DRES offers psychological assessment for University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign degree-seeking students who have had no prior diagnosis/testing and are experiencing significant academic distress. We provide assessments for ADHD, a specific learning disability, and autism.
Please Note: If you have a prior diagnosis/testing, you may already be eligible to register with DRES. Please see the DRES Documentation Requirements page for more information.
What is the Process Like?
Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, the assessment may include evaluating one or more of the following areas:
- Attention and executive functioning processes
- Intellectual functioning
- Academic achievement
- Memory
- Behavior
- Social-emotional functioning
All psychological assessment takes place in person at DRES. Evaluations are conducted by either a licensed clinical psychologist or a psychology practicum student, predoctoral intern, or postdoc being supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist.
- First, you will complete a two- to three-hour clinical interview. During the interview, you will provide detailed information about your current concerns and history, including your functioning throughout childhood.
- Following the initial interview, additional assessments will be conducted to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition to your own participation, you may be asked to have someone who knows you well (e.g., a parent, partner, or roommate) complete rating scales related to your concerns. Step 2 typically takes several hours (i.e., four to twelve) spread across several days.
- Following the assessment, you will meet with your clinician for 30 minutes to one hour to discuss the findings and next steps.
Please note that this process does not include prescribing medication. Findings from the psychological assessment may guide a discussion with a psychiatrist or other medical provider. Still, we cannot guarantee you will be prescribed medication following the assessment.
The Impact of COVID-19
DRES has received a dramatic increase in students requesting screenings for ADHD since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to primarily online work, a reduction in social and other recreational activities, and an increase in general anxiety due to the pandemic can all produce symptoms similar to ADHD, such as inattention and feelings of restlessness. This is a normal and expected response to the current extraordinary circumstances. Please keep this in mind as you consider your concerns.