What is Neuropsychology?

Neuropsychology is the study of how a child’s behavior and skills are related to their brain function. Such functions are objectively assessed and used to create a profile of strengths and weaknesses.  This profile is then used for diagnosis and treatment planning.

How can Neuropsychology help my child?

By determining the reasons underlying a child’s behavior, a treatment plan can be developed, targeting the problematic areas. Many children “act out” and simply telling them not to engage in the acting out behavior rarely works. This is because most children do not know why they act in a particular manner. By targeting the underlying reasons for a behavior (ADHD, learning disorder, anxiety, auditory processing weakness etc.), the child will no longer “need” to engage in the behavior. We teach our children the skills they need to flourish, to become independent self-advocates, to be happy, and to be successful.

What to Expect?

Each child and their parent(s) or caregiver(s) will start with a 60-minute interview to assess the reasons for testing, gain an appreciation for your child’s (and your) needs, and plan the assessment, individually tailored to your family. Testing is typically scheduled in 2-to-6 hour slots, on 1 or more days, depending on the age and capabilities of the child, as well as the reasons for testing. Testing occurs in the mornings, so it is important to get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast. Wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget any requested medical or academic records. Please feel free to bring snacks and/or a cherished toy to help your child feel more comfortable. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

What is Assessed?

• Intelligence
• Executive Functioning (Reasoning, problem-solving, planning, organizing, sequencing etc.)
• Attention and concentration
• Learning and memory
• Language
• Visual-spatial processing
• Motor and sensory skills
• Academic proficiency
• Emotional functioning and personality characteristics