Procedures
A neuropsychological evaluation takes place in several stages:
- Pre-Intake: Patients or parents/guardians complete a medical history form which details the patient's physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral, and early developmental history. Relevant medical, school, or occupational records may be requested (e.g., medical visit summaries, work reviews, 504 Plan/IEP, report cards).
- Intake Appointment: The history form is reviewed. The assessment plan is refined to ensure all diagnostic questions are answered. Some abilities are examined in more detail than others depending on the patient's needs.
- Assessment: Patients answer questions, complete paper and pencil tests, and attempt hands-on activities. Some tests are administered by iPad or computer. Although test administration is highly standardized, interactions with patients are relaxed and supportive. Clinicians work with the patient to obtain their best performance. When child patients are assessed, parents/guardians are typically not present in the room. Parents may be allowed to accompany very young or anxious children for some portion of the testing. Patients or their parents/guardians are often asked to fill out mood and behavior questionnaires. Teachers are usually given a similar set of questionnaires to complete for child patients. Adult patients may be asked to have a partner complete a questionnaire about their functioning in a particular area of interest (e.g., attention at home).
Neuropsychological Domains Typically Assessed:
General Intellect (i.e., IQ)
Academic Achievement (e.g., reading, mathematics)
Attention
Language Skills
Motor Skills
Visuospatial Skills
Learning and Memory
Executive Functions (i.e., organization, planning, inhibition, flexibility)
Emotional and Behavioral Functioning
Social Skills
Personality
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Feedback Session: The clinician reviews the results and discusses treatment options they think will best support the patient. Patient/parent feedback is requested and a collaborative treatment plan is established.
- Report Delivery: An encrypted report is emailed from a VPN protected computer. Patients may also request FedEx delivery of the report.