a comprehensive assessment of your brain function
What’s the purpose of a neuropsychological and psychological assessment?
Disruptions in brain activity, whether mild or serious (such as brain injury or stroke) often affect a person’s behavior, abilities, concentration, memory, and cognition. A standard psychological evaluation assesses general cognitive and personality functioning and is a tool aimed at diagnosing psychological conditions. Neuropsychological and psychological assessments can help evaluate the following conditions: mood disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and medical and neurological conditions.
A psychological evaluation consists of a battery of tests that have been standardized to understand mental and behavioral functioning. These assessments are used to measure intelligence, social and emotional functioning, and development. They also help to understand personality development and can be useful in the diagnosis of a variety of disorders. A neuropsychological evaluation examines how the brain works on a neurological level. This type of evaluation may include elements of a psychological evaluation, but will also look in depth at the neurological component to better understand causation of attention, learning, memory, and problem solving. These assessments are used to evaluate for psychological, neurological, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders, in addition to understanding causation and progression of the condition. In this way, clinicians can customize recommendations and treatment plans to provide the best possible outcome for each patient.
What should I expect during the appointment?
Assessment starts with an initial interview. Parents, guardians, peers, and referral consultants will also be asked for relevant historical information when appropriate. Using that personalized information, a battery of tests will be administered by our trained psychologists to assess your:
- Memory
- Attention and concentration
- Emotions and mood
- Executive functioning
- Gross and fine motor abilities
- Sensory development
- Visual-spatial functioning
- Language and reading skills
Once the tests are completed, the psychologist begins the analysis stage, which includes scoring the data and analyzing the information from the interview and the patient’s history. There will be a written report for each assessment, including a summary of findings and diagnoses.
How should I prepare for a neuropsychological evaluation?
Patients should not worry about “passing” or “failing” the tests. However, it is important that you are well-rested before the evaluation. You can continue to take your regular medications, just make the evaluator aware of the substances you take, and when they were last administered. Other than that, just relax and let our highly trained staff guide you the rest of the way.
What happens next
Once the assessment has been completed and recommendations given, you may have questions on how they can be implemented. Our staff can guide you so that you can connect with the best resources that support your treatment plan. This often includes assisting in accommodations for school and work. If you have questions regarding an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, we will advocate tirelessly on your behalf, whether that means reaching out to your teachers to help them better understand what you need, or being present at IEP or 504 meetings. We can also help you execute strategies at work so you can be as productive and effective as possible.
Synapse Chicago is here for you
get a detailed evaluation of your brain function with a neuropsychological and psychological assessment