Initial Consultation

Regardless of the nature of the evaluation, an initial consultation is required to best understand the nature of the services being sought, evaluate the appropriateness of a neuropsychological evaluation for the individual, and gather an in-depth comprehensive interview (including collateral data and interviews).  The initial consultation will last approximately 60 minutes and will require participation from at least one parent.


Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation includes all possible domains of cognitive assessment including intellectual functioning, attention/executive functioning, academic achievement, learning and memory abilities, visual spatial skills, motor functioning, language abilities, social/emotional functioning, and adaptive functioning.  Specific measures employed will vary depending on age, ability level, education level, history and referral question.  A typical comprehensive evaluation will last between six and eight hours; however, duration is sometimes shorter for younger children and those with more significant deficits (e.g., reduced testability). Often times children who receive a somewhat shorter battery of tests will require substantial informant data (e.g., parent/teacher report measures, parent interview, behavioral observations etc.).


Gifted/High Intellect Evaluation

A gifted evaluation may be requested for those individuals for which superior intellect (IQ>130) is suspected.  There are many schools and academic programs that require official documentation of “gifted level” intelligence for admission or appropriate classification.  A gifted evaluation will solely include measures of intellectual functioning and collateral data.


CSE Meeting Attendance

In situations in which parents desire a professional explanation of results to the Committee for Special Education (i.e., CSE) and additional advocacy for appropriate placement/services in the school setting for their child, they may request a neuropsychologist to be present at the child's CSE (e.g., 504, IEP) meeting. The neuropsychologist would serve as an advocate for the child by providing objective data, research and professional input to assist in promoting understanding of the child's strengths and weaknesses as well as the effect on learning and academic success within the school environment.