A Neuropsychological Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive (e.g., IQ, attention, memory, language), academic, and/or social-emotional functioning that helps answer a number of clinical questions about a child or adult. Answering these questions helps provide a better understanding of strengths and weaknesses and a “road map” that identifies crucial recommendations. These recommendations can include types of treatment needed to help with presenting issues, remedial interventions, specific strategies, and necessary accommodations or modifications (e.g., extended time).
A neuropsychological evaluation is performed by a clinical neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists with expertise in brain-behavior relationships and have specialized training in testing (a two-year postdoctoral fellowship), as well as education in neuroanatomy, cognitive processing, and central nervous system disorders. They apply their knowledge of brain-behavior relationships to understand patients’ underlying cognitive issues and how they can impact functioning.
Evaluations may be conducted to explore the following areas or underlying issues:
- Learning Disabilities, learning differences, and academic difficulties
- Dyslexia and other reading problems
- Mathematics disorders
- Written language difficulty
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Executive functioning deficits
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Genetic disorders, developmental disorders, intellectual disability
- Neurological conditions affecting cognitive/academic functioning (e.g., traumatic brain injury, cancer, epilepsy)
- Emotional, behavioral, or social difficulties
- Giftedness
- Nonverbal learning weaknesses (e.g., visual processing, problem-solving)
In addition, for patients with significant medical or neurological factors that may be affecting cognitive functioning, emotional development, and/or academics, a neuropsychological evaluation may be the most effective means for answering clinical questions and for treatment and educational planning. Examples include the following:
- History of prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal complications
- Neurological disease
- Traumatic brain injury, concussion
- Genetic disorders, or other contributing medical conditions
Common reasons to seek an neuropsychological evaluation include:
- Educational planning – to help make decisions about schools and services that will be a good fit for your child; determine if a child may be eligible for services at their school
- Inform the development of an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan
- To guide therapeutic services, which could include psychotherapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, tutoring, etc.
- To determine if one may qualify for accommodations and modifications for standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT) or in the classroom
- To assess if someone meets criteria for a particular diagnosis (e.g., AD/HD, dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- To evaluate one’s cognitive, academic, and/or emotional functioning after an injury has occurred (e.g., traumatic brain injury)
- To provide documentation for accommodations at colleges and universities and/or gain access to support programs.
- To provide documentation for eligibility for supports and services through the department of developmental services