Should We Have Tested My Teen Sooner? Why High School Evaluations Still Matter

Your teenager has been struggling for years. Maybe they were always the kid who worked twice as hard as everyone else just to keep up. Maybe you told yourself it was just a phase, that they would grow out of it, that high school would be different. But now they are a sophomore or a junior, and the struggles have not gone away — they have gotten worse.

And now you are wondering: is it too late? Did we miss the window? Would testing even help at this point?

Here is the truth: high school is not too late. In fact, for many students, high school is one of the most critical times to pursue a neuropsychological evaluation. The stakes are higher, the demands are greater, and the opportunities to intervene are still very much within reach.

Why Parents Hesitate to Test in High School

Many parents assume that if their child has made it to high school without a diagnosis, testing is no longer necessary or even useful. They worry that it is too late to make a difference, that their child has already developed coping mechanisms, or that a diagnosis will only add stress during an already demanding time.

Some parents fear that seeking a diagnosis in high school will hurt their teenager's confidence or make them feel labeled. Others simply do not realize that the accommodations available through testing — both in school and on standardized college entrance exams — can be life-changing.

But here is what many parents do not know: the challenges of high school often reveal learning differences that were previously masked by intelligence, hard work, or supportive elementary and middle school environments. And the earlier you identify these differences, the better equipped your teenager will be to navigate not just high school, but college and life beyond.

What Changes in High School That Makes Testing So Important

High school brings a significant increase in academic demands. The workload gets heavier, the material becomes more abstract, and executive functioning skills — like time management, organization, and prioritization — become essential for success. For students with undiagnosed learning disabilities, ADHD, processing speed deficits, or executive functioning challenges, this is often when the wheels come off.

Students who were able to compensate in earlier grades by working harder, staying up later, or relying on strong verbal skills may find that those strategies no longer work. They start falling behind, their grades drop, and their self-esteem takes a hit. Parents watch their bright, capable teenager become increasingly anxious, overwhelmed, or even depressed.

This is not a sign of failure. This is a sign that your teenager needs support that is tailored to how their brain works — and a neuropsychological evaluation is the roadmap to finding that support.

Five Critical Reasons to Test Your Teenager Now

1. SAT and ACT Accommodations Can Level the Playing Field

One of the most immediate and impactful benefits of testing in high school is access to accommodations on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT. Students with documented learning disabilities, ADHD, or processing challenges may qualify for extended time, separate testing environments, breaks as needed, or other supports that allow them to demonstrate their true abilities.

However, these accommodations are not automatic. Both the College Board and ACT require documentation of the disability, and the approval process can take several weeks. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation provides the documentation needed to support these requests — and getting it done early in high school ensures that accommodations are in place when your teenager needs them most.

2. IEPs and 504 Plans Are Still Relevant and Necessary

Many parents assume that if their child does not have an IEP or 504 plan by high school, it is too late to get one. This is simply not true. Students can receive an IEP or 504 plan at any point during their academic career — and high school is often when these supports become most essential.

An evaluation provides the documentation schools need to develop an appropriate plan, which might include extended time on tests, preferential seating, access to a note-taker, modified assignments, or additional support from a learning specialist. These accommodations can make the difference between a student who barely scrapes by and one who thrives.

3. College Transition Support Starts in High School

The transition from high school to college is a major developmental milestone — and for students with learning differences, it can be particularly challenging. College requires a level of independence, self-advocacy, and executive functioning that many teenagers are not yet equipped to handle without support.

A neuropsychological evaluation conducted in high school can help identify the specific skills your teenager will need to work on before they head off to college. It also provides documentation that can be used to access disability services at the college level, ensuring that the support your teenager needs does not disappear the moment they graduate.

4. Self-Understanding and Confidence

One of the most powerful outcomes of a neuropsychological evaluation is not just the diagnosis or the accommodations — it is the understanding it provides. Teenagers who have spent years struggling without knowing why often internalize those struggles as personal failures. They believe they are not smart enough, not disciplined enough, or simply not good enough.

An evaluation gives them language for what they have been experiencing. It validates their struggles and replaces shame with clarity. It helps them understand that their brain works differently — and that with the right strategies and support, they can succeed. This shift in self-perception can be transformative.

5. You Can Still Intervene Before It Is Too Late

While earlier intervention is always preferable, high school is far from too late. Students who receive appropriate support in high school — whether through accommodations, tutoring, therapy, or executive function coaching — can make significant progress in a short period of time. More importantly, they can develop the self-awareness and strategies they will need to advocate for themselves in college and beyond.

Waiting until college to address these issues is far riskier. By then, students are on their own, without the built-in support systems that high school provides. Identifying and addressing challenges now — while you are still there to support and advocate for your teenager — can prevent a crisis later.

What to Expect From a High School Evaluation

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for a teenager typically includes an assessment of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, executive functioning, attention, memory, processing speed, and social-emotional functioning. The process usually takes place over one or two sessions, and parents are often asked to complete questionnaires and provide background information.

Once testing is complete, you will receive a detailed report outlining your teenager's strengths and challenges, along with specific recommendations for support. This might include academic accommodations, therapy referrals, strategies for improving executive functioning, or guidance on how to prepare for college.

The goal is not to label your teenager or limit their potential. The goal is to give them the tools, understanding, and support they need to succeed on their own terms.

Common Concerns Parents Have — And Why They Should Not Hold You Back

Many parents worry that testing will upset or embarrass their teenager. In reality, most teenagers feel relieved to finally have an explanation for what they have been experiencing. They are often more aware of their struggles than parents realize, and a diagnosis can be validating rather than stigmatizing.

Others worry about the time commitment or the cost. While evaluations do require an investment of both, the long-term benefits — in terms of academic success, mental health, and future opportunities — far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

Finally, some parents worry that a diagnosis will follow their child forever or limit their opportunities. The opposite is true. A diagnosis opens doors. It provides access to accommodations, services, and support that would otherwise be unavailable. It gives your teenager the chance to succeed not despite their differences, but because they finally understand them.

The Bottom Line

If your teenager is struggling — whether academically, emotionally, or socially — it is not too late to get answers. High school is actually one of the most important times to pursue a neuropsychological evaluation. The demands are higher, the stakes are greater, and the opportunities for intervention are still very much within your reach.

Testing in high school is not about giving up or admitting defeat. It is about giving your teenager the clarity, tools, and support they need to succeed — not just in school, but in life.

Worried you waited too long? Contact Dr. Koffman today to discuss whether a neuropsychological evaluation is right for your teenager. It is never too late to get the answers your child deserves.