Melissa B. Singer, Ph.D.

03/21/2026

It’s always rewarding to hear that the results of my evaluation are being used to ensure that a child gets the services, accommodations and modifications they need from their school district. I just received this email from a parent:

“We presented our case for her IEP to the CSE today and were successful in having them formally proceed with their recommendation to provide her with services under the IEP - Autism category. Pretty much everything we discussed with you and that you noted in your evaluation summary…The school psychologist was lockstep with your recommendations (many of which either she or I read at varying points in the meeting), in particular the observations regarding acute struggles in certain non-verbal skills. Her support and affirmation of your evaluation appeared to be a pivotal piece of the decision-making puzzle. It really feels great to know that the recommended services and goals are going to be put into place.”

(shared with permission from the parents and with all identifying information removed).

03/04/2026

I have always stressed the importance of the child being personally invested in the process of an evaluation. Meeting with them individually prior to the start of the testing gives me the opportunity to explain the purpose of the evaluation and what they can expect during the testing, while also asking them what questions they want answered at the end of the process. Providing children with direct feedback (in a low-key and age-appropriate manner) can answer their questions, give them a sense of self-efficacy and motivate them to engage in the recommended interventions and treatment.

The decision to have your child evaluated for learning disabilities or ADHD sets in motion a process that, at times,

02/26/2026

“She has been a bit of a mystery for years.”

I just received this note from a very skilled psychiatrist in regard to a patient she and the treating psychologist recently referred to me, and it truly sums up how assessment can inform and improve treatment for even the most seasoned clinicians. I have received referrals from psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, therapists, learning specialists, executive functioning coaches, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, tutors and other professionals – all of whom do great work but also recognize when an evaluation could improve outcomes in their treatment room. How do you know when your patient will benefit from psychological testing?

- Are you having difficulty determining the correct diagnosis?
- Is treatment stagnating? Do you feel stuck or like you are missing something?
- Are you getting conflicting information or feedback from parents, teachers or other members of your patient’s treatment team?
- Have you been unsure of which direction to take or how to proceed in treatment?
- Are the questions you had at the beginning of treatment still unanswered?
- Do you suspect there may be underlying issues impacting the patient beyond their initial presenting problem?

These are just a few of the questions that suggest a thorough assessment specifically tailored to your patient is indicated. While not every patient needs a comprehensive evaluation, it can be invaluable when you have hit a roadblock of some sort and need additional information in order to continue your work most effectively. I always look forward to collaborating with the many practitioners who refer their patients to me and appreciate that they recognize the value of my work.

02/17/2026

Right after having lunch with my longtime mentor a few weeks ago, I learned that January was National Mentoring Month! 30 years ago, while I was working in the neuroimaging lab at Mount Sinai Hospital and applying to graduate school, Philip Harvey introduced me to David Pogge. After meeting David, the decision about which Ph.D. program to attend was easy. He promised me the opportunity to conduct an evaluation every week at Four Winds Hospital throughout my training, something no one else could offer.

While David made good on that promise, he also provided me with so much more throughout the eight years I worked for him at Four Winds, both while I was in training and during my very first job - Staff Psychologist in the Department of Psychological Testing. In addition to imparting his wisdom about all aspects of assessment through both coursework and practicum training, David taught me the importance of critical thinking, diligence and old-fashioned hard work. He achieved this through countless hours of supervision, which involved answering my endless questions with an unmatched eloquence, as well as a healthy amount of constructive criticism! Outside of work, he welcomed Scott A. Singer and me into his home to spend time with his family, which made me feel appreciated and gave David the pleasure of ribbing Scott about his beloved Jets!

When it was time, David helped me realize I had all the skills necessary to go out on my own and made sure that I knew the value of my work. I am lucky to still live and work nearby, which allows us to catch up over lunch periodically. A couple of weeks ago we met at our usual spot, as if no time had passed at all. It is hard to believe my older daughter is exactly the same age as I was when I met him! His perspective and advice are still invaluable to me.

If you are as lucky as I have been to have had a mentor who has shaped your career in meaningful ways, let this be your reminder to catch up with them, show your appreciation and share your story!

January is National Mentoring Month, and at APF, we know that mentorship is essential in shaping the next generation of researchers and psychologists. Supporting students and early career researchers and psychologists to build sustainable and impactful careers is central to APF’s mission. Through ...

02/11/2026

Please connect with me on LinkedIn and feel free to ask any questions you have about assessment!

I have a private practice specializing in comprehensive psychological, cognitive and… · Experience: Private Practice · Education: Cornell University · Location: Mount Kisco · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View Melissa Singer’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion member...

04/30/2025

Mental flexibility is the ability to effectively utilize feedback from the environment to assess the effectiveness of your actions and behaviors, devise alternate hypotheses and strategies when appropriate and try them out systematically. Want to work on these skills with your child? This article has some good suggestions:

Cognitive flexibility and problem solving are essential executive functioning skills that allow children to adapt to changing situations, consider mul...

02/20/2025

No one can succeed at everything, but building resilience can help a child regroup after a setback and use the experience to learn and grow.

Resilience helps kids cope with challenges. Being resilient isn’t just about bouncing back. Here are tips and activities to help kids build resilience.

10/30/2024

Sharing this opportunity for all interested students!
The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of young people with LD and ADHD who have done amazing things, making a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

2025 Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards Each year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities® recognizes students from all over the country who have achieved great success despite or because of their learning challenges. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding accom...

09/27/2024

And to follow up on yesterday's post - here are some common myths about 504 plans.

There are a lot of myths about 504 plans. Here are six common misconceptions about 504 plans, and the facts to bust them.

09/25/2024

I support many families through the process of obtaining a 504 or an IEP and often find that they have received minimal information from their school district about what this entails. This article demystifies 5 common misconceptions about IEPs.

There are so many myths about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Here we debunk them and set the record straight.

09/26/2023

A helpful glossary of terms that are often used within an IEP or 504 Plan.

There are lots of terms and acronyms used in the IEP and special education process. Explore this list of IEP and special education terms and definitions.