What is Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is the scientific study of brain-behavior relationships. The knowledge is used to evaluate and treat individuals with neurological problems impacting on development, learning, behavior, cognitive functioning, and social-emotional development.
What is a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in evaluating and treating individuals who are thought to have a problem in the way their brains are functioning. A neuropsychologist has had education and training related to the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. A neuropsychologist also has had specific training in evaluating and treating different kinds of central nervous system disorders.
What is Neuropsychological Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment may include evaluation of the following areas:
intellectual functioning
academic achievement (reading, writing, math)
ability to learn and remember
language functions
visual/spatial functions
attention/concentration/executive functions
sensorimotor functions
personality / social emotional development
adaptive behavior
interpersonal relationships
As part of the neuropsychological assessment a comprehensive history is taken which includes information regarding pregnancy, birth, health, development, education, and day-to-day functioning.
Why Refer for Neuropsychological Assessment?
An individual be referred for neuropsychological assessment for the following reasons:
problems with attention span and distractibility
problems with learning
problems with development
problems with behavior
An individual may also referred for assessment is he/she has the following conditions or problems:
Experienced a brain injury and there are concerns with behavior/learning/cognitive functioning.
There are concerns with memory and other cognitive functions.
Experienced a concussion and decisions need to be made with respect to work, school, and sports participation
Is undergoing a medical treatment which can affect behavior/learning/cognitive functioning (radiation, chemotherapy, anticonvulsant medication).
Been exposed to a toxic substance and there are concerns with behavior/learning/cognitive functioning.
Has had a stroke
Has a seizure disorder
Has metabolic problems
Has endocrine problems
Premature birth and/or in utero exposure to drugs/alcohol
The functional purposes for the evaluation can be varied and include:
To describe the degree of impairment
To measure progress and development
To assist in the development and implementation of educational and therapeutic plans
To assist teachers and therapists with challenging behaviors
To assist parents/spouses/caregivers in understanding the individual more fully.
For detailed information on developmental, learning (psychoeducational) and pediatric neuropsychological assessments, please head over to our dedicated website for those services -