What to Expect
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
Doctors and other professionals refer patients for neuropsychological evaluations for a variety of reasons. A neuropsychological evaluation provides useful information to the treatment team about how the brain is working. This type of evaluation is frequently used to determine areas of strength and difficulty, accurate diagnoses, current levels of cognitive functioning, and possible causes and contributors for difficulties. Knowledge is power and we value active participation in learning more about yourself or your child. A variety of tests are used to measure some, or all, of the following areas of functioning:
- Intellect (IQ)
- Academic Skills
- Visual Perception and Visuomotor
- Language
- Fine Motor Skills
- Memory
- Attention
- Executive Functioning
- Personality
- Social/Emotional functioning
WHAT SHOULD I BRING To The Appointment?
- Prior to the appointment, please send your completed intake packet through the portal. If you are unable to complete the packet online, you may print the packet and bring it with you.
- Any previous mental health reports
- For children’s appointments, please bring any school evaluations, a current Individualized Education Plan
What to expect on the day of testing:
If the appointment is for your child, the neuropsychologist will meet with you and your child to gather a thorough history of the presenting concerns and your child’s development. The remainder of the time is spent testing your child. They will be in a room with an evaluator who will administer the tests. The tests are a mix of picture puzzles, word games, memory games, and possibly some academic testing depending on the referral question, among other things. A flexible battery approach is used where screening measures are administered, and other tests given may change based on determined areas of difficulty. Adult evaluations are run in a similar format.
Neuropsychological Evaluations in Woodbury MN
Testing typically lasts between three to five hours, depending on factors such as the patient's age, the referral question, and their comfort level. This evaluation is crucial for understanding cognitive functioning and will include mental health assessments to gauge your child's needs.
For children's appointments: At least one adult family member must remain onsite during the evaluation unless advised otherwise. Throughout the assessment, you may be asked to:
- Answer questions about your child
- Complete questionnaires to provide information about your child's behavior in home and other settings
- Supervise your child during breaks, as needed
You can also expect long periods when your child will be engaged with us while you wait. It's recommended to bring snacks for both you and your child, as well as a water bottle. Additionally, ensuring that your child gets a good night's sleep before the appointment is encouraged. If your child is prescribed medication, please have them take it as usual unless instructed otherwise when scheduling.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR RESULTS?
Testing typically lasts between three to five hours, depending on factors such as the patient's age, the referral question, and their comfort level. This evaluation is crucial for understanding cognitive functioning and will include mental health assessments to gauge your child's needs.
For children's appointments: At least one adult family member must remain onsite during the evaluation unless advised otherwise. Throughout the assessment, you may be asked to:
- Answer questions about your child
- Complete questionnaires to provide information about your child's behavior in home and other settings
- Supervise your child during breaks, as needed
You can also expect long periods when your child will be engaged with us while you wait. It's recommended to bring snacks for both you and your child, as well as a water bottle. Additionally, ensuring that your child gets a good night's sleep before the appointment is encouraged. If your child is prescribed medication, please have them take it as usual unless instructed otherwise when scheduling.