Neuropsychological Assessment

 

Neuropsychological Assessment is
Testing, Evaluating & Reporting Brain Function

We tailor each comprehensive assessment to meet the diagnostic needs of the patient. Most commonly, our neuropsychological evaluations are sought to provide diagnostic clarification, inform intervention recommendations, as well as identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition, neuropsychological evaluations provided by MNS are often used to rule-out or rule-in a specific disorder or condition.

A Typical Assessment

Most Neuropsychological Evaluations involve three steps:

  1. We will interview you.

  2. We review your medical records.

  3. We will administer a set of tests to measure how your brain processes different types of information. These tests look at memory, attention, visual perception and problem-solving. These responses are recorded through paper/pencil writing, hands-on activities, answering verbal questions and sometimes interacting with technology, such as an iPad. We also evaluate mental health and assessment of daily living functioning.

In a Neuropsychological Evaluation, we do not do any imaging of the brain (such as CT or MRI) or any physiological measures (such as an EEG). 

Testing can take 4-5 hours, so expect to be at our clinic most of the day. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, trauma-informed clinic; if there is anything we can do to ensure testing is more accessible for you or your child, please let us know.

Common Reasons for Neuropsychological Evaluation

The common diagnostic areas evaluated at MNS include:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Learning disabilities

  • Executive functioning problems

  • Cognitive functioning

  • Intellectual giftedness or delay

  • Learning style — identifying strengths and weaknesses

  • Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression

  • Neurological conditions, such as concussion/traumatic brain injury (TBI)

  • Developmental concerns

  • Autism Spectrum disorders

  • Evaluations for college aged individuals and/or adults to assist with accessing accommodations for college and graduate school

 
 

Adult Neuropsychological Evaluation

 
 

Adult Neuropsychological Evaluation

During an adult Neuropsychological Evaluation, we complete an intake interview (the first hour of the day) and then we go on to complete the testing on the same day. The intake interview gathers information about your background, your medical history, and current concerns that you have. The testing is largely paper/iPad based and given in the same way for every client that we see. Testing is carried out in a quiet, one-on-one private setting. Breaks can be taken as needed. Once the Evaluation is completed, you will be provided with a detailed report that can inform you of the results. The results and report are provided at a feedback appointment (completed on a separate day following testing) where you will have chance to have a discussion and ask questions to the Neuropsychologist.

Prepare for Success

We want you to be comfortable and feeling like yourself during your testing. Set yourself up for a successful visit by taking the following steps:

  • Have a good meal/breakfast prior to the appointment

  • Receive as much sleep as possible the night before

  • Wear glasses or contacts (if applicable)

  • Take daily medications, as prescribed, the night before/morning of the assessment (if applicable)

  • Bring any snacks/lunch/beverages that you might want

 
 

Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluation

 
 

Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluation

MNS sees pediatric patients who are 8 years and above. In a Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluation, we begin with an intake interview with the parents/guardians of the patient; upon parental discretion, adolescent patients are also welcome to attend the intake session. During this appointment, information is collected regarding presenting concerns as well as the child/adolescent’s medical, educational, and social history. 

After the intake day, the child/adolescent comes to our clinic on a separate day to complete testing. Testing is largely paper/pencil and iPad-based; testing is conducted the same way for every child/adolescent that we see. Testing is carried out in a quiet, one-on-one private setting. Parents/guardians are not usually in the room during the testing; however a responsible adult must be present and remain at our clinic throughout the time of testing. We can adhere to the child’s usual routine for when we take breaks. Parent/guardians and teachers are asked to fill out questionnaires about their child’s development, learning and behavior.

Once the evaluation is completed, the results are provided in a detailed report. The results and report are provided at a separate feedback appointment. Typically, this appointment is for the parent/guardians only and is a chance to discuss the results and ask any questions that you might have.

Prepare Your Child For Success

Parents and Guardians often ask how to prepare their child/adolescent for the evaluation. Reassure them that the testing is to help better understand any problems that they might be experiencing. When we can understand the problem, we can find ways to make it better. For the testing itself, no one gets all the questions right and the important thing is for the child/adolescent to try their best. 

For the testing appointment, ensure that your child/adolescent: 

  • has a good meal/breakfast prior to the appointment 

  • receives as much sleep as possible the night before

  • wears glasses or contacts (if applicable)

  • takes daily medications, as prescribed, the night before/morning of the assessment (if applicable)

  • bring any snacks/lunch/beverages that they might want