Neuropsychological Evaluation
Neuropsychological Evaluation
3 primary reasons why parents seek an evaluation:
1. They have questions about their child’s diagnosis or about how a medical diagnosis might impact their child’s learning;
2. They are uncertain about the appropriateness of their child’s placement or intervention services; or…
3. They are concerned that their child is not learning up to their potential.
An evaluation generally includes:
1. A review of school records, previous testing reports, and medical documents
2. An interview with the parent(s)
3. The completion of rating scales and forms by parents and teachers
4. Follow-up interviews with teachers and other professionals working with the child
5. 2 to 3 testing sessions lasting approximately 3 – 5 hours each; during these sessions children are observed, interviewed, and given tests that involve paper and pencil tasks, hands on activities, answering questions, and computer tasks
Feedback after an evaluation:
Following the evaluation, an informing is scheduled. The informing usually occurs 3 to 4 weeks after the testing has been completed and all relevant information has been received. At the informing, parents are provided with a written report documenting the child’s performance, providing diagnosis if appropriate, and suggesting specific recommendations for improving areas of concern. In addition, these findings are discussed with the parents and remaining questions are addressed. I also like to meet with the child to help them to begin to understand their unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Children who are struggling often focus on their weaknesses and have trouble even believing that they have strengths. Helping them to identify strengths can improve their self-esteem and their willingness to face the challenges posed by their weaknesses.