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The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and is responsible for our behaviour, functioning and interpretation of information. Sometimes, illness, injuries or disorders can disrupt this process, altering behaviour and cognitive function.
Neuropsychology is a speciality field within clinical psychology that seeks to understand how specific disorders or brain injuries affect daily functions using various assessment methods.
Through these assessments, a neuropsychologist can determine a diagnosis. However, if we already have a diagnosis, we can still perform an assessment to determine impairments and their severity.
At MEC Kalane and Associates, we provide various neuropsychological assessments of the highest quality in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Depending on the test, the following abilities will be measured and evaluated:
Our psychological assessments are classified into different categories, including
Psychological assessments are done for several reasons.
We use assessment results to understand the cause behind your symptoms. For example, neuropsychological assessments can be used to test if cognitive changes are caused by a neurological illness, ageing, depression, anxiety or other causes.
The neuropsychologist can then use the results of your neuropsychological examination and alternative test results, such as blood tests, to conclude a diagnosis and guide your health care.
In some cases, tests may be ordered if you've had a previous neurological incident, such as a stroke, to determine which cognitive functions have changed and how much.
In some cases, an assessment is done before and after a medical or surgical treatment to examine whether cognitive abilities were affected. A re-assessment after the baseline assessment can indicate your recovery progress and if you are ready to return to work, do daily activities or resume driving.
Results from your neuropsychological assessment are often used to determine which cognitive abilities should be prioritised during rehabilitation or which strengths might compensate for weaknesses. In addition, the test can provide a baseline for any decisions or adjustments relating to your daily schedules and skills.
In addition to establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan for illnesses, injuries and disorders, neuropsychological assessments can be done to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in specific skills. For example, vocational therapists use these tests to determine the kind of job roles that a person may be best suited for. It may even help higher education students decide which field of study they should steer more towards.
Specific psychological testing can be used in the legal field as well. These tests are typically done to assess a suspect's cognitive function and whether they are mentally capable of committing a crime they have been accused of.
Aside from certain criminal matters, neurological assessments can also be done for the following legal circumstances:
The following signs may indicate that you or a loved one require a neuropsychological assessment:
There are many different types of neuropsychological disorders, and each can present in various ways. Some common examples of neuropsychological disorders include:
Each of these disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the affected area(s) of the brain.
For example, someone with Alzheimer's disease may experience memory loss, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood and behaviour. Someone with Parkinson's disease may have trouble moving their body or speaking. In contrast, someone with a TBI may experience problems with memory, attention, and executive functioning (e.g. planning and problem-solving).
A neuropsychological assessment comprises a clinical interview, cognitive testing, and sometimes personality testing. The neuropsychologist will use information gathered from all three of these areas to make conclusions and give recommendations.
The clinical interview is essential to understand the referral question, the individual's current functioning, and the history that may be relevant to the assessment. During cognitive testing, you are asked to complete tasks assessing different cognitive functioning areas, such as attention, memory, language, etc. Personality testing may also be used to better understand your personality strengths and weaknesses.
Once all the information has been gathered, the neuropsychologist will interpret the results and make conclusions based on their findings. Then, recommendations may be made for further testing or treatment, depending on what is appropriate for you.
Neuropsychological assessments for children can be beneficial in identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses. These assessments can also provide valuable information about a child's social-emotional functioning and academic skills.
During a neuropsychological assessment, children are typically asked to complete various tasks assessing different cognitive functioning areas. This may include tasks that assess memory, attention, executive functioning, processing speed, and visual-spatial skills. In some cases, children may also be asked to complete academic achievement tests.
Parents or caregivers often participate in neuropsychological assessments by providing information about the child's development, behaviour, and any concerns they may have. This information can be extremely helpful in understanding the child's current functioning and how it may impact their daily life.
If you are concerned that your child may have a learning disability or other cognitive impairment, neuropsychological testing can provide valuable information. These assessments can help to identify the specific areas of difficulty and develop an appropriate plan for intervention and support.
There are many reasons why a child might need a neuropsychological assessment.
Some children have neurological disorders that can affect their cognitive and physical abilities. Other children may have learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders that make it difficult to succeed in school. And some children may have experienced a head injury that has caused problems with thinking, memory, or other cognitive skills.
A neuropsychological assessment can help identify a child's strengths and weaknesses and provide information that can be used to develop an individualised education or treatment plan.
If a child has a neurological disorder, the assessment can help determine the extent of the problem and how it is affecting the child's functioning. If a child has a learning disability, the assessment can help identify which specific skills are affected and what kind of accommodations or interventions might be helpful. And if a child has experienced a head injury, the assessment can help determine the nature and extent of the cognitive deficits and how best to address them.
Several signs may indicate that a child needs a neuropsychological evaluation.
These can include difficulties with academics, behaviour problems, social skills deficits, and motor skill deficits. Other signs include difficulty with daily activities such as dressing and eating and problems with sleep.
If a child is exhibiting any of these signs, it is important to talk to a professional about whether or not a neuropsychological evaluation would be appropriate.
To schedule a consultation for a neuropsychological assessment, contact us today.
