Comprehensive Evaluations
At CNP, we offer a full spectrum of assessment services. The evaluations are conducted by our highly trained staff and the results are interpreted by only qualified and trained neuropsychologists. Our testing batteries vary from about 2 to 8 hours, depending on the reason for the evaluation and the pace at which our patients are able to work. Because this is sometimes too long to be working continuously, the testing can be divided into multiple sessions, and breaks within sessions are taken as needed. The following are some explanations of different types of evaluations and when each type may be necessary.
A neuropsychological evaluation is a complete assessment of an individual’s overall brain functioning through examination of every cognitive domain including intellectual functioning, academic achievement, attention, executive functions, visual-spatial skills, verbal skills, expressive/receptive language, processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory, learning, impulse control, fine motor speed/dexterity, and auditory/oral functioning. It is important that a fully trained neuropsychologist interprets the findings from neuropsychological measures. Typically, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations are needed in any scenario in which an individual’s cognitive functioning is in question. This can range from identifying the presence of ADHD/learning disorders to more substantial cognitive dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, etc.
A psycho-educational evaluation is an assessment especially designed to understand how an individual’s cognitive functioning impacts his/her academic functioning. Special attention is given to intellectual functioning, academic strengths and weaknesses, and learning style. Additionally the needed for academic accommodations is determined. A psycho-educational evaluation is indicated when academic performance is a concern and it is clear that no other more serious underlying cognitive issues are present.
A psychological evaluation is used to assess an individual’s overall emotional and personality functioning. It is especially useful in understanding the presence of underlying emotional distress and obtaining diagnostic clarification for mood disorders, anxiety disorder, and other more serious mental health issues.
Testing for giftedness is a focused evaluation to assess an individual’s overall intellectual functioning. Such evaluations are often conducted to determine if a child is a good candidate for placement in enriched academic programs.
Testing for admissions into private academic institutions is a focused evaluation to assess an individual’s overall intellectual functioning, and an overview of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Such evaluations are often conducted to determine if a child is a good candidate for placement in specific academic programs.
These evaluations generally are full neuropsychological batteries for two primary reasons. Most importantly, an assessment of all cognitive domains is necessary in order to determine what types and what level of academic accommodations are going to be most beneficial in order to optimize academic success. Second, academic institutions typically require comprehensive evaluations which objectively demonstrate the needs for academic accommodations before allowing those accommodations. As with any other neuropsychological evaluation, a complete assessment of each cognitive domain including intellectual functioning, academic achievement, attention, executive functions, visual-spatial skills, verbal skills, expressive/receptive language, processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory, learning, impulse control, fine motor speed/dexterity, and auditory/oral functioning is conducted.
These evaluations generally are full neuropsychological batteries in order to fully understand how surgical interventions may impact cognitive function. An assessment of all cognitive domains is necessary in order to determine current cognitive functioning and objectively establish any strengths or weaknesses. As with any other neuropsychological evaluation, a complete assessment of each cognitive domain including intellectual functioning, academic achievement, attention, executive functions, visual-spatial skills, verbal skills, expressive/receptive language, processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory, learning, impulse control, fine motor speed/dexterity, and auditory/oral functioning is conducted.