The What and Why of Neuropsychological Evaluations
If your child has had difficulties in school or you have concerns about their development, you have likely been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation. To many parents, this daunting, new recommendation has you imagining your child hooked up to machines for neurological imaging and observation. When in fact, these evaluations require no fancy machines and are often fun for kids. We’ve had kids asking to come back again and even some that want to “sign up” for a weekly session. We want to answer common parent questions about these evaluations and clear up the confusion.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation, also referred to as a “neuropsych,” is in-depth testing that provides information about a child’s thinking abilities, learning, and psychological functioning. Through a variety of measures, the assessment gives parents, teachers, school staff, and other mental health professionals insight into each child’s strengths and weaknesses by looking at areas such as IQ, attention, problem solving, memory, language, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning. Results are interpreted in comparison to other children of the same age to ensure performance is norm-referenced. Based on each child’s profile, the evaluation will provide recommendations for interventions or treatments that will fit your child’s specific strengths and weaknesses. These recommendations may be for supports provided either in the school setting or outside of the school setting. If appropriate, diagnoses will also be provided in order to help parents, teachers, and other treating professionals better understand the severity of the difficulties your child is facing and how to remediate them.
Who completes a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations are conducted by neuropsychologists. These are licensed doctoral-level psychologists who have completed a two-year fellowship in neuropsychology. Dependent on their training, there are neuropsychologists who specialize in working with children and those that work with adults and some who see individuals across the lifespan. Each neuropsychologist likely has areas of specialty that can vary from learning needs, social-emotional challenges, or medical diagnoses.
Why would my child need a neuropsychological evaluation?
There may be a few reasons a child may need an evaluation. If you are concerned about your child’s learning, development, or academic skills, a neuropsych will provide a comprehensive picture of strengths and weaknesses that will inform if there are certain additional supports or services that are needed. The specificity and clarity of the data gives parents and teachers a better understanding of a child’s needs to then allow for the appropriate supports to be put in place. If your child has already had an evaluation, you may also return for updated testing to measure progress to know if new supports are truly helpful or need to be altered. A referral for a neuropsych may be for any of the following concerns: learning disorders; attentional weaknesses; executive functioning difficulties; processing speed deficits; visual-spatial difficulties; autism spectrum disorder; anxiety; depression; giftedness; behavioral concerns; or medical diagnoses.
What does a neuropsychological evaluation entail?
The evaluation always starts with an intake with parents and a review of records. This will give parents a chance to share concerns and give a detailed history of development, medical interventions, education, and psychological supports. The evaluator will also speak with your child’s teacher and have them complete rating scales to gain a sense of your child’s functioning in school. Most evaluations also include a classroom observation so the neuropsychologist can gain an objective view of learning in the classroom. For testing sessions, your child will meet with a neuropsychologist for 2-3 hours over multiple days. There will be a mix of tasks that include academic tasks, puzzles, games, and answering questions about themselves. There are always breaks to ensure your child is able to put their best foot forward! Last, will be a feedback session with parents to discuss impressions and share recommendations. If developmentally appropriate, the evaluator may also meet with your child for a feedback session so they can learn more about their own strengths and areas that require continued growth and support.
We had a neuropsychological evaluation, now what?
Depending on each child’s needs, the recommendations vary. If your child requires an individualized education plan (IEP) or other school supports, the neuropsychologist will often continue to collaborate with parents and the school. They can be available for school meetings and are often seen as advocates for your child during these meetings. If other supports are needed outside of school, you will likely receive recommendations for providers to help get those supports in place.
If you are concerned about your child’s learning and want clarity on how to meet their learning needs, reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation call.
