ADHD evaluations
Testing for ages 5 through adulthood that separates ADHD from learning disorders, anxiety, and giftedness, which can look surprisingly alike in a busy classroom.
Learn moreHome / Durham
Serving Durham and Durham CountyPsychological evaluations for Durham, NC families
A short drive down I-40 from Durham, Anchor EEC in Cary provides ADHD, dyslexia, and autism evaluations for children through adulthood, homeschool testing, and therapy for children, teens, and young adults.
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Evaluations and therapy for Durham families
Durham families come to Anchor EEC for a thorough, independent answer: why a bright child is struggling to read, whether attention problems are ADHD or something else, or what support a teen will need in college. Rebecca Rose Helms, MA, CAS, HSP-PA, LPA, spent more than 15 years as a school psychologist in North Carolina public schools and has been in private practice for more than eight years.
Dyslexia and learning disorders
Specific testing for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Strong verbal skills can hide a learning disorder for years, until the reading and writing load catches up.
Learn moreAutism assessments
Initial evaluations and re-evaluations for ages 4 through adulthood, using a structured diagnostic protocol with close parent involvement.
Learn moreAdult psychological testing
For adults in demanding academic and technical work who suspect ADHD or a learning disorder that school never caught, with documentation for workplace and graduate school accommodations.
Learn moreHomeschool achievement testing
North Carolina's required annual achievement test, given one on one with the Woodcock-Johnson Fifth Edition and a written report with real recommendations.
Learn moreTherapy for children, teens, and young adults
Support through age 22 for anxiety, school stress, self-confidence, attention-related struggles, and the jump to college. In person in Cary or by secure video.
Learn more Durham Schools
Many school choices, one independent picture of your child
Durham families choose among Durham Public Schools neighborhood and magnet schools, a large number of charter schools, independent and faith-based private schools, and homeschooling. Each setting handles learning differences its own way. An independent evaluation gives you one clear, objective picture of your child that you can take to any of them.
What independent testing adds for DPS and charter families
A school evaluation is built to decide whether a student qualifies for special education services, and it runs on the school's timeline. An independent evaluation asks what is actually going on with your child and is written for you first. If your child changes schools, from a charter to DPS or from public to private, the report goes with you.
You decide who sees it. When you bring it to an IEP team, federal law requires the team to consider it.
- A second opinion when you disagree with the school team
- A report that moves with your child between schools
- A broader battery than eligibility testing usually includes
- Support preparing for IEP and 504 meetings
Private and homeschool families in Durham
Private schools rarely have a school psychologist on staff, so when a concern comes up, families have to find an evaluator themselves. Rebecca writes reports with recommendations a private school can put in place, and she understands the documentation independent, Montessori, and faith-based schools look for.
Homeschool families need an annual nationally standardized achievement test under North Carolina law. Rebecca gives it one on one, which helps younger students and children who struggle in group testing, and includes observations and next steps in the report.
Rebecca's own children attended public school, private school, and were homeschooled for several years, so she knows each of these settings as a parent too.
College Town Families
Support from high school through college and beyond
With Duke, NC Central, and Durham Tech in town and Research Triangle Park next door, many Durham families are planning for college accommodations, and many adults are wondering for the first time whether ADHD or a learning disorder explains years of extra effort.
College transition testing
IEPs and 504 plans do not follow a student to college. Rebecca provides current evaluations that meet the standards college disability offices require, plus documentation for ACT and SAT accommodation requests.
Learn moreGifted and advanced learner testing
Cognitive and achievement testing for academically gifted identification, plus testing for adults pursuing Mensa qualification.
Learn moreAn easy drive down I-40
From south Durham and the RTP side of the county, Anchor EEC is usually 20 to 30 minutes away. From downtown and north Durham, plan on 30 to 40 minutes via the Durham Freeway and I-40.
Open in Google MapsDurham communities we serve
Families come from across Durham County, from downtown neighborhoods to the northern edge of the county.
Downtown Durham South Durham and Southpoint North Durham Research Triangle Park Hope Valley Bahama Rougemont
Common Questions
Questions from Durham families
How far is Anchor EEC from Durham?
Anchor EEC is at 106 New Edition Court, Cary, NC 27511. From south Durham, Southpoint, and the Research Triangle Park side of the county, the drive is usually 20 to 30 minutes on I-40. From downtown and north Durham, plan on 30 to 40 minutes via the Durham Freeway (NC-147) and I-40. I-40 traffic at rush hour is the main variable.
Do you work with Durham Public Schools students?
Yes. Under federal special education law, a DPS school team must consider an outside evaluation that parents bring to them when making decisions about a student. Rebecca spent more than 15 years as a school psychologist in North Carolina public schools, so she writes reports with IEP and 504 meetings in mind and can help you prepare for them.
My child attends a Durham charter school. Do you evaluate charter school students?
Yes. Charter schools are public schools and are required to evaluate students for special education, but staffing and timelines vary a great deal from school to school. Many charter families choose an independent evaluation for a faster, broader answer that they can share with the school.
Do you evaluate adults who work at Duke or in Research Triangle Park?
Yes. Evaluations are available for children through adulthood, including adults who suspect ADHD, a learning disorder, or another cognitive concern that was never identified in school. Rebecca can provide documentation for workplace and graduate school accommodations.
Is therapy available for Durham teens and college students?
Yes. Rebecca provides therapy for children, teens, and young adults through age 22, including students at Duke, NC Central, and Durham Tech who are adjusting to college or to a new diagnosis. Sessions are held in person in Cary, and secure video sessions are available for clients located in North Carolina.
How long does an evaluation take from first call to report?
The first conversation is a phone call so Rebecca can understand what you are seeing and recommend the right evaluation. Testing takes one or two sessions, and most families have the written report and an in-person feedback session within about three to four weeks of testing.
Schedule an evaluation from Durham
Anchor EEC is at 106 New Edition Court, Cary, NC 27511, a short drive down I-40 from Durham. Call 919-446-3700 or send a message and Rebecca will talk through what you are seeing and which evaluation fits.