A neuropsychological assessment is an evaluation of brain function done through a variety of standardized tests and interview questions. Through these specific pencil and paper or computerized tests and interview questions, it is possible to learn about different aspects of a person’s brain function.

With standardized tests, the individual’s specific performance is compared with the typical performance of a group of healthy people of a similar age and background. Each test is designed to measure a specific area of neuropsychological or brain function. We use a variety of these tests combined with questions about how the individual is performing across different settings and on different tasks to develop a neuropsychological profile of strengths and weaknesses.

Click here to download a brochure produced by the American Psychological Association entitled, “Pediatric Neuropsychology: A Guide for Parents.”

Many tests have practice effects, so it is important to know if your child has recently completed any of the same tests that may be used in this evaluation. We never base a decision on the results of one single test, so the more information you can provide, the better we will understand your child.

This depends on what questions you bring to the evaluation and the age of your child. We select from among standardized tests of different domains of neuropsychological function including: overall intellectual ability, academic skills, verbal reasoning, visual processing, language skills, phonological awareness, visual-motor functioning, fine motor skills, visual and verbal memory, executive functioning, attention, behavioral and emotional functioning, adaptive functioning.

A thorough neuropsychological evaluation can help you better understand the cognitive and behavioral strengths and weaknesses of your child. Appropriate diagnoses can be made, but more than that, a neuropsychological evaluation can help determine how your child will learn and function best in a variety of settings. Recommendations can be made for appropriate services or other evaluations (e.g., special educational services, occupational therapy, speech-language, psychology, psychiatry, neurology, etc.).

Dr. Anderson enjoys seeing children and adolescents with a variety of different issues, including various neurological diagnoses, chronic illnesses, psychiatric issues, and learning and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Anderson does not do evaluations specifically focused on Autism spectrum diagnoses or head trauma.

We are currently NOT accepting insurance. We ask you to pay for the service at the time you are seen. We charge an hourly rate for the time we are with you, and do not bill for additional time for report-writing or phone calls. Some insurance companies offer partial reimbursement for such evaluations, and we are happy to help fill in any forms that may help you receive this reimbursement.

We are currently evaluating children between 6 and 16 years of age. If you have a child outside this age range whom you would like Dr. Anderson to evaluate, please contact her directly to discuss the issues.

All evaluations are completely confidential. (link to privacy/HIPAA documents). We enjoy working together with other providers and schools, and are happy to gather information from or provide information to others, but we require a written release of information that makes clear what information you would like us to obtain or share (link to release of info docs).