BRIEF OVERVIEW:
This evaluation often includes a variety of tests that could include rating scales, cognitive testing (such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, working memory assessments), as well as personality and emotional functioning tests. The goal is to answer the referral questions and gain insights into both strengths and possible challenges.
A Neuropsychological Evaluation is typically recommended for:
Diagnostic clarification: There is more than one question or diagnostic consideration (e.g., Autism vs. ADHD; Anxiety/Depression vs. Neurocognitive Disorder).
If there are uncertainties about the diagnosis or concerns about co-existing neurocognitive or neurodevelopmental conditions, a neuropsychological evaluation can help provide diagnostic clarification. It allows for a more comprehensive assessment of cognitive, sensory, and adaptive functioning, as well as how other medical and mental health conditions may impact the current challenges. This helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
There are concerns regarding complex learning, cognitive functioning (attention, memory, executive function), and a thorough understanding of an individual's strengths and weaknesses is needed to inform individualized recommendations. This evaluation is typically covered over two days (including the required clinical interview). In some cases, and depending on the diagnostic questions, a 2nd interview and/or testing day may be needed.
To gain a better understanding of various aspects of functioning, including cognitive abilities. This evaluation aims to gather a comprehensive understanding of overall functioning, beyond just the symptoms of a particular condition like ADHD, Anxiety, or Depression. This broader perspective can be beneficial for treatment planning and gaining a deeper insight into an individual's strengths, challenges, and unique characteristics.
Treatment planning: A neuropsychological evaluation can provide valuable information for developing an individualized treatment plan by thoroughly assessing different aspects of cognitive functioning, It can also help identify additional challenges or co-existing conditions that may impact treatment decisions. This comprehensive understanding can guide the selection of appropriate interventions, therapies, and supports tailored to the individual's specific needs.
Whether you need a focused assessment, a neuropsychological evaluation, a psychological evaluation, or a combination of both, understanding their differences can help you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. If you have concerns that span across multiple areas, a combined approach may provide the most comprehensive understanding and support.
For more information contact or office or schedule a clinical intake with Dr. Moreland.
In some cases, a Focused Evaluation may be necessary when the goal is to measure one specific domain or to diagnose a particular condition. This targeted approach can be useful in:
A Neuropsychological Evaluation is a specialized assessment that looks at how different parts of the brain work.
A Psychological Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that focuses on understanding a person's personality, emotional, and behavioral health.
Often, a combined approach is needed to get a comprehensive understanding of a person’s emotional/behavioral and cognitive functioning. Although each diagnosis may have unique features, they can sometimes share several overlapping symptoms, making it more complicated to differentiate them.
For example, if there are questions regarding two or more possible diagnoses that fall within the focus of both a neuropsychological (e.g., TBI, ASD, ADHD) and psychological (e.g., PTSD, personality disorder, bipolar disorder) evaluation, there is often a need for a more tailored evaluation.
Dr. Moreland’s combined approach typically starts with a comprehensive psychological evaluation and incorporates neuropsychological testing as needed. However, this can vary from case to case.
The domains assessed will vary depending on the clinical questions.
Memory: Both short-term and long-term memory, including immediate recall, delayed recall, and recognition memory.
Attention and Concentration: This involves assessing the ability to sustain attention over time (sustained attention) as well as the ability to shift focus when needed (selective attention).
Executive Functioning (cognitive flexibility): This encompasses higher-order cognitive processes such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Language and Communication Skills: Assessment of language abilities may include evaluating comprehension, expression, fluency, naming, and verbal reasoning.
Perceptual Reasoning (nonverbal reasoning): Evaluation of one's ability to visually perceive and analyze nonverbal material, make sense of visual information, and solve problems using visual-spatial skills.
Emotional and Personality: Evaluation focusing on various aspects of personality, including emotional stability, psychopathology, and behavioral tendencies.
Adaptive functioning: Evaluation of an individual's ability to effectively navigate and cope with the demands and expectations of their environment. It encompasses a range of skills necessary for independent daily living and successful functioning in society. Adaptive functioning is typically assessed across various domains, including Communication, Daily Skills, Social Skills, Communication, Work Skills.
Social Interaction and Communication: Evaluation of social skills and communication abilities, including:
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs): Assessment of restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, including:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
Alzheimer's Disease:
Parkinson's Disease:
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident):
Epilepsy:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
Huntington's Disease:
Brain Tumors:
Copyright © 2024 Integrated Psychological Connections - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.