faqs

Typically, evaluations are conducted in 1/2 a day. If needed, the patient can return on a second day, but travel distance may not allow this. Whatever the case, we go at the pace of the patient.

There is generally a wait list from three to four weeks.

We try to get people scheduled sooner than most clinics.  Once the testing is completed, results and recommendations are written within four to six weeks, depending on demand. IPS also follows up with each patient to inquire if they desire a consultation about findings.  

Prior to beginning the evaluation, Dr. Anderson explains to the patient who referred them, what they’re being referred for, how long they should expect to be together, the timeline for completion, and their opportunity for a follow-up. Dr. Anderson explains to the patient that the scores are based on how well they do compared to others their age, as well as where their strengths and weaknesses are.

This is not a “test” in the way that most of us know from elementary or high school. There is no “passing grade”. Rather this is a formal way of measuring how well the individual performs on different hands-on tasks. There is no passing grade. We just ask that you be sincere and give your best effort.

The presurgical assessment is intended to ensure that all of your needs are met; physical and psychological. Bariatric surgery is the beginning of health change, not the end. The assessment will help identify your strengths and where you may need support after surgery, such as depression or mood swings, lack of support, or managing triggers for emotional eating.

All patients are required to meet with the psychologist, not just because someone may, or may not, have psychological concerns.

The mind and the body are not separate. For instance, 10 minutes of low intensity aerobic exercise can increase energy and improve mood. Exercise has been shown to be more effective than antidepressants in reducing depression. Also, one of the chemicals responsible for feeling good, serotonin, is produced in the gut and greatly affected by what is eaten.

Human’s relationship with food is complex. Recent generations have come to know it as a form of satisfaction and enjoyment. However, physiologically our body sees food differently. Food is fuel and our body is still primed to believe it is scarce. So, when you gain weight it is out of survival, even if you eat because you are stressed or raised to “clean your plate”. We want to help you identify unhelpful eating behaviors, such as nibbling or grazing on unhealthy foods and improve stress coping.

An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts social development. Domains affected include stress coping, language development, and development of socially appropriate behaviors. The autism spectrum is wide, and while several symptoms appear to overlap with more common disorders, the neuroanatomical underpinnings of ASD are distinct.

Screeners are helpful at the beginning of a diagnostic process but are not diagnostic because of how they’re designed. Psychological testing is an intensive process that involves instruments that are normed on the appropriate populations, produce results that are compared against other results, and must include a thorough interview lasting as much as two to three hours. Many of the symptoms of ASD may look like other problems and can include additional struggles with social anxiety and depression. However, the “why” and “how” symptoms and signs are measured is not captured in screeners.

With the rise of social media, well-meaning individuals believe they are communicating clinically relevant information, and may even have a cursory understanding of certain words. However, much of the information is inaccurate and not in keeping with scientific research. The clinical utility of the shared information only goes as far as to give someone the impression that the speaker is knowledgeable using popular phrases such as “neurotypical”. However, these are not found in the diagnostic manual.