Evans Cognitive Development Center has a long history of providing comprehensive neuropsychological And psychoeducational assessment to children, adults and adolescents. Dr. Evans offers evaluations of intelligence, personality adjustment, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, developmental disorders, memory problems, dementia, language skills, nonverbal skills, sensory and motor skills, executive functions and the cognitive consequences of traumatic brain injury, stroke, anoxia, neurological illnesses and injuries. Her extensive background in special education gives an additional perspective and expertise in determining the nature of learning disorders and in depth recommendations for treatment. Assessment involves administering and interpreting standardized psychological tests and integrating this formation with current and past symptoms, observations, information about developmental, biological, social, educational and life experiences. A neuropsychological evaluation is often needed for diagnostic reasons, determination of impairment or consequences of illness or injury or when there are changes in functioning or concerns about competency.
What is Neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is a speciality of psychology that focuses on brain functioning and the relationship to behavior. A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. In clinical neuropsychology brain function is evaluated by objectively testing such functions as memory, attention and thinking skills. A detailed assessment is conducted in addition to behavioral observation and history information, and the patterns of strengths and weaknesses is used in diagnosis and treatment planning. With the goal of determining the nature and extent of damage or developmental problems, and the impact on personality and intellectual functions, the clinical neuropsychologist works to pinpoint the cognitive alterations and understand how everyday performance is impacted. As a consequence, the proper rehabilitative recommendations can be made. In many cases the neuropsychologist also provides the cognitive rehabilitation.
Neurological conditions treated:
Traumatic Brain Injury:
Dementia
ADHD and Learning Disabilities and other developmental disabilities
Medical Conditions impacting cognitive functioning including stroke, anoxia, multiple sclerosis, substance abuse and overdose, toxic exposure, illnesses and injuries
Frequentily Asked Questions:
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, behavioral and psychological functions, utilizing historical information, behavioral observations and standardized tests and procedures. Various mental functions are evaluated and include the following:
-Cognitive/intelligence
-Executive functions
-Problem solving
-Attention, memory, learning
-Language
-Nonverbal problem solving functions
-Perceptual and motor abilities
-Academic abilities
-Emotions. Behavior, and personality
The resulting data is analyzed and integrated into a coherent picture of the overall cognitive and psychological functioning of the individual, including strengths and weaknesses. A thorough report is generated describing these functions and with in depth and appropriate recommendations for remedial action and accommodations. If necessary, referrals may be made to additional medical and/or educational resources.
Who is qualified to conduct a Neuropsychological evaluation?
A licensed psychologist, who has specialized post doctoral training and experience in the field is qualified to conduct the evaluation. This includes, but not limited to the following:
-Predoctoral training in psychology and neuropsychology, which includes graduate courses of study in neuropsychology
-Formal postdoctoral speciality training focusing on brain-behavior relationships and neuropsychological assessment
When is a neuropsychological evaluation indicated?
This is often important for diagnostic purposes, to make recommendations for treatment or accommodations in school or work, to determine if there is cognitive impairment or consequence of illness or injury, or when there are concerns about changes in functioning. This information allows for an understanding of the individual’s psychological status, behavioral and social adaptation, predictions about the status of academic or work adjustment and to ultimately provide direction for future treatment .
How is ADHD Assessed and Treated?
Dr. Evans tailors her assessment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder to the individual needs of each patient and considers common co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, social and motor skill disorders. Neuropsychological assessment involves an assessment of general intellectual/cognitive ability, executive/attention functions (i.e. planning, cognitive flexibility, impulse control, working memory, organization), visual and auditory memory/learning functions, achievement and social adjustment. In addition, the conditions that co-occur or complicate AD/HD are screened for and often evaluated in depth when indicated. She currently limits her neuropsychological evaluation to children six years and older.
Evaluation of AD/HD is not limited to children, as adults have often gone through school undiagnosed and suffered the social and performance consequences. College students are also tested who may need accommodations for school including extra time to complete tests or other educational accommodations. Colleges and universities, as well as national testing boards such as LSAT, MCAT, GRE examinations may require evaluation and supporting documentation in order to provide testing accommodations. Individual who are very intelligent may have an undiagnosed condition of AD/HD because they have been able to self accommodate until the demands of school become overwhelming. This may become apparent when the increased demands of middle school, high school, college or advanced graduate education become too much for the student to manage. At this time it becomes to offer a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation in order to help manage the challenges and offer proper accommodations. Updated testing may be required every two or three years in order to be valid.
