What Should I Expect?
A neuropsychological evaluation usually includes an interview with parents about the child's history, observation of and interview with the child, and testing. Testing involves paper and pencil and hands-on activities, answering questions, and sometimes using a computer. Parents may be asked to fill out questionnaires about their child's devel- opment and behavior. Many neuropsychologists employ trained examiners, or technicians, to assist with the administration and scoring of tests, so your child may see more than one person during the evaluation. Parents are usually not in the room during testing, although they may be present with very young children. The time required depends on the child’s age and problem. Make sure your child has a good night's sleep before the testing. If your child wears glasses or a hearing aid or any other device, make sure to bring it. If your child has special language needs, please alert the neuropsychologist to these. If your child is on stimulant medication, such as Ritalin, or other medication, check with the neuropsychologist beforehand about coordinating dosage time with testing. If your child has had previous school testing, an individual educational plan, or has related medical records, please bring or send this information and records to the neuropsychologist for review. What you tell your child about this evaluation depends on how much he or she can understand. Be simple and brief and relate your explanation to a problem that your child knows about such as “trouble with spelling,” “problems following directions,” or “feeling upset.” Reassure a worried child that testing involves no “shots.” Tell your child that you are trying to understand his or her problem to make things better. You may also tell the child that "nobody gets every question right," and that the important thing is to "try your best." Your child will probably find the neuropsychologi- cal evaluation interesting, and the detailed infor- mation that is gathered will contribute to your child's care. An educational pamphlet brought to you by the Public Interest Advisory Committee, Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology), American Psychological Association © 2001 Division 40, APA For more information, visit our Web site at www.div40.org.
What Is Pediatric
Neuropsychology?
Pediatric neuropsychology is a professional specialty concerned with learning and behavior in relationship to a child's brain. A pediatric neu- ropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how learning and behavior are associat- ed with the development of brain structures and systems. Formal testing of abilities such as memory and language skills assesses brain functioning. The pediatric neuropsychologist conducts the evalua- tion, interprets the test results, and makes recom- mendations. The neuropsychologist may work in many different settings and may have different roles in the care of your child. Sometimes, the pediatric neuropsychologist is a case manager who follows the child over time to adjust recommendations to the child's changing needs. He or she may also pro- vide treatment, such as cognitive rehabilitation, behavior management, or psychotherapy. Often, the neuropsychologist will work closely with a physician to manage the child's problems. Some pediatric neuropsychologists work closely with schools to help them provide appropriate educa- tional programs for the child.
How Does a Neuropsychological
Evaluation Differ From a School
Psychological Assessment?
School assessments are usually performed to deter- mine whether a child qualifies for special education programs or therapies to enhance school perform- ance. They focus on achievement and skills needed for academic success. Generally, they do not diag- nose learning or behavior disorders caused by altered brain function or development.
Why Are Children Referred
for Neuropsychological
Assessment?
Children are referred by a doctor, teacher, school psychologist, or other professional because of one or more problems, such as:
A neuropsychological evaluation assists in better understanding your child's functioning in areas such as memory, attention, perception, coordination, language, and personality. This information will help you and your child’s teacher, therapists, and physician provide treat- ments and interventions for your child that will meet his or her unique needs.
What Is Assessed?
A typical neuropsychological evaluation of a school-age child may assess these areas:
● Learning and memory ● Language ● Visual–spatial skills ● Motor coordination
Some abilities may be measured in more detail than others, depending on the child's needs. A detailed developmental history and data from the child's teacher may also be obtained. Observing your child to understand his or her motivation, cooperation, and behavior is a very important part of the evaluation. Emerging skills can be assessed in very young children. However, the evaluation of infants and preschool children is usually shorter in duration, because the child has not yet developed many skills.
What Will the Results
Tell Me About My Child?
By comparing your child’s test scores to scores of children of similar ages, the neuropsychologist can create a profile of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The results help those involved in your child’s care in a number of ways.
baseline against which to measure the outcome of treatment or the child's development over time.