Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing

Neuropsychological assessment is one way of measuring how a person’s brain is working. It consists of a variety of different tasks, each of which measures a specific area of cognitive or intellectual functioning. The neuropsychologist can use the results of these tests to better understand how a person is processing information and learning. The tests will delineate which thinking skills are strong and which are weak. Armed with this new knowledge, a neuropsychologist can better answer why a person is not succeeding at home, socially, or at work. From this new understanding, an individualized treatment plan can be developed to help overcome current challenges and difficulties.

Areas of cognitive functioning evaluated include: attention/concentration, visual and auditory memory and learning, reasoning and problem solving, visual-spatial organization/visual-motor coordination, receptive and expressive language ability, and planning and organizational skills. IQ tests and psycho-educational testing may be included as well. The neuropsychological tests usually involve paper and pencil tasks, answering questions, manipulating objects, and computerized tasks, which are administered by a specially trained technician.

In addition, the neuropsychological assessment also includes psychological testing that is utilized to assess behavioral, personality, and mood-related symptoms and coping abilities. These tests typically involve completing a checklist of symptoms and/or true/false type questionnaires.

Upon completion of the neuropsychological evaluation, a clinical neuropsychologist makes recommendations regarding diagnoses, relevant treatment interventions, and any other necessary referrals.