Assessment Process
A neuropsychological evaluation entails an interview with the child’s parents regarding his/her developmental history, behavioral observations, and a battery of tests designed specifically for the child. Testing involves paper and pencil and hands-on activities, answering questions, and some computer testing. A comprehensive assessment entails the following domains (testing may very based on the child’s age and areas of difficulty):
All tests are standardized and the scores are analyzed to create a profile of strengths and weaknesses. Testing can help identify why a child is having difficulty at school. For example, a child may appear “inattentive” due to language problems, a reading disability, anxiety/depression, or executive functioning difficulties. A comprehensive evaluation assists in a better understanding of the child’s underlying problems and developing targeted strategies for intervention.
At the conclusion of the process, I provide families with a range of recommendations aimed at supporting a child in a variety of settings (e.g. home, academic, community). After an assessment I typically stay involved as a resource and advocate. I often work closely with schools, parents, physicians, therapists and other treatment providers during and after an assessment.
A neuropsychological assessment generally involves the following appointments:
A neuropsychological evaluation entails an interview with the child’s parents regarding his/her developmental history, behavioral observations, and a battery of tests designed specifically for the child. Testing involves paper and pencil and hands-on activities, answering questions, and some computer testing. A comprehensive assessment entails the following domains (testing may very based on the child’s age and areas of difficulty):
- General Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
- Attention and Processing Speed
- Memory and Learning
- Visual-spatial Skills and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Motor Coordination
- Language (Expressive, Receptive, and Pragmatic)
- Executive Functioning Skills (organization, planning, flexibility, impulse control, etc.)
- Academic Skills (reading, math, writing)
- Social/Emotional Functioning
All tests are standardized and the scores are analyzed to create a profile of strengths and weaknesses. Testing can help identify why a child is having difficulty at school. For example, a child may appear “inattentive” due to language problems, a reading disability, anxiety/depression, or executive functioning difficulties. A comprehensive evaluation assists in a better understanding of the child’s underlying problems and developing targeted strategies for intervention.
At the conclusion of the process, I provide families with a range of recommendations aimed at supporting a child in a variety of settings (e.g. home, academic, community). After an assessment I typically stay involved as a resource and advocate. I often work closely with schools, parents, physicians, therapists and other treatment providers during and after an assessment.
A neuropsychological assessment generally involves the following appointments:
- Parent interview to understand the child’s medical and developmental history
- 3-4 testing appointments (2 hours at a time)
- Parent Feedback to review the test findings, developmental profile, recommendations and next steps
