Neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the area of brain-behavior relationships. Although a neuropsychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology, he or she does not just focus on emotional or psychological problems. The neuropsychologist has additional training in the specialty field of clinical neuropsychology. That means a neuropsychologist has extensive knowledge of neuroanatomy, brain functioning, brain injury or disease, and neuropsychological assessment. Click here for more information regarding the qualifications to consider when selecting a neuropsychologist.
A pediatric neuropsychologist has additional specialized training in the area of development and how the maturing brain affects the way a child pays attention, uses language, learns new information and skills, solves problems, and monitors his or her behavior. A pediatric neuropsychologist analyzes a child’s neuropsychological test results in the context of information regarding brain organization and maturation relative to a child’s developmental stage and social environment in order to determine appropriate cognitive and behavioral expectations for that child. Pediatric neuropsychologists are particularly concerned with a child’s ability to function in an academic setting, and they often gather information from parents, teachers, and guidance counselors as part of their evaluation. An intervention plan is typically developed to help parents plan for their child’s future.
Purpose
Reasons you have been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation may include, among others, the following:
• to identify and document the presence or absence of brain dysfunction
• to identify and document the presence of a learning disability, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or developmental delay
• to define cognitive strengths and weaknesses
• to help lead to a diagnosis
• to guide treatment for personal, educational, or vocational needs,
• to make relevant recommendations to healthcare provider(s)
• to document possible changes in functioning over time
The clinical perspective of the neuropsychologist is also frequently requested to understand subtle brain-related factors involved in academic failure, occupational problems, or impaired emotional functioning, even when no biological causes are evident.
Medical procedures like CT or MRI scans can show abnormalities in the structure of the brain, while tests such as the EEG may show electrical abnormalities in the brain. In contrast, neuropsychological testing can show the ways in which a person can or cannot perform certain cognitive functions or tasks (for example, new learning and/or problem solving) that form the necessary building blocks of successful living. Impairment in many cognitive functions may exist even when brain abnormalities cannot be detected on EEG or on CT or MRI scans. Therefore, neuropsychological assessment is a procedure with a unique purpose: it can be used to reveal or diagnose brain dysfunction even when structural brain abnormalities are not yet evident and it can illustrate the impact of brain injury on one’s ability to function.
Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation typically involves assessment (testing) with a group of standardized tests that are sensitive to the effects of brain dysfunction. A neuropsychological evaluation consists of mostly "pencil and paper" type tests that measure attention, speed of information processing, language functions, new learning and memory, problem-solving and other complex thinking skills, visual-spatial ability, sensory-perceptual skills, and motor functioning.
Assessment of academic skill development and emotional functioning, while not exclusive to a neuropsychological evaluation, is usually performed as well. The neuropsychologist may not only interview the individual undergoing the evaluation, but also speak with family members about their observations and experiences. Viewing the person in other settings, such as school or hospital, can sometimes be helpful and review of school and/or prior medical records may also be included in the evaluation process.
There is no physical discomfort associated with neuropsychological testing. However, many of the tests are mentally challenging and some may find the evaluation frustrating and/or emotionally overwhelming. Every effort is made to minimize these potential adverse experiences.
Outcome
The outcome of a neuropsychological evaluation is a conclusion or set of conclusions made about the individual's functioning. These conclusions typically include specific recommendations to guide treatment or otherwise optimize the individual's functioning. Neuropsychologists develop their conclusions and recommendations by integrating information obtained from the standardized tests, interviews, medical records, and other clinical observations.
In clinical situations, the neuropsychologist is available to review test results directly with the patient and his or her family, where a thorough explanation of test findings and recommendations can be provided.
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