What is a Neuropsych Evaluation?

Don’t let the phrase “neuropsychological evaluation” intimidate you. While it does includes some scary sounding words, it is nothing to worry about. In fact, these evaluations usually only help to ease concerns. That’s because a neuropsychological evaluation helps parents understand why a child is struggling in school. The testing process includes a series of questions and puzzles. Based on the results, a neuropsychologist is able to measure things like attention span, memory, and a wide range of thinking skills. In turn, doctors can identify areas of strength, challenges, and recommendations for how to help a child do her best.

Listen to Braintrust CEO and Co-Founder, Mara Koffmann, in conversation with pediatric neuropsychologist, Dr. Michael Rosenthal, to learn more about these evaluations.

Key Takeaways

A neuropsychological evaluation helps parents understand their child’s cognitive, academic, and social-emotional profile. The results explain why a child is struggling with something in or out of school. Plus, the report will identify how to address those difficulties.
Testing is a multi-step process. It includes a parent intake meeting, direct testing with the child, the drafting of a report, and a feedback session. This usually takes at least a few weeks to complete.
After a neuropsychological evaluation, doctors typically make recommendations. These might include interventions, supports, or accommodations that will benefit a child. Additionally, doctors might also recommend a change of school.
Schools are required to consider the results of the evaluations, but not to follow all of the recommendations in the report. This is often when a parent needs to learn to become their child’s advocate.
Generally, your child should be reevaluated every two to three years. However, in some cases it is helpful to conduct evaluations more closely together; other times it is just fine to wait longer between testing.
While it is possible to do targeted testing for specific concerns like attention, it is not recommended. Frequently, students struggle from both attention and learning issues. By testing for one and not the other, it is hard to identify the best course of action to address challenges.
If you are worried about your child’s development, trust your gut! Whether you have concerns about attention, learning, or social skills, a neuropsychological evaluation can help. Just remember that it is never too early to reach out if you are concerned. By identifying challenges early on, students will receive early intervention. This targeted support from a young age can make a world of difference for students.