Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is the scientific study of brain-behavior relationships. The knowledge is used to evaluate and treat individuals with neurological problems impacting on development, learning, behavior, cognitive functioning, and social-emotional development.

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in evaluating and treating individuals who are thought to have a problem in the way their brains are functioning. A neuropsychologist has had education and training related to the nervous system’s anatomy, physiology, and pathology. A neuropsychologist has also had specific training in evaluating and treating different central nervous system disorders.

A neuropsychological assessment may include evaluation of the following areas:

• intellectual functioning
• academic achievement (reading, writing, math)
• ability to learn and remember
• language functions
• visual/spatial functions
• attention/concentration/executive functions
• sensorimotor functions
• personality / social emotional development
• adaptive behavior
• interpersonal relationships

As part of the neuropsychological assessment a comprehensive history is taken which includes information regarding pregnancy, birth, health, development, education, and day-to-day functioning.

An individual be referred for neuropsychological assessment for the following reasons:

• problems with attention span and distractibility
• problems with learning
• problems with development
• problems with behavior
• Experienced a brain injury and there are concerns with behavior/learning/cognitive functioning.
• There are concerns with memory and other cognitive functions.
• Experienced a concussion and decisions need to be made with respect to work, school, and sports participation
• Is undergoing a medical treatment which can affect behavior/learning/cognitive functioning (radiation, chemotherapy, anticonvulsant medication).
• Been exposed to a toxic substance and there are concerns with behavior/learning/cognitive functioning.
• Has had a stroke
• Has a seizure disorder
• Has metabolic problems
• Has endocrine problems
• Premature birth and/or in utero exposure to drugs/alcohol

The functional purposes for the evaluation can be varied and include:

• To describe the degree of impairment
• To measure progress and development
• To assist in the development and implementation of educational and therapeutic plans
• To assist teachers and therapists with challenging behaviors
• To assist parents/spouses/caregivers in understanding the individual more fully