What to expect during a Neuropsychological assessment/evaluation?
A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand how your brain is functioning. It helps identify strengths and areas of difficulty related to thinking, learning, memory, attention, and emotional functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation usually consists of a clinical interview and testing. During the interview, information that is important for the neuropsychologist to consider will be reviewed (i.e., school and medical records). You will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and other important factors. Testing involves taking paper-and-pencil and or computerized tests and answering questions. Some tests will be easy while others will be more complex. The time required depends on the problem being assessed. In general, several hours are needed to assess the many skills involved in processing information. Assessments may be completed in a single testing session or divided across multiple appointments. Upon completion of testing, the neuropsychologist scores, reviews information and writes a comprehension report including findings and individualized treatment plans which is followed by a feedback session(s) to review the findings.
A neuropsychological evaluation typically involves assessment of the following:
Clinical interview and record review
General intellectual ability
Higher level executive skills
Attention/concentration
Learning/memory
Language skills
Visual-spatial skills
Motor and sensory skills
Mood and personality
Feedback session to discuss assessment findings and treatment plan
It is important to bring glasses and hearing aids if you use them. You may find testing interesting, and the detailed information that is gathered will contribute to your care.
Dr. Huy provides a comprehensive feedback session in which she explains the test results in clear, understandable language. She thoughtfully connects identified strengths and areas of difficulty to real-world, everyday functioning, helping you see how the results apply to daily life.
This valuable information allows individuals and family members to better understand the situation at hand and feel more informed about next steps.
With your permission, Dr. Huy can also communicate relevant findings to other healthcare providers (e.g., primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists) and professionals (e.g., teachers, social workers, attorneys). Collaboration with your care team helps ensure coordinated support and promotes an effective, informed treatment process for you or your loved one.