~ What is the difference between a neuropsychologist and a psychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist who has specialized training about the brain and related disorders. A neuropsychologist has completed a one-year internship focusing on neuropsychology. Additionally, they completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology. During the post-doctoral residency, they received specialized training and supervision from a neuropsychologist, as well as attended seminars and didactics focused on neuropsychology. Although a neuropsychologist and psychologist both have a doctoral degree in psychology, a neuropsychologist has more specialized training in understanding how learning and behavior are related to brain structures, systems and functioning. Additionally, neuropsychologists can specialize in different areas such as neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ADHD, ASD), neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s, dementia, TBIs), and psychiatric conditions (e.g. anxiety, ptsd, depression).

~ What should I expect during my neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation involves a clinical interview regarding a person’s current symptoms and background, detailed analysis of their behavior in different settings, and the administration of neuropsychological tests to understand their cognitive and behavioral functioning in order to provide or clarify a diagnosis. The tests are non-invasive, using paper and pencil, IPads, laptops, or objects. Some tests will be easy while others will be more complex, but some people find them fun. Cognitive testing for each individual is highly specialized and is based on their specific symptoms and needs. Neuropsychological evaluations can be divided into 2-3 separate appointments: Intake/Clinical Interview, Testing, and Feedback. Assessment time for the appointment(s) can range from one hour to five hours depending on the referral question or patient’s concerns. We evaluate the following: general cognitive ability, learning and memory, higher level executive skills (e.g., organizing/planning, reasoning, problem solving, judgment), communication and language skills, visuospatial processing, attention and concentration, speed of thinking, sensory and motor skills, mood, and behavior.

~ What will my test results tell me?

Tests are chosen based on the patient’s main concerns, or referral question, and what would fit the client best. Test results are then scored and standardized. We select norms and compare your test scores to other adults similar to you (your same age, education level and ethnicity) to see how you perform compared to your peers. By using norms, we are able to determine if your functioning is at, above or below expectation. Test results can identify areas of strength and areas that require more attention.

Tests used are very sensitive to mild memory, thinking, behavioral, and language problems that might not be obvious in other ways. For example, testing can help determine whether memory changes are normal age-related changes or if they reflect a neurological disorder. Test results can also be used to help differentiate among illnesses, which is important because appropriate treatment depends on accurate diagnosis.

Different illnesses result in different patterns of strengths and weaknesses in testing. Therefore, the results can be helpful in determining which areas of the brain might be involved and what illness might be the cause. For instance, testing can help to differentiate among Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and depression or ADHD, autism, anxiety, or a learning disability.

During the feedback session we will discuss the test results, diagnosis and recommendations. Most importantly, we will help clarify any questions you have.

~ What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in understanding the relationship between cognitive, behavior, and personality functioning in relation to the brain. A neuropsychologist conducts formal assessments and evaluates abilities such as memory, language, and attention. They then interpret the test results, provide a diagnosis, and discuss recommendations with the patients and their family members.

~ Why may an adult or child be referred to a neuropsychologist?

If you are wondering if ADHD, Autism, a specific learning disability, Alzheimer’s, dementia, past strokes, brain injury, or other medical/neurological conditions are a cause of your cognitive problems, then a neuropsychological evaluation might be right for you. This may be signaled by a change or problems in memory, concentration, organization, reasoning, memory, language, communication, perception, coordination, behavior, or personality. Neuropsychological evaluations are requested specifically to help you, your family, and your doctors understand how the different areas of the brain are functioning. Testing is usually recommended when these symptoms or complaints, involving aspects of thinking, are present. The cause may be due to any number of medical, neurological, psychological, or genetic causes. Cognitive testing will be helpful in understanding your specific situation and providing appropriate treatment recommendations to maximize cognitive and behavioral functioning. Treatment or accommodation recommendations can be utilized with your provider, employer, or school. On the other hand, neuropsychological testing can also be conducted to help determine your baseline functioning (i.e., a person’s skills before there was any problem). This way, any later changes can be measured

~ How should I prepare for my neuropsychological evaluation?

It is important that the patient gets adequate sleep the night before and eats breakfast before the evaluation as it can take most of the day. Patients should take all medications as scheduled on the testing day. Please provide us with a copy of relevant medical records (MRI, CT, EEG or recent medical/psychiatric hospitalizations), any previous neuropsychological evaluations or academic testing, IEPs or 504s from school districts, mental health assessments, previous accommodations, or documented notes (from a therapist, physician, parent, teacher, etc.). These can be emailed or faxed ahead of time, or brought in physically at your first appointment. If you do not have any supplemental records, do not worry; they are supplemental and beneficial, but they will not hinder your appointment if they are unavailable. If you wear glasses or hearing aids please bring them as they are important for optimal test performance. If the patient has special needs, please let us know so that we can accommodate them as best we can. Please bring a form of identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or green card. Since the testing portion of an evaluation can last multiple hours feel free to bring a snack and/or lunch if you do not plan to go to a local restaurant during the break.