Neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists who have special training and experience in the field of neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is a distinct field of knowledge and skill which bridges the neurosciences and psychology. Neuropsychologists are trained in understanding how a person's behaviour, intellect, memory and emotions are related to the status of their brain. Expertise in Neuropsychology takes many years of special training and experience with a range of patient groups. It complements clinical psychology, educational psychology and neurology but offers additional and specific information to understanding and managing an individual who has sustained some brain insult.
Neuropsychological assessments can help to chart the process of change.
Improvement over time is important to document as resources and plans may need revision. Specific psychometric tests designed to evaluate discrete aspects of thinking and to compare levels of performance with the general population. Observational information and qualitative data is analysed according to the neuropsychologists knowledge of how specific behavioural features are related to brain function. Quantitative data comes from psychometric tests. These are developed via extensive research so that they are valid, reliable and meaningful measures of behaviours and cognitive functions.