Neuropsychologist assessment is one way of measuring how a person’s brain is working. It consists of a variety of different tasks, each of which measures a specific area of cognitive of intellectual functioning. The neurophysiologist can use the results of these tests to better understand how a person processes information and learns. The tests will delineate which thinking skills are strong and which are weak. Armed with this new knowledge, a neuropsychologist can better answer why a person is not succeeding at school, socially, or at work. From this new understanding, individualized treatment plans can be developed to help an individual overcome these challenges.

Areas of cognitive functioning evaluated include: attention/concentration, visual and auditory memory and learning, reasoning and problem solving, visual-spatial organization/visual-motor coordination, receptive and expressive language ability, and planning and organizational skills. Generally IQ tests and psycho-educational testing are included as well. The neuropsychological tests usually involve paper and pencil tasks, answering questions, and computerized tasks which are administered by a specially trained technician.

In addition, the neuropsychological assessment also includes additional psychological testing which is utilized to assess behavioral, personality and mood related symptoms and coping abilities. These tests typically involve completing a checklist of symptoms and/or a true/false type questionnaire.

Upon completion of the neuropsychological evaluation, results are provided by a clinical neuropsychologist who makes recommendations regarding diagnoses, relevant treatment interventions and any other required referrals.