What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, academic, neuropsychological, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It assesses areas including:

·       Verbal and nonverbal reasoning

·       Memory and learning

·       Receptive and expressive language

·       Attention and executive functioning

·       Visual motor skills

·       Processing

·       Reading

·       Writing

·       Math

·       Personality, including social, emotional, and behavioral functioning

How will a neuropsychological evaluation help me and my child?

A neuropsychological evaluation will provide extensive information about how your child learns and what obstacles might be getting in his or her way. In addition to providing information about your child’s specific areas of strength and weakness, this evaluation will provide information about interventions that will help your child to be more successful and confident, both in school and at home. A neuropsychological evaluation can also be essential in obtaining school based services and informing teachers and other providers how they can best meet your child’s needs.

What is the process?

A neuropsychological evaluation includes an initial consultation/intake session with parents/guardians, followed by testing with your child over 2 to 3 days. On these testing days, we will do multiple different tasks, including working with blocks, looking at pictures, answering questions, reading, writing, and drawing. I will also spend time reviewing any relevant records, including previous evaluations, school records, IEPs, report cards, etc., and speaking with teachers and other professionals involved in your child’s care. I will ask parents/guardians and your child’s teacher to complete rating forms as well. After the testing is completed, I will meet with parents/guardians for a feedback session, and you will receive a comprehensive written report. Older children and adolescents can have an additional feedback session of their own as well. See more about the process here. 

If you don’t need a full neuropsychological evaluation, I also offer psychoeducational evaluations, which are less time intensive and focus on intellectual and academic testing only. These evaluations are appropriate if you only need an updated evaluation for school supports or if you don’t have any concerns related to social, emotional, behavioral, or executive functioning. Brief psychological evaluations are also offered for concerns related only to social, emotional, behavioral, or executive functioning. 

Feel free to contact me with any additional questions or if you would like to discuss more!