What We Do
Neuropsychological Evaluations
Neuropsychologists have specialized training in order to understand the relationship between brain functioning and behavior, which includes things like emotional regulation, cognition, and learning. A neuropsychological evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of cognition, as well as psychological and emotional functioning. For children and young adults, it may also include an assessment of academic skills.
A neuropsychological evaluation typically involves an interview with the individual as well as with a family member or friend who knows them well, a review of relevant records, and the administration of standardized tests that assess aspects of the following areas:
- Alertness/Orientation
- Intellectual Functioning
- Attention/Speeded Information Processing
- Learning/Memory
- Fine Motor Skills
- Speech/Language Functioning
- Visuospatial/Visuoperceptual/Visuoconstructional Skills
- Executive Functioning
- Academic Skills
- Emotional/Behavioral/Psychological/Personality Characteristics
- Performance Validity
The tests involve answering questions, looking at pictures, and working with materials on a table. Some writing may be required, and some tests require the use of a computer. The time required depends upon the nature of the presenting concerns, but most evaluations require at least several hours.
During your appointment with the neuropsychologist you can expect to spend time answering questions about your history and current concerns, to engage in formal testing, to complete questionnaires, and possibly to have a feedback meeting in which you learn about results and what they mean. The results of the evaluation will be used to identify the individual’s neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses in order to help provide an accurate diagnosis, to establish a baseline, to determine appropriate treatment recommendations, to help establish educational programming needs, or to assist with disability determination or legal matters, among other purposes. The neuropsychologist will then prepare a report that includes the information you provided, as well as test results and relevant recommendations.