The benefits of neuropsychological assessment in children
- Neuropsychological assessment is a crucial step in determining the core components of a child’s cognitive, behavioural and emotional problems.
- It is the basis on which the neuropsychologist is able to provide education to help the child and their parents understand how brain functions have been compromised
- The goal of assessment is to understand your child’s personal strengths and weaknesses, identify the cause of any cognitive and behavioural problems in your child, identify diagnoses, and access appropriate interventions at your child’s school and in their community.
- Assessment clarifies where your child is developmentally, which is especially important for children with acquired brain conditions. These children may need monitoring of their cognitive development over time, as weaknesses may only become evident as the child matures, and the impact of cognitive compromise may change over time.
- Rather than relying on the subjective report of parents or the opinion of teachers, neuropsychological assessment involves comprehensive and objective testing using highly validated and evidence-based neuropsychological tests.
- I have expertise in using neuropsychological tests to assess learning disabilities, attention and executive functioning weaknesses, memory problems, information processing speed weaknesses, anxiety, depression, exposure to stressful life events, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What to expect
- The assessment process will start with one or both parents attending a detailed clinical interview. Young children will usually not attend the interview but teens may attend with their parents if they wish. At this interview we will discuss your concerns for your child, goals for the assessment, and whether neuropsychological assessment is appropriate.
- If proceeding with assessment, you may be provided with some standardised questionnaires for completion by a parent and a current teacher. Dr Hayes will purchase these questionnaires for you and in most cases they can be completed online. The questionnaires need to be completed before you return for comprehensive testing.
- The next step is comprehensive testing, which for many children feels a bit like school. It involves completing individualised and standardised tests face-to-face with Dr Hayes. Some of the tests are administered on ipads or computers, some are paper and pencil. Testing can take 3-4 hours, and breaks can be given. If needed the testing can be broken up into two sessions.
- Results of the assessment and an opinion regarding diagnosis or prognosis (if appropriate) and recommendations are then provided in the form of a formal report. A copy of the report will be provided to the parents and the referring doctor.
- Once the report is complete, the parents will attend a feedback session during which the results of the assessment will be explained. At this appointment Dr Hayes will provide education to help the parents understand how brain functions have been compromised. We will discuss what strategies and environmental modifications may be useful to help the child reach their potential.
- Following the assessment, Dr Hayes is happy to liaise with the school and any other health professional working with your child to follow through with recommendations.