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.
HOW LONG WILL THE APPOINTMENT LAST?
Testing usually lasts anywhere from three to five hours depending on the age, referral question, and comfort of the patient.
For children’s appointments: At least one adult family member will need to remain onsite during the evaluation unless advised otherwise. Throughout the course of the evaluation, you may be asked to:
- Answer questions about your child
- Complete questionnaires to provide information about your child in the home and other settings
- Supervise your child during breaks, as needed
You can also anticipate long periods of time when your child is engaged with us and you are merely waiting. You are encouraged to bring snacks for your child and yourself, along with a water bottle. It is also encouraged that they get a good night’s sleep prior to the appointment. If your child is prescribed medication, please have them take them as usual unless told otherwise when scheduling.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR RESULTS?
In most cases, feedback and resources will be provided on the day of testing. There are times when further exploration is needed through records or contact with outside sources. You will receive the report through the portal in the weeks following the appointment. If you have further questions at that time, you are welcome to schedule an additional feedback session to review the results and recommendations in further detail.