What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?
What is a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Minimum training includes a doctorate in psychology as well as a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology. The Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Association and the Houston Conference** guidelines for competency include extensive education and training in the areas of neuroanatomy, neurological disorders, neurochemistry, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological assessment.
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior. During a neuropsychological assessment*, an evaluation of behavior/cognition is conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist with specialty training in the field of neuropsychology**. The neuropsychological evaluation is a standardized assessment of cognitive functions that is helpful for understanding one’s profile of strengths and weaknesses and its impact on daily life.
A neuropsychological assessment is conducted by a neuropsychologist with specialty training in neuropsychology (see above). The neuropsychologist and school psychologist differ in how they use the test results. The neuropsychologist utilizes the results to determine how an individual obtains test scores – that is, he or she utilizes the results to determine the underlying brain functions that drive the profile of results. The neuropsychologist is interested in patterns of scores that reflect one’s unique set of strengths and weaknesses. These patterns are used to understand one’s cognitive difficulties and most importantly, why these difficulties exist.
Educational testing is conducted by school personnel to assess intellectual functioning and achievement. This type of assessment is usually performed to determine if a child qualifies for special education services or therapies to support school performance. It is not generally used for diagnosis of learning or behavior disorders caused by brain dysfunction but rather focuses on skills needed to be successful in class. Educational testing is not designed to measure subtle weaknesses in processing or neurological origins of learning skills, nor is it used to diagnose difficulties caused by atypical brain development.
How Does a Neuropsychological Assessment Differ from Educational Testing?
Jessica Horsfall, Ph.D.
Providing clinical neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults
Eastside Neuropsychology, PLLC
© 2010 Jessica Horsfall, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved