A neuropsychologist is a doctoral level psychologist who has comprehensive training with a variety of neuropsychological populations, as well as in a variety of neuropsychological settings. In addition to his/her doctoral coursework and clinical internship experience, completion of a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology is required. For more information on the requirements of training for neuropsychologists, please refer to: http://theaacn.org/position_papers/Houston_Conference.pdf

Neuropsychology is the branch of psychology that deals with the brain-behavior relationship. The brain is the most complex organ of the human body, which controls everything we as humans do, including sensation, cognition, emotion, and behavior.

No. They are a variety of different concerns or conditions which may lead an individual to seek a neuropsychological assessment. If you have any questions regarding whether a neuropsychological evaluation would be appropriate in assessing yourself, your child, a family member, or friend, please call us. Our staff would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

The neuropsychologist will sit and speak with you and your child/family to ask questions about the history of the presenting concerns, as well as to take a detailed medical, psychosocial/educational, and developmental history. The individual undergoing testing will then go through a variety of different tests that are often presented in question-and-answer format. Some of these tests are computerized, while most are paper and pencil type tasks.

After completion of testing, the neuropsychologist will review the information obtained and put the results into a report. Depending on the case, it may take approximately 2-4 weeks to complete the report.

Medical insurance may or may not cover a neuropsychological evaluation depending on the referral question and presenting concerns. However, our staff is available to assist you in obtaining any precertification or authorization needed to obtain such testing, as well as in applying for reimbursement of such claims.

It is important to bring relevant records so that the neuropsychologist can review the details relevant to you or your child's particular condition or concerns. Such information includes:

•  Results of most recent MRI, CT, or EEG testing
•  Results of any previous evaluations (i.e., other neuropsychological testing, psychological testing, academic/educational testing, intelligence testing, speech/language, occupational, or physical therapy evaluations, if applicable)
•  A copy of your child's most recent IEP (if applicable)
•  A list of current medications

Additionally, if appropriate:

•  Bring prescription eyeglasses or hearing aid(s)
•  Bring several snacks and a drink
•  Dress in comfortable clothing

Yes. You or your child will be given a chance to take short breaks as the need arises. In addition, if undergoing a full-day evaluation, a lengthier break is typically given for lunch.

The length of the neuropsychological evaluation varies greatly depending on the referral question, age of the individual, pace at which the individual works, and the type of tests that need to be given. However, a good estimate is between 4-6 hours. The evaluation may be broken up over several days when appropriate. In some cases, your evaluation may be shorter; however, it is always a good idea to ask the neuropsychologist for an estimate based on the needs of your specific testing so that you can plan your day accordingly.