What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of how your brain’s functioning affects your thinking, emotions, and behavior. It’s a bit like a thorough check-up for your brain.

Here are some key points:

• Purpose: Often used to diagnose conditions affecting the brain, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Specific Learning Disorders, brain injuries, strokes, or dementia. It can help guide treatment plans and track progress.
• Process: Involves a series of standardized tests that are normed against your peers, so people of the same age, education, and background, that measure various cognitive functions such as attention, memory, language, and executive functions like organization and problem-solving.
  • Intake: With Loomis Neuropsychological Services, your intake is completed from the comfort and convenience of your own home via telehealth. This initial appointment is conducted by a Neuropsychologist and takes 30-50 minutes to complete. At this time, collaborative and/or tertiary
  • Testing: Following your intake, you will meet in person with your Neuropsychologist to complete your testing. On the date of testing, take your medications as prescribed. Testing averages 2-6 hours, depending upon the specific questions that need to be answered, and the individual being tested.
• Comfort: Given the length of testing, patients are encouraged to pack snacks, drinks, and even a lunch. Because much of the testing is time-sensitive, breaks are worked into the schedule. You are encouraged to take these breaks, request additional as needed, and ask questions.
• Outcome: Approximately 2 weeks from the date of your testing, your results will be available and provided during a feedback session. Your feedback will take place from the comfort and convenience of your home via telehealth. The results are compiled into a detailed report that includes an analysis of strengths and weaknesses, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations for next steps in accommodation, treatment, or intervention.

This comprehensive evaluation provides valuable insights into the relationship between brain activity and behavior, such as identifying if cognitive changes are developmental in nature, secondary to an injury, emotional health, or a degenerative process like dementia. Understanding the root cause will help to tailor specific strategies for managing and improving cognitive functions across settings.