Testing in the right language
When a child or adult is tested in a language they are still learning, results can underestimate what they truly know. A bilingual evaluation accounts for the language a person thinks in, how long they have been learning English and their cultural background, so that a language difference is not mistaken for a learning disorder, developmental delay or attention problem—and real difficulties are not missed either.
At Calmora, bilingual evaluations in English and Spanish are led by Dr. Julian Ortiz, PhD, a clinical psychologist. Interviews, testing and feedback can be completed in Spanish, in English or in both, using measures with appropriate norms where they exist. We evaluate children from age 5, teens and adults for questions about learning, attention, autism, intellectual functioning, memory and emotional well-being, and we can explain results to Spanish-speaking family members in their own language.
Reasons families choose bilingual testing
A bilingual evaluation may be helpful when you or your child:
- Speaks Spanish at home
- Is learning English as a new language
- Struggles with reading in both languages
- Was recently tested only in English and the results don’t seem right
- Has teachers raising concerns about learning, attention or behavior at school
- Communicates best in Spanish
- Has parents who prefer Spanish
- Shows a speech delay in both languages
- Needs testing for an IEP, 504 plan or academic accommodations
- Recently moved to the U.S. and is adjusting to a new school system
- Needs a neuropsychological, autism or OPWDD evaluation in Spanish
- Wants feedback and recommendations explained in their own language
What does a bilingual evaluation involve?
The same careful process as any evaluation, adapted for language and culture.
Before testing begins, we take time to learn about language history and which language feels most comfortable. A bilingual evaluation typically includes:
- An intake interview in English, Spanish or both
- Assessment of language dominance and proficiency in each language
- Testing in the stronger language
- Spanish and English questionnaires
- Review of school records, prior testing and input from teachers, with consent
- A written report that explains language factors
- A feedback session in the language your family prefers
Testing is usually completed over two or three appointments, and the written report is typically ready within a few weeks. Results take language and culture into account, so recommendations fit the person.
Fair results, clear answers
How Bilingual Testing Supports Next Steps
An accurate evaluation helps schools, doctors and families make the right decisions. For a child, that may mean English language support rather than special education—or the reverse: services for a learning disability that had been dismissed as “just a language issue.” For adults, it can clarify memory, attention or mood concerns that are hard to describe in a second language.
After your feedback session, we can talk through how to share the report with your school or other providers. If ongoing support would help, therapy at Calmora is available in English and Spanish, and our Care Coordination team can answer questions about fees and out-of-network benefits.