Frequently Asked Questions
What is a neuropsychological evaluation and what does it entail?
Whereas historically neuropsychological evaluation focused mainly on organicity and locating region(s) of the brain that may be damaged or dysfunctional, more recently and particularly for younger individuals, the purpose has shifted more to determining abilities in different functional domains (e.g., cognitive, neurocognitive, academic, behavior, emotional) and to identify any underlying diagnosis or disability. Even more, the neuropsychological evaluation identifies an individual's personal learning style including their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, it’s a procedure that utilizes standardized, objective, and reliable measures in addition to behavioral observations and collateral reports to examine different aspects of human behavior.
Whereas historically neuropsychological evaluation focused mainly on organicity and locating region(s) of the brain that may be damaged or dysfunctional, more recently and particularly for younger individuals, the purpose has shifted more to determining abilities in different functional domains (e.g., cognitive, neurocognitive, academic, behavior, emotional) and to identify any underlying diagnosis or disability. Even more, the neuropsychological evaluation identifies an individual's personal learning style including their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, it’s a procedure that utilizes standardized, objective, and reliable measures in addition to behavioral observations and collateral reports to examine different aspects of human behavior.
What information will a neuropsychological evaluation impart to parents, educators, etc.?
- To provide a better understanding an individual and his/her learning profile by providing a description of their personal strengths and weaknesses
- To help explain the reasons for why an individual is having problems with learning or performing at an expected rate in school, home, or in the community
- To assist with differential diagnosis and diagnostic accuracy which is important in identifying more effective academic and/or treatment plans: For instance, the child that has difficulty paying attention in school due to a specific learning disorder will not benefit from an attention-enhancing medication (e.g., psychostimulant) as much as they need and will instead require learning interventions and academic supports. Moreover, diagnostic accuracy is important as treatment approaches that may be beneficial with certain conditions, may exacerbate others (e.g., anxiety and AD/HD)
- To provide suggestions for what can be done to help an individual achieve their potential
- To help detect the effects or monitor the course of developmental, neurological, and medical problems such as brain injury (e.g., concussion), epilepsy, autism, ADHD, dyslexia: Even when two people have the same diagnosis, they can often present differently and consequently require tailored treatment strategies because diagnosis alone cannot accurately depict who an individual is in the world.
- To monitor progress and treatment effects: For example, when a child is put on a medication or a learning intervention has been implemented, testing can help track whether the selected strategies have been beneficial.
- Help to provide a context within which adults and the child can understand their struggles: Overall, it helps to identify the problem, describe the factors that cause or sustain the problem, and provide recommendations for how to eliminate or decrease the impact of the problem.
What are some warning signs that indicate a neuropsychological evaluation may be necessary?
- The individual demonstrates developmental lags with language, motor, or social skills
- The individual is struggling in school academically and has difficulty in completing homework, tests, or in-class assignments
- The individual appears to have difficulty in retaining information and requires frequent repetition of instructions or redirection
- The individual has social difficulties or mood/behavioral problems
- You need guidance as to the most effective educational or treatment plan for you or your child
- You or your child has suffered a brain injury or illness that is impacting functioning, learning, or development
- There is a notable discrepancy between your child’s or your own strengths and weaknesses
- General rule of thumb: When in doubt, you can consider a consultation.
How does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from a school or psychoeducational assessment?
Although some of the same tests/instruments may be used, a neuropsychological evaluation incorporates specific measures to identify the neurocognitive skills that underlie many abilities. For example, tests of attention, memory, language are usually not given in other types of assessments so they are not comprehensive. There is also a difference in how test results are utilized. In other words, a neuropsychological evaluation is integrative and goes beyond numbers and cut-off scores alone and focuses on how and why an individual obtains particular scores as well as on the pattern of skills and not only on whether s/he qualifies for special education programs/services. Moreover, school assessments do not diagnose learning or behavior disorders that are resultant of atypical brain development. Without a clear understanding of the underlying difficulty, parents and students are often left unaware of the specific issue in addition to the extent of the individual's needs which ultimately precludes appropriate and effective intervention(s) and supports.
Although some of the same tests/instruments may be used, a neuropsychological evaluation incorporates specific measures to identify the neurocognitive skills that underlie many abilities. For example, tests of attention, memory, language are usually not given in other types of assessments so they are not comprehensive. There is also a difference in how test results are utilized. In other words, a neuropsychological evaluation is integrative and goes beyond numbers and cut-off scores alone and focuses on how and why an individual obtains particular scores as well as on the pattern of skills and not only on whether s/he qualifies for special education programs/services. Moreover, school assessments do not diagnose learning or behavior disorders that are resultant of atypical brain development. Without a clear understanding of the underlying difficulty, parents and students are often left unaware of the specific issue in addition to the extent of the individual's needs which ultimately precludes appropriate and effective intervention(s) and supports.
Is there any drawback to undergoing a neuropsychological evaluation?
Short answer: Typically no. It is a non-invasive procedure that often is interesting or fun for the individual. Some may experience mild anxiety about being “tested” but a neuropsychologist with the right demeanor and approach will know how to develop a good rapport with you or your child in order to help attenuate such tension and to increase comfort.
One of the most common concerns heard from parents prior to the start of the evaluation process is that they are worried about having their child tested as it may make him/her feel as if something is wrong. The reality is that if someone is struggling, they already feel this way and may be erroneously associating it with being unintelligent or not trying hard enough. Children who struggle often comment that feel they are “stupid.” The value of a neuropsychological evaluation also lies in the ability to provide a framework for the young individual in addition to their parents or teachers to help them understand why they are having difficulty and to dispel any misconceived notions of their abilities or achievement potential.
Short answer: Typically no. It is a non-invasive procedure that often is interesting or fun for the individual. Some may experience mild anxiety about being “tested” but a neuropsychologist with the right demeanor and approach will know how to develop a good rapport with you or your child in order to help attenuate such tension and to increase comfort.
One of the most common concerns heard from parents prior to the start of the evaluation process is that they are worried about having their child tested as it may make him/her feel as if something is wrong. The reality is that if someone is struggling, they already feel this way and may be erroneously associating it with being unintelligent or not trying hard enough. Children who struggle often comment that feel they are “stupid.” The value of a neuropsychological evaluation also lies in the ability to provide a framework for the young individual in addition to their parents or teachers to help them understand why they are having difficulty and to dispel any misconceived notions of their abilities or achievement potential.
Does insurance ever cover the cost?
Many insurances will technically cover a neuropsychological evaluation. However, they tend to limit the amount of hours that will be reimbursed which then greatly limits the amount of testing that can be conducted. Dr. Bilginer is not an in-network provider and therefore does not accept insurance but will provide a receipt with the appropriate codes and evidence of payment which can be submitted to your insurance company for any reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.
Many insurances will technically cover a neuropsychological evaluation. However, they tend to limit the amount of hours that will be reimbursed which then greatly limits the amount of testing that can be conducted. Dr. Bilginer is not an in-network provider and therefore does not accept insurance but will provide a receipt with the appropriate codes and evidence of payment which can be submitted to your insurance company for any reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.
Have questions?
Schedule a consultation to have Dr. Bilginer answer and address all of your concerns.