What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation assesses areas such as intellectual ability, executive functioning (which includes attention, planning, organization, initiation, and self-monitoring), visual and auditory perception, language, memory, motor skills, social perception, academic skills, and emotional functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation differs from other psychological evaluations in that it gauges the way that each child’s brain works. This evaluation help us discover the specific cognitive processes that may be impaired, and ultimately make the correct diagnosis and develop the most effective therapies.

How do I know whether or not I need one?
If you experience a combination of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, difficulty following instructions, autism, anxiety, depression, learning issues, and/or memory problems, it may be a good idea to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation.

What happens after testing?
Once we have the test results, we meet with families to help them understand the results. The accompanying report and recommendations provide a roadmap to parents, teachers, service providers, therapists, and physicians. This roadmap helps families plan and understand what type of classroom a child will thrive in and what services they will need. We meet with teachers and school officials to help with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meeting to figure out ways to facilitate school experiences.

What do I bring to prepare for my first appointment?
You should bring a list of symptoms you’ve noticed, medications you’re taking, your child’s latest report card, and any previous evaluations.