BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
Behavioral Testing For Child in Brighton and Plymouth, MI
Your child’s problematic behavior is often the tip of the iceberg.
When your child’s behavior is disruptive, confusing, or no longer improving with typical strategies, a professional behavioral evaluation can provide answers. At McCaskill Family Services, our licensed child psychologists conduct comprehensive, evidence-based assessments to identify the underlying causes of behavioral issues—such as impulsivity, defiance, aggression, anxiety, or emotional outbursts.
We help parents understand why their child is struggling and what steps to take next. With offices in Plymouth and Brighton, we offer child behavior assessments across Michigan that lead to personalized, actionable plans for lasting improvement.
Behavioral Evaluation for Children with Persistent Behavior Problems
Engaging in backtalk, experiencing frequent emotional breakdowns, displaying a reluctance to engage in assigned tasks, and exhibiting resistance towards following instructions are understandably perceived as manifestations of disrespect or an inclination towards laziness. As such, they tend to be treated accordingly.
However, these actions often indicate underlying issues in a child’s behavior. In the case of the majority of children, these surface-level behaviors are generally transient and may even be considered a natural part of the process of “growing up.” For most youngsters, directly addressing the problematic behavior and implementing clear boundaries and corresponding consequences can steer them towards a more positive trajectory.
Nevertheless, parents and educators encounter challenges when attempting to rectify these problematic behaviors through conventional parenting methods and interventions. In such situations, it becomes imperative to delve beneath the surface and explore the possibility of an underlying issue. Frequently, these behavioral problems can be attributed to cognitive weaknesses or coping difficulties experienced by the child.
Professional testing and evaluation are essential to accurately diagnose and pinpoint the root causes of these behavioral challenges. McCaskill Family Services specializes in providing comprehensive behavioral testing for children, offering the expertise and support needed to identify and address these underlying issues effectively. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you believe your child may benefit from our specialized services in behavioral testing for children.
We Get Below the Surface to Treat Your Child’s Behavior Problem
What You See:
- Talking back
- Tantrums
- Fearful
- Lazy
- Irritation
- Meltdowns
- Annoying
- Refusing to do work
- Resistant
- Unmotivated
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Crying
- Disrespectful
What We Discover:
- Executive functioning weakness
- Memory Problems
- Comprehension Problems
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Slow Processing speed
- Expressive or receptive language weaknesses
- Poor frustration tolerance
- Depression
- Social cognition problems
Hear more from Dr. John McCaskill
BEHAVIORAL TESTING FOR CHILDREN
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a child assessed for behavioral problems?
To have a child assessed for behavioral problems, parents typically start by scheduling an evaluation with a licensed psychologist or clinic that offers comprehensive psychological testing. The process begins with an initial clinical interview, followed by testing if recommended, to better understand behavioral, emotional, and cognitive concerns.
Where can I send my child with behavioral problems in Michigan?
McCaskill Family Services provides behavioral evaluations for children at our Brighton and Plymouth, Michigan locations. Our clinicians conduct comprehensive assessments to identify underlying factors contributing to behavioral challenges and provide clear, individualized recommendations.
How Do Our Behavioral Evaluations Work?
At McCaskill Family Services, our behavioral evaluations for children follow a multi-step, evidence-based process. We begin with a parent interview to gather developmental, medical, educational, and behavioral history, followed by 4–6 hours of one-on-one testing using standardized tools tailored to your child’s needs. These assessments measure cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, attention, memory, language, and processing speed. Every step is designed to be child-friendly, with engaging activities, breaks, and positive reinforcement to ensure your child feels comfortable and confident.
We provide child behavior assessments in Michigan for a wide range of ages—from preschoolers to teens. Our licensed psychologists adapt testing methods to be developmentally appropriate, whether your child is struggling with tantrums, school refusal, anxiety, or peer difficulties. After testing, families receive a comprehensive report and a personalized feedback session with clear, data-driven recommendations to support success at home and in school.
When should I consider a behavioral evaluation for my child?
If your child’s behavior problems are persistent, disruptive, or no longer responding to typical parenting strategies, a professional evaluation can help. Signs like frequent meltdowns, aggression, severe anxiety, difficulty following instructions, or ongoing struggles at school may indicate a deeper issue. Teachers, pediatricians, or your own intuition may suggest that something more is going on. Early testing can uncover the root causes and guide effective interventions before the challenges escalate.
What is the goal of a behavioral evaluation?
The purpose of a behavioral assessment is to identify the underlying causes of your child’s behavior. Through a comprehensive review of emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, our psychologists create a full profile of your child’s strengths and challenges. From there, we develop a personalized plan that may include school accommodations, therapy recommendations, or home-based behavior strategies—turning uncertainty into a clear path forward.
What should my child and I expect on testing day?
Your child will work individually with a licensed psychologist in a calm, engaging setting. We use child-friendly language, positive reinforcement, and plenty of breaks to keep kids comfortable and motivated. Most children find the process enjoyable—many even ask to come back!
Parents may stay nearby during testing and will complete additional forms while their child is assessed. Afterward, we’ll meet to review the findings, discuss diagnoses (if any), and outline clear, practical recommendations for home, school, or therapy.