Services
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive and behavioral functions using a set of standardized tests and procedures. Various mental functions are systematically tested, including, but not limited to:
Intelligence
Problem solving and conceptualization
Planning and organization
Attention, memory, and learning
Language
Academic skills
Perceptual and motor abilities
Emotions, behavior, and personality
A neuropsychological evaluation is not a fixed series of tests which anyone can give. Specialized training allows the psychologist to select, administer, and interpret the particular battery, tests and procedures which will yield the most comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Each examination is tailored to the needs of the individual client.
When is a Neuropsychological Evaluation Needed?
A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended for any case in which brain-based impairment in cognitive function or behavior is suspected. Typical referrals are made to diagnose or rule out the following conditions, and to describe their impact on a person’s cognitive functioning:
Developmental learning disabilities
Attention deficit disorders
Autism spectrum disorder
Language disorders
Intellectual disability
Psychiatric or neuropsychiatric disorders
Effects of toxic chemicals or chronic substance abuse
Evaluating children with medical histories that can impact development such as:
Concussion / Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Genetic disorders such as velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), neurofibromatosis (NF), chromosomal deletions, and Fragile X
Failure to thrive
Preterm birth / low birth weight
Cerebral palsy
Craniosynostosis
Meningitis
Lyme disease
History of radiation, bone marrow transplant, and/or chemotherapy
Prenatal exposure to substances
History of orphanage care
Evaluating for mood and behavioral concerns such as:
Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression
Post traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Psychotic disorders & schizophrenia
Neuropsychological evaluation can assist greatly in diagnostic clarification as well as in planning educational and vocational programs. It can also be invaluable for disability determination or for forensic (legal) purposes.
What are the benefits of neuropsychological testing?
- Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve a child’s outcomes.
- Identifies a child’s learning style, including strengths and weaknesses
- Differential diagnosis: Helping to identify the underlying cause of cognitive or behavioral symptoms so that they can be treated effectively.
- Treatment planning: Guiding the development of individualized treatment plans based on each child’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Educational planning: Providing nonbiased, objective information for educational accommodations and interventions in school. The results can be used to advocate for your child’s needs and obtain appropriate services.
What is an Evaluation Like?
Generally, a neuropsychological evaluation involves a wide variety of tasks, most of which are done sitting at a table. There are no invasive procedures, no pain, no needles, or electrodes. The evaluation often takes 4 to 6 hours of face-to-face contact, but can vary widely depending on what information is being sought. The evaluation can be scheduled in a single DAY or over a series of appointments.
What should I expect for a neuropsychological evaluation?
A typical neuropsychological evaluation is spread across two or three appointments, depending upon the age of the individual as well as the reason for referral. These appointments are the intake session, testing and then the feedback appointments.
The first intake session is a one-hour appointment aimed at gathering the presenting concerns and obtaining background information that will help guide the testing process. This appointment occurs via telehealth.
The testing session(s) are either broken into two-half day sessions (Dr. Covin) or conducted in one full day (Dr. Reger). During the assessment, the patient will be instructed to complete a variety of tasks, each designed to measure a different aspect of neurocognitive functioning. Tasks include a variety of verbal and visual measures, in which some will require use of paper-pencil and a laptop computer/iPad. A thorough evaluation of emotional functioning is also conducted; this will often require the use of subjective self-report measures as well as informant rating scales.
The final appointment is the feedback session, which is an opportunity to discuss the test results and clinical diagnosis. In this appointment, treatment recommendations and intervention strategies are clearly outlined and discussed in detail. Family members and treatment providers are often encouraged to attend this appointment to ensure and support understanding of assessment results and recommendations. This appointment occurs via telemedicine.
How are the Test Results Used?
- Provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses to guide treatment, educational support, or other services.
- Confirm or clarify a diagnosis
- Document changes in functioning since prior examinations, including effects of treatment.
- Result in referrals to other specialists, such as tutors, neurologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, etc.
Will I get information following the evaluation?
- Parents will receive the results of the evaluation after the testing has been completed.
- Dr. Reger will give feedback at the end of the full-day of testing, although the report will not be completed for 2-3 weeks.
- Dr. Covin will provide both the verbal feedback and the evaluation report 3 weeks after the second testing session. This will allow the provider time to score and integrate testing data, as well as to include information from teachers. Recommendations will be included in the report.