Child/adolescent neuropsychological evaluations are useful for diagnostic purposes, in determining such things as appropriate educational placement and programming, behavior management techniques, avenues for self-help, career direction, and advisability of medical intervention. See Pediatric Neuropsychology for more information.
Adult neuropsychological evaluations are usually recommended in two scenarios: (1) to assist with planning career direction, higher education and training, vocational rehabilitation, and psychotherapeutic approach; and/or (2) to evaluate behavioral and cognitive impairment resulting from brain injury, medical, or genetic conditions impacting normal brain functioning that may occur consequential to:
See Clinical Neuropsychology in our FAQs for more information.
Abrreviated neuropsychological evaluations for the diagnosis of ADHD are conducted with a specific focus on symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity, while ruling out mood disorders.
Brief assessment and collaboration with the prescribing physician will help determine the proper and effective dosages of stimulant medication, minimize potential side effects, and monitor performance over time.
Focuses on the current level of achievement and cognitive skills in order to identify eligibility for special education services and/or accommodations on standardized testing (i.e., SAT, ACT, LSAT, etc.).
Less comprehensive than a neuropsychological evaluation, a psychological evaluation describes areas of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and provides a picture of social-emotional functioning.
It is not uncommon for parents to disagree with the results of a school district’s evaluation of their child, or to seek an evaluation independent of any conducted by the school district. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) makes an important provision for parents to seek an independent evaluation, sometimes at the school district’s expense, whenever the parents disagree with the evaluation obtained by the district. See Wright’s law for more information.
Personality assessments are available for children, adolescents, and adults. This evaluation can assist with diagnosis of an emotional or behavioral disorder, and with better understanding underlying psychological processes that are contributing to an individual’s behavioral or emotional problems. This information is then used to generate recommendations for an intervention plan or to supplement treatment provided the individual’s therapist. Alternatively, many individuals without any emotional or behavioral concerns request personality evaluations to find out more about themselves.
This assessment is designed to help clients develop awareness of personal characteristics that influence their relationships with others. The analysis is well suited for counseling couples, for pre-marital or marriage enrichment purposes. The individual reports are extremely helpful in assisting developing self-awareness and identify traits that affect the person’s ability to build relationships with others
Baseline cognitive testing can be administered so that cognitive test results can be compared in the event of a concussion or head injury.
These assessments are conducted to help high-achieving students understand their learning styles and study more efficiently. These evaluations are not intended for individuals who are having academic struggles. If intellectual giftedness is suspected, an IQ test can be added to get a measure of actual cognitive ability.
Gifted testing (or IQ testing) for children and adults offers a snapshot of various cognitive features. A gifted evaluation will provide a breakdown of intellectual strengths and weaknesses and indicate whether criteria are met for placement in a gifted program at school and/or via agencies such as Mensa.
Assessments can be administered to children as young as 2 years old to assess for readiness for preschool or kindergarten.
Assessments are available to individuals who need assistance pinpointing areas of academic study, who are re-entering the work force, who are considering a career change, or who require vocational rehabilitation.