary’s reports chock full of easily and quickly referenced salient information. I would like to give Cape Cod Neuropsychology my strongest possible endorsement.
-Leif Norenberg, M.D., Physician/ Owner, Briarpatch Pediatrics”Dr. Acunzo is talented at establishing a rapport with the clients she evaluates and in recognizing the unique strengths of each individual. She is thorough in gathering information, giving mindful attention to detail. In addition, Dr. Acunzo’s resourcefulness in her recommendations and efforts to communicate on behalf of those she serves is exceptional!”
-Wendy Crocker, MSW, LICSW”We cannot say enough about the work of Dr. Mary Acunzo. Dr. Acunzo genuinely cares about each patient that comes into her practice. She takes the time to truly learn about their strengths and areas of challenge. Therefore her evaluations are always comprehensive and the recommendations are detailed and easy to understand. Dr. Mary Acunzo goes the extra step in supporting her patients even after the evaluation process is complete.”
-Tracey Bromley Goodwin, M.Ed., ADHD Coach and Holly Oberacker, LMHC, ATR
Navigating ADHD, Inc.Dr. Mary, as most of our younger students call her is a true professional; approachable no matter what age. Her relationship building with children and their families is genuine, trusting and ends with true results – answers families are looking for. Dr. Acunzo’s reports are comprehensive yet “user friendly” for all to understand and interpret. Highly recommend in my district and in my last district.
-Eileen Manganella MSW, LCSW, C-SSWS -
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