Neuropsychological evaluation

Has your pediatrician or teachers recommended a neuropsychological evaluation for your young child, who is struggling in school or with social relationships? Or do you have an elderly family member who is starting to have significant problems with memory or coordination? Finally, are you noticing that your own cognitive ability is declining? These are just some of the reasons a physician might advise you or a loved one to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation.

First, the evaluation may take several hours and includes a variety of tests in the following areas:

• Verbal reasoning
• Executive functioning
• Memory
• Attention
• Cognition
• Perception
• Emotions
• Social Skills

During a neuropsychological evaluation, you will likely take a variety of tests — some involving hands-on problem solving, and others on an electronic device such as a computer. The tests range from easy to complex, so the psychologist can get an accurate picture of how your brain works. Afterward, the psychologist compares your results to a large database of scores from people in the same age group and educational background.

The psychologist then uses these results to identify strengths and weaknesses across the areas tested. For example, a neuropsychological evaluation can help differentiate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from anxiety or a learning disability. As a result, test results can help the school, doctor, a patient, or the patient’s family create a treatment plan that addresses areas of difficulty.

For more information on the neuropsychological evaluation process, please see this article in Psychology Today.