Neuropsychology
What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who has received specialized training in both the structure and functioning of the brain. A neuropsychologist completes a comprehensive evaluation and reaches an interpretation by using knowledge of the relationship between the developing brain and behavior.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
- Neuropsychological evaluations can have a number of goals:
- To provide information about specific brain functions, which is then used to help other doctors make decisions about a medical diagnosis and treatment of that medical condition.
- Monitor a child’s medical condition, recovery from the condition, and/or the impact of treatment interventions for the condition.
- Determine a child’s pattern of cognitive and behavioral strengths and weaknesses, to gain a better understanding of the child’s abilities, and establish the most appropriate interventions and/or treatments to help the child function better in the daily environment.
The neuropsychologist formulates an interpretation of all information gathered during an evaluation, communicates the interpretation in the form of verbal feedback and a written report to the child (if age-appropriate) and caregivers as well as to teachers and other professionals (e.g., physicians, therapists) when needed and requested by the caregiver. Finally, the neuropsychologist assists with development of a treatment and/or intervention plan and continues to monitor and evaluate the child’s development and response to interventions as needed.
What is included in a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation considers all possible factors for the child and the child’s environment that might be contributing to the pattern of strengths and weaknesses.
- Clinical interview
- (development, medical history, educational information, mood and behaviors observed by caregivers and teachers)
- General intellectual abilities
- Adaptive living skills
- Academic achievement
- Language skills
- Visual-perceptual skills
- Attention
- Executive functions (problem-solving, planning, organization)
- Learning and Memory
- Sensory and Motor functioning
- Social and Emotional functioning
Who is seen for a neuropsychological evaluation?
Children who are seen for a neuropsychological evaluation can be divided into 4 main categories:
- Conditions known to affect the brain
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussion
- Brain Tumors
- Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder
- Brain Infections (e.g., meningitis)
- Exposure to lead, alcohol, and other drugs
- Developmental disorders that affect the brain
- Spina Bifida
- Cerebral Palsy
- Genetic Disorders
- Complications of premature birth
- Medical disorders that affect brain functioning
- Diabetes
- Leukemia
- PKU
- Cardiac disease
- HIV
- SCD
- Conditions that involve the brain
- ADHD
- Learning Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I expect?
The neuropsychological evaluation will include a clinical interview with parents/ caregivers to assess the child’s history and current learning, behavior, and/or emotional difficulties. Testing will involve paper and pencil tasks, hands-on activities, answering questions, and sometimes a computer. Parents will also be asked to fill our questionnaires about their child’s development and behavior.
How should I prepare my child for the neuropsychological evaluation?
Make sure your child has a good night’s sleep before his/her evaluation. If your child wears glasses, a hearing aid, or any other device, make sure to bring it. If your child has special language needs, please alert the neuropsychologist to these.
Should my child take his/her medication on the morning of the evaluation?
If your child is on a stimulant medication, such as Ritalin, or other medications, check with the neuropsychologist beforehand about coordinating dosage time with testing.
What should I tell me child about the evaluation?
What you tell your child about this evaluation depends on how much he or she can understand. Be simple and brief and relate your explanation to a problem that your child knows about such as "trouble with spelling," "problems following directions," or "feeling upset." Reassure a worried child that testing involves no "shots." Tell your child that you are trying to understand his or her problem to make things better.
Should I bring anything to the evaluation?
If your child has had previous school testing, an individual education plan, or has related medical records, please bring or send this information and records to the neuropsychologist for review.
How long will the evaluation take?
The child is typically evaluated over the course of several hours (9am – 3pm), although occasionally a child may require a second visit.
Can I observe my child’s evaluation?
Parents are not usually permitted in the room during testing, although they may be presented with very young or anxious children. The time required depends on the child’s age and presenting problem.
Will I receive information regarding my child’s results?
An interpretive feedback will take place approximately two weeks following the completion of your child’s neuropsychological evaluation. During this session, the neuropsychologist will discuss test results and recommendations. The interpretive feedback session will be scheduled for approximately one hour. A detailed evaluation report, summarizing the test results and recommendations will be given to you at the time of your feedback session or shortly thereafter. A copy of the report will also be sent to other professionals (physicians, school personnel, therapists) to receive a copy of the report, at your request.
What will the results tell me about my child?
Testing can provide you with a better understanding of your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and learning needs. It can provide information that may explain why your child is having difficulties in school. Overall, the evaluation can guide you, teachers, and therapists to better help your child achieve his/her potential academically, behaviorally and socially.