Associates in Neuropsychology & Wellness offers comprehensive neuropsychological, psychological, and educational assessments for individuals across the lifespan. The assessment process begins with an initial intake session to better understand the areas of concern. Based on this in-depth interview, our psychologists develop a battery of tests designed to examine all possible causative factors that may be contributing to the problem areas. The testing sessions typically involve the administration of norm-referenced measures of cognition and personality functioning, behavioral rating scales, and various self-report measures assessing psychopathology. After testing is completed, the pattern of results is analyzed together with behavioral observations, information obtained through interviews, and, in some cases, information provided by collateral sources. Findings are summarized in a report that includes precise information regarding the individual’s strengths and vulnerabilities and detailed treatment recommendations. Such recommendations may include school/work accommodations, therapeutic interventions, cognitive rehabilitation, and behavioral treatments, among others.
Common areas of concern addressed through a neuropsychological evaluation include:
- Learning disorders and learning differences
- Memory loss, confusion, or disorientation
- Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity
- Executive-functioning weaknesses
- Processing-speed deficits
- Language disorders or delays
- Visual-spatial, visual-motor, fine motor deficits
- Intellectual disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood
- Behavioral difficulties
- Problems with social functioning
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an in-depth assessment of cognitive and behavioral functions using a set of standardized tests and procedures. The purpose of this assessment is to identify the patient’s specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses and their relationship to normal or abnormal brain functioning. The results of testing inform diagnosis and treatment. Various areas of functioning are evaluated such as attention/ concentration, language-related processing, learning and memory functions, social cognition, emotional functioning, personality, general intellectual abilities, visual/nonverbal processing, motor/sensory capacities, academic achievement skills, and executive functions, such as organization, planning, and self-regulation.
Who would benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation?
There may be a variety of reasons for which a person is either referred for or independently seeks out a neuropsychological evaluation, ranging from medical issues to learning challenges. Evaluations differ from patient to patient, depending on different factors such as age, presenting problems, and medical history. Some common reasons for referral include:
Adults:
- Adults with learning or test-taking problems who may need accommodations for certification examination or employment
- Adults exhibiting difficulty with attention, concentration, time management, and organization
- Adults who have experienced some change in cognition, such as difficulty with memory and forgetfulness
- Adults who appear to be declining functionally
- Adults who have chronic medical problems that can impact thinking and behavior
- Adults who have sustained head injury or brain trauma, or protracted symptoms following a concussion
- Adults with neurological problems, such as stroke, brain tumor, infections, and degenerative or demyelinating diseases
- Adults with social challenges, problems with anxiety, or mood dysregulation
Children:
- Children who are suspected of being on the Autistic Spectrum
- Children with learning disabilities or school underachievement
- Children who have problems with attention or suspected Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Children who have had head trauma or protracted symptoms of concussion
- Children with Tourette’s Syndrome or chronic Tic Disorders, Epilepsy, and other Neurologic Disorders
- Children with chronic medical problems, developmental disorders, genetic disorders, or metabolic disorders
- Children with behavioral or social difficulties, problems with anxiety, or mood that may affect school performance
