We specialize in all forms of  Psychological Assessment. We have state of the art, highly reliable, valid and standardized Psychological Tests and Assessment methods for Psycho-diagnostic assessment, Neuro-psychological assessment, Psycho-educational Assessment, and Personality Assessment.

We can support you for

• IQ testing- for developmental issues as well for high IQ- identification and enrichment programs.
• Academic achievement testing, for placement in Gifted program or for accommodations in school, college and work setting.
• Aptitude testing for career counselling
• Personality testing- for career and job related issues
• Personality Testing for psychological-well-being related issues

• Psycho-diagnostic testing to find the exact problem and the causes, to reach a conclusive diagnosis.

We work with children, teenagers and adults with Developmental and Cognitive delays, High IQ, Learning Disorders, Autism, ADHD, Sensory and Processing Issues, Personality and Conduct issues, Neuro-cognitive issues, among others.

FAQs

1. What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it.

Children with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They often understand what's expected of them in particular situation, but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.

Of course, all children (especially younger ones) act this way at times, particularly when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are present over a longer period of time and occur in different settings. They impair a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home. The silver lining is that with proper treatment, and behavior therapy, children with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

Symptoms: ADHD has three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors:

i. Inattentive type: 

• inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
• difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
• apparent listening problems
• difficulty following instructions
• problems with organization
• avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort
• tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework
• distractibility
• forgetfulness in daily activities

ii.   Hyperactive-impulsive type:

• fidgeting or squirming
• difficulty remaining seated
• excessive running or climbing
• difficulty playing quietly
• always seeming to be "on the go"
• excessive talking
• blurting out answers before hearing the full question
• difficulty waiting for a turn or in line
• problems with interrupting or intruding

iii. Combined type, it involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common.

Although it is difficult to raise children with ADHD, it's important to understand and remember they aren't "bad," "acting out," or being difficult on purpose. They do have difficulty controlling their behavior without medication or behavioral therapy.

2. What is LD/Learning Disability/ Dyslexia?

Learning Disability- (old common name- dyslexia, commonly known as LD) is a real neuro-biological disorder, which affect the brain's ability to receive, process, store, respond to, and communicate information. Learning disabilities are not the same as intellectual disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation), sensory impairments (vision or hearing) or autism spectrum disorders. People with LD are of average or above-average intelligence but still struggle to acquire skills that impact their ability to read or write or to do math.

Learning Disabilities may range from mild to severe and one person may have multiple kinds of Learning Disability.

Learning disabilities can affect a person's ability in the areas of:

• Reading- old name Dyslexia
• Writing- old name Dysgraphia
• Mathematics- old name Dyscalculia

Again- LDs can not be totaly cured, but with correct psycho-educational interventions, one can see significant improvement in the brain's ability to make the connections in reading, writing or mathematics; resulting in better educational performance and happier state of mind!

3. What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. With the May 2013 publication of the new DSM-5 diagnostic manual, these autism subtypes are merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can definitely improve outcomes. 

4. Can a child have Anxiety Disorder?

YES. Children can also have Anxiety Disorder. Children with Anxiety problems tend to worry excessively about a variety of things such as grades, family issues, relationships with peers, and performance in sports. They tend to be very hard on themselves and strive for perfection. They may also seek constant approval or reassurance from others. They can cry more easily, more frequently and may often complain of headache, stomach ache, nausea, muscle pain etc. Sleep disturbance and nightmares can also be associated problems. 

They may or may not have Obsessive Complusive Disoder, Panic Attacks, Separation Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Selective Mutism, and Specific Phobias.

With timely intervention through play therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior modification (depending upon individual need), they most often show tremendous improvement and often a complete cure. 

Symptoms of Depression in Children

The symptoms of depression in children vary. Symptoms may include typical sadness or just the constant irritation or defiant behaviors. Signs and symptoms of depression may vary. however the major symptoms in children include:

• Irritability or anger.
• Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Social withdrawal.
• Increased sensitivity to rejection.
• Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased.
• Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep.
• Vocal outbursts or crying.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Fatigue and low energy.
• Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that don't respond to treatment.
• Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or interests.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Impaired thinking or concentration.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Not all children have all of these symptoms. In fact, most children display different symptoms at different times and in different settings. Although some children may continue to function reasonably well in structured environments, most kids with significant depression will suffer a noticeable change in social activities, loss of interest in school and poor academic performance, or a change in appearance.

6. What is Depression? How do we know that an adult person is going through Depression?

Everyone feels sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to some real loss, life's struggles, death in the family or stress in job etc. But when these feelings of sadness -- including feelings of helpless, hopeless, and worthless continue to exist for weeks and months and disturb the everyday life, then it may not be just sadness, but clinical depression, a treatable medical condition.

How Do I Know If I Have Depression?
Depression occurs when one has at least five of the following symptoms at the same time:

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
• A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
• Significant weight loss or weight gain

A key sign of depression is either depressed mood or loss of interest in activities one generally enjoys. For a diagnosis of depression, these signs should be present most of the day either daily or nearly daily for at least two weeks. In addition, the depressive symptoms need to cause clinically significant distress or impairment. They cannot be due to the direct effects of a drug or medication. Nor can they be the result of a medical condition such as hypothyroidism. Finally, symptoms that occur within two months of the loss of a loved one are not considered to be clinical depression.

Symptoms of DepressionOne should know that all people with depressive illnesses don't experience the same symptoms. The frequency, intensity and severity may vary depending on the individual and his or her illness. Here are common symptoms people with depression experience:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Loss of pleasure in life
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

While these are common symptoms of depression, they may also occur in patterns. For example, a person may experience depression with mania or hypomania -- a condition sometimes called manic depression or bipolar disorder. Or the symptoms may be seasonal as in the case of seasonal affective disorder. One can also have a low long sustained sadness, which affects every day life!

BUT- REMEMBER- Depression is treatable!

7. What is Anxiety? How can we know that an adult person has Anxiety?

A constant feeling of worriedness and apprehension is called as Anxiety.  Just like depression, we all feel anxious, worried or apprehensive at some point of time in our lives. But, when it start affecting our everyday life and is there weeks and months, it can be diagnosed at Anxiety Disorder. One may experience some of the following physical symptoms:

• Tense muscles
• Trembling
• Churning stomach
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Backache
• Heart palpitations
• Numbness or "pins and needles" in arms, hands or legs
• Sweating/flushing

 AGAIN- REMEMBER- Anxiety is Treatable!

Dr. Parul Cedilnik, Clinical Psychologist 
Stadtgraben Strasse 2, First Floor, 71032 Böblingen
Tel:     +49 (0) 157 7536-7424
Email:  pcedilnik@apstherapy.org