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.