Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology focuses on how different areas and systems of the brain are working and affecting behavior. A neuropsychological evaluation can:
- Identify a person’s pattern of cognitive strengths and challenges
- Help to better understand what could be causing problems with thinking, understanding, learning, and memory
- Assist with clarifying diagnosis
- Establish a baseline of functioning and track changes overtime
- Monitor the progress and response to interventions
- Guide treatment recommendations
- Provide strategies to help a person succeed in school, at work, and at home
A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with specialized training in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and function. Our neuropsychologists evaluate (or “test") patients of all ages with a variety of conditions, including:
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Brain tumor/cancer
- Concussion/traumatic brain injury
- Cognitive changes from alcohol or drug use
- Seizures/epilepsy
- Demyelinating diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Stroke
- Hydrocephalus
- Movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease)
- Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
A person might benefit from neuropsychological evaluation if they are experiencing any of the following concerns:
- Noticeable changes in thinking or memory
- Attention and learning-related problems
- Difficulties with reasoning and problem solving
- Emotional and behavior dysregulation (e.g., poor impulse control, frequent mood changes, etc.)
- Social difficulties
- Language difficulties, such as trouble finding words or getting confused in conversation
- Increased difficulty with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, remembering to take medications, or managing bills
- Changes in personality or behavior, such as unexplained increases in anxiety, depression, or agitation
- Other unexplained changes in functioning or problems in school, at work, at home, and/or social functioning
What is involved in a neuropsychological evaluation?
- A clinical interview: The interview is usually completed with the patient and/or family member(s) to gather information about the patient’s history and current changes or concerns in the patient’s functioning. This appointment typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
- Testing: Testing involves completing paper-and-pencil and/or computerized mental tests and answering questions. Testing usually lasts 3 to 6 hours, depending on the problem being evaluated.
- Feedback: Feedback sessions are offered to review evaluation results and recommendations with the individual, family, and/or other caregivers. A written report is provided to the referring provider.
View our Neuropsychological Services brochure here. Click for new patient information, including referral and insurance information, and patient forms. Neuropsychological services require a referral from a provider. Referrals for neuropsychological services can be faxed to 860-748-4432. For more information about our services, please contact us at 860-270-0600 x100 or medrehab@escrec.org.
