Uptown Psychology
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations (CDE) in Florida
The evaluation Florida families need for the FES-UA scholarship and for real diagnostic clarity — done thoroughly, explained clearly.
The Benefits
Advantages of a
CDE with Uptown
Scholarship-ready
documentation
A CDE from a licensed professional is a key step for families pursuing Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA).
A real diagnostic
answer
Beyond paperwork, a CDE establishes or confirms your child's diagnosis with standardized tools — so treatment and school planning rest on solid ground.
One evaluation,
many uses
The same thorough evaluation supports scholarship applications, school accommodations, and access to therapies and services.
The Stakes
When Paperwork Stands Between Your Child and Support
Florida’s FES-UA scholarship can fund therapies, services, and educational options for children with disabilities — but families without current diagnostic documentation hit a wall. Waitlists for evaluations stretch months while the support your child could be receiving stays out of reach. A timely, properly documented CDE removes that barrier.
THE SERVICE
What Is a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation?
- Detailed developmental and medical history
- Standardized diagnostic assessment tools
- Cognitive and adaptive functioning measures as needed
- Parent and teacher rating scales
- A written diagnostic report for FES-UA and providers
- A feedback session explaining findings and next steps
uptown psychology
What Can a CDE Help With?
- Documentation for the FES-UA scholarship
- A first-time diagnosis for a young child
- Confirmation of an older or informal diagnosis
- Access to therapies that require a diagnosis
- Clarity between autism, ADHD & language delays
- Updated documentation after aging out of an IEP
- A second opinion on a previous evaluation
- Guidance on services after a new diagnosis
Not sure whether you need a CDE or a school-focused evaluation? Start with our parent’s guide to Florida CDEs, or just ask on a free consultation call — we will tell you honestly which evaluation answers your question.
THE EVALUATIONS
Who a CDE
Is For
Families applying for FES-UA
FES-UA applications require documentation of an eligible disability. A CDE from a licensed practitioner provides the diagnostic foundation families need for the application process. We prepare reports with scholarship requirements in mind.
Children with suspected autism
When autism is the question, the CDE centers on gold-standard autism assessment alongside developmental history. See our dedicated autism evaluations in Miami & Coral Gables page for details.
Children with ADHD, learning, or developmental concerns
ADHD, specific learning disorders, developmental delays, and related conditions can all be evaluated and documented through a CDE, giving families one thorough report that serves both treatment and scholarship purposes.
Families whose documentation is outdated
If your child’s last evaluation is years old, was done informally, or no longer reflects their needs, an updated CDE re-establishes current documentation for schools, providers, and scholarship renewal.
EVALUATIONS IN FLORIDA
Why Florida Families Choose Uptown Psychology
CDEs sit at the intersection of clinical judgment and Florida’s education system — exactly where our Florida-licensed school psychologist has spent her career. We know what the documentation needs to say, and more importantly, we take the time to actually understand your child.
- Evaluate in English or Spanish
- Understand FES-UA documentation requirements
- Move quickly compared to hospital waitlists
- Explain the diagnosis in practical, human terms
- Connect findings to real next steps and services
Our Approach
The CDE Process
Parent Intake Meeting
Testing Sessions
Results and Feedback
faqs
Questions About CDEs
Is a CDE required for the FES-UA scholarship?
FES-UA eligibility requires documentation of a qualifying disability. For many families — especially those whose child does not have a current IEP or formal diagnosis — a diagnostic evaluation from a licensed professional is how that documentation is established. We recommend confirming current application requirements with Step Up For Students, and we prepare our reports to support that process.
How fast can we get an evaluation?
Considerably faster than most hospital and clinic waitlists in South Florida. Tell us your timeline on the intake call and we will be straightforward about scheduling.
Can the evaluation be done in Spanish?
Yes. Evaluations and parent feedback are available in English and Spanish.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance. You may contact your insurance provider regarding potential out-of-network reimbursement for diagnostic testing.
What if the evaluation doesn't result in a diagnosis?
Then you will know that — clearly and with evidence — along with what does explain your child’s struggles and what supports will actually help. An honest answer is the point of the process.
Contact Us
Request a free consultation or contact us
with questions.
786-977-3242
info@uptownpsychologyny.com
17 E 67th Street, Suite 1D, New York, New York 10065
3081 Salzedo St Suite 202, Coral Gables, FL 33134
We can't wait to connect with you
