Neuropsychological Evaluation

What is it?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functions such as learning and memory or problem solving. Standard testing procedures are used to assess the various abilities that relate to learning and using knowledge and skills.

The following areas are included:

• Intelligence / Cognitive Skills
• Academic Achievement
• Attention / Concentration
• Learning and Memory
• Language Skills
• Perceptual / Spatial Skills
• Motor Skills
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Planning, Organization, and Judgment

Potential Benefits:

• Discover the causes of a child’s academic struggles
• To determine whether a child qualifies for accommodations on standardized tests such as the SAT or GRE
• Determine whether a child qualifies for special education services
• Gain a greater understanding of a child's learning style and explain it to school staff
• Obtain recommendations that will help a child learn to compensate for any difficulties
• Assess the effectiveness of treatments and interventions
• Determine whether academic difficulties are due to cognitive or motivational deficits

When It’s Needed ?

A neuropsychological evaluation should be conducted in any of the following situations:

• If your child is struggling in school or on standardized tests
• When there is a large disparity between a child’s potential or effort and his or her academic performance
• When a child displays difficulties with learning or memory
• When it is unclear why a child is struggling
• When a child has any history of neurological difficulty
• When a child has a history of developmental delay (e.g. delayed language or motor activity)
• If a child has suffered a traumatic brain injury
• If a child has suffered any toxic exposure (e.g. lead poisoning, alcohol)
• To document any changes in a child’s abilities or achievement since prior evaluations