EVALUATIONS

Neuropsychological evaluations are used for all ages to diagnose, treat, or gain information on the level of cognitive functioning. Some instances for evaluations include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Alzheimer’s dementia
• Vascular Dementia
• Severe learning disabilities
• Factitious disorders
• Organic impairments
• Psychiatric problems
• To rule out ADHD vs. other neurological impairments
• Learning or memory deficits

The way our brain functions affects every other aspect of our being. For example, if perception is altered, our reactions will differ.

Often, people compensate for subtle deficits in neuropsychological functioning, manifesting these problems in other ways. Older adults may appear to be depressed, when in fact they are in the first stages of Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Memory impairments may be caused by depression rather than other organic factors. A Traumatic Brain Injury or illness may impair cognitive or emotional functioning. The purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation is to assess different aspects of cognitive functioning and to help determine level and causes of impairment, treatment plan, and offer insight to disposition or future needs. Education is also incorporated into the evaluation to maximize support and offer recommendations and accommodations.

Neuropsychological evaluations may include a comprehensive assessment of:

• Cognitive ability
• Achievement
• Visual and auditory processing
• Language functioning
• Visual and auditory memory
• Graphomotor skills
• Sensory perception
• Processing speed
• Attention and concentration
• Executive functions
• Psychological functioning