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.
Click here to view our Neuropsychological Services brochure. Click here 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.
