Psychological or Neuropsychological Assessments

A psychological/neuropsychological assessment explores the factors that could limit an individual's success (i.e. autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, behavioral problems, brain injury) to guide treatment plans and approaches to help the child maximize his/her potential.

Neuropsychology is a discipline that explores the structure and function of the brain related to specific psychological processes and behaviors. A neuropsychologist also focuses on the brain’s cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, executive functions, visual skills, and language. More specifically, a psychologist in this capacity is trained to evaluate and treat the ways in which changes in brain functioning may affect these processes. An emphasis is also placed upon managing and/or adjusting to the changes (cognitive, behavioral, emotional, physical, etc.) brought about by the child’s condition

Parents should consider an evaluation if any of the following situations are present.

• When a child has a history of developmental delay  (e.g. delayed language or motor activity)
• If a child is struggling in school or on standardized tests, or when there is a large disparity between a child’s effort and his or her academic performance
• When a child displays difficulties with learning or memory
• When it is unclear why a child is struggling
• When an individual has any history of neurological difficulty
• If the individual has suffered a traumatic brain injury
• If the individual has suffered any toxic exposure (e.g. lead poisoning, alcohol)
• To document any changes in a individual's abilities or achievement since prior evaluations

The evaluation will involve testing procedures to assess the various abilities that relate to learning and using knowledge and skills. It also includes an assessment of the individual's social and emotional functioning to conceptualize and diagnose any social, emotional, or behavioral issues. This information helps to gain a greater understanding of the person's relative strengths and vulnerabilities and is used to develop early intervention strategies, therapeutic services, and developmental activities to maximize the individual's learning and successful development.

• cognitive and developmental abilities
• pre-academic or academic skills
• play skills
• adaptive functional skills
• language and communications kills
• motor skills
• social interaction skills
• social-emotional skills
• sensory profile
• behavior
• overall developmental health

The assessment process will help to solve the mystery of a person's academic, emotional, or developmental struggles. It will also provide our clinical team with a greater understanding of the person's relative strengths and vulnerabilities and will be used to develop early intervention strategies, therapeutic services, and developmental activities to optimize the individual's learning and successful development.  At the Center for Autism our clinical team will work with the individual, their family, service providers, and teachers to provide the individual with the best opportunity for success.

If your loved one exhibits symptoms of autism or another neurodevelopmental disability, please contact your family care physician or the Center for Autism.