When parents come to the Diagnostic Evaluation Center (DEC) at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School in Chicago, they’re often at a breaking point — their child has been struggling for years, and nothing seems to fit.
“We’re really good at complex cases,” says Dr. Karen Fried, clinical director of the O-School and director of the DEC. “There are a lot of young people who come our way who aren’t yet well-understood — and maybe receiving supports that don’t quite match what they need.”
The DEC provides psychological and educational evaluations for children and young adults ages 3-21. Many families come in seeking answers around autism, learning disabilities, mood issues or trauma-related challenges.
Though based at the O-School, the DEC is open to families throughout Chicagoland — and beyond. Here’s what to know.
The DEC specializes in youth with complicated stories
Each year, the center works with about 50 children mostly ages 8-14 — many of whom have gone years without the right support. “We have particular expertise with children, adolescents and young adults who are really complicated,” Fried says.
- Family context matters: “Children are part of family systems,” says Fried. Evaluations look at what else may be affecting a child, including sleep and stress.
- Addressing trauma: Some families have also experienced a death, domestic violence or community violence. These experiences often show up alongside learning challenges. “Parents want help knowing how to best help their child,” Fried says.
- Clarity in complex cases: One parent suspected autism despite an existing IEP. The DEC confirmed both autism and an intellectual disability. “It’s bittersweet,” Fried says, “but the parent knew something broader was going on.” The diagnosis led to new eligibility and programming — even gym class was adjusted to reduce overwhelm.
What the evaluation includes — and what families can expect
“We do a thorough, individualized evaluation,” Fried says. “It’s not just a one-day thing.”
- Kid-paced testing: Most young people come in for two or three half-day sessions. “It’s several hours, with breaks,” she says. “We want them to be at their best.”
- Standardized tools and observation: Depending on the age of the individual, sessions include testing, play-based tasks, rating scales and live observation when possible.
- Parent and teacher input: The team conducts clinical interviews with caregivers, teachers and, where possible, the young person.
- Focused on concerns: Parents often ask, “Does my child have autism?” or “Why is school so hard when no one else sees a problem?” All evaluations start here.
The DEC stays involved after the initial report
“Just as crucial as the diagnosis is what happens next,” Fried says. “We want to help parents know how to go about getting what their child needs.”
- Ongoing advocacy: “That can include being at the IEP table, consulting members of that student’s instructional team, or speaking to their therapist.”
- Months of guidance: It’s not uncommon for collaborations to span 3-6 months. “Oftentimes, when parents reach out to us, there’s a school district meeting upcoming,” she says. “We can come with them, or we can participate remotely.”
- Empowering parents: The DEC equips parents with the information they need to help others best understand their child. “There’s a lot of coaching,” Fried notes.
- Support that scales: Some families return with questions later. Others come back to evaluate siblings or are referred by satisfied schools that request additional support.
Key details families need to know about the DEC
- Who it’s for: Children and young adults ages 3-21. Most are between 8-14. Students do not need to attend the O-School to access the DEC.
- How it works: Evaluations include 2-3 sessions with the child, plus rating scales, interviews, play-based tasks, observation and a full record review.
- Quick access: Wait times are typically three months or less. “That stands out,” Fried says. “A lot of centers can be much longer — nine, ten months.”
- Cost and aid: The average price of an evaluation is $3,500. Financial aid is available.
- How to start: Fill out the form on the DEC website. “As soon as a parent feels concerned,” Fried says, “there’s no harm in reaching out.”
This content is sponsored by the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School in Chicago. To learn more, visit the Diagnostic Evaluation Center (DEC) website.
