Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation provides in-depth understanding of your child's cognitive functioning, learning style and the skills she or he needs for academic and social success. A neuropsychological evaluation can also clarify a suspected diagnosis. Because of the in-depth nature of the evaluation, a neuropsychologist may be able to suggest a variety of treatment interventions beyond those suggested by a school psychologist.
What is assessed during a neuropsychological evaluation?
- General cognitive skills / intelligence
- Executive functions (e.g., planning, organization, strategy selection and use, problem-solving)
- Attention and concentration
- Learning and memory
- Verbal skills
- Visual-spatial/nonverbal skills
- Social-emotional functioning
- Academic achievement
How is a neuropsychological evaluation different from a school psychological evaluation?
School evaluations are typically less comprehensive, often focusing exclusively on intelligence and academic achievement. Important skills, such as attention, executive functions, learning and memory, are often not assessed.
The goal of a school evaluation is typically to determine if a child qualifies for special education services. In contrast, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is designed to identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses and to clarify the nature of the presenting problems.
A neuropsychological evaluation can also clarify a suspected diagnosis and suggest a variety of treatment interventions that may not be uncovered by a school psychological evaluation.