What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is a formal comprehensive evaluation of cognitive abilities (e.g. memory, problem-solving, visual-spatial skills, attention, processing speed) that is done to understand brain-behaviour relationships (i.e. how the brain works). It must be done by a licensed psychologist who is specially trained in neuropsychology.
None of the testing is invasive. The information is collected primarily through paper and pencil type tests, practical problem solving tests (some may be computerized) and answering of questions. There are often questionnaires to complete. The tests are carefully chosen depending on the needs of the patient and are well-researched.
The information gathered helps the neuropsychologist understand how the patient makes sense of things he or she perceives, how he or she remembers, pays attention in the environment, uses language, problem-solves, and in some cases, learns to do academic things as read, write and do mathematics.
Typical domains assessed include:
- Intellectual functioning (IQ)
- Academic functioning (reading, writing, math)
- Language/verbal skills
- Visual-spatial skills
- Sensorimotor abilities
- Memory
- Attention/Concentration
- Processing speed and/or reaction time
- Executive skills (e.g. organization, planning and problem-solving)
- Behaviour, adaptive skills and social-emotional functioning
After completing the testing, the individual’s test scores are then compared to the results from a sample of people of similar age and background. This comparison helps determine the strengths and weaknesses of the individual.
The pattern of results across the various tests is analyzed and interpreted along with the person’s educational, occupational, social and medical history to exclude or diagnose a disorder, explain the consequences a disorder, and make recommendations on how to best help the person being assessed.
Neuropsychological vs. Psychoeducational: What's the Difference?
Compared to a neuropsychological assessment, a psychoeducational assessment typically focuses on intellectual and academic functioning. The assessment can be completed by a neuropsychologist, school psychologist or learning specialist. A psychoeducational assessment is usually requested if a learning disability or attention problem is suspected as this would help determine if the individual qualifies for accommodations and resources within the school.
A neuropsychologist not only uses a wider-range of specialized assessment tools, their training will allow them to have a more in-depth look at the interplay between brain-behavior relationships, social skills and personality functioning. Having a neuropsychologist complete the evaluation is particularly important for complex cases such as adolescent or young adults or those with comorbid disorders (e.g. learning disability plus ADHD, brain injury, or psychological disorder). The comprehensive nature of the evaluation and process of interpretation may lead to (a) an accurate diagnosis, (b) a representative profile of strength and weakness, and (c) detailed and practical recommendations for academic, psychological and neurological interventions.