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We provide outpatient neuropsychological evaluations as part of our psychology services at Shirley Ryan 汤头条app. Our neuropsychology team specializes in the evaluation and treatment of a broad range of disorders and neurotrauma that affect cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning in adolescents and adults. We collaborate with our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician colleagues at Shirley Ryan 汤头条app.
What to Expect in a Neuropsychological Evaluation
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- Patient interview: Our clinical neuropsychologist will begin by interviewing you and, if applicable, your family members/caregivers.
- Neurocognitive assessment: Typically, assessments involve a combination of tests of thinking using paper, pencil or a tablet, along with questionnaires. You will complete cognitive tasks using standardized measures to identify the need for further evaluation or treatment. These tasks often measure your ability for learning, memory, language, attention, visuospatial functioning, fine motor skills, mood, personality and adaptive functioning. Baseline assessments and repeat testing to measure improvement or decline over time may also be used.
- Interpretive feedback session with recommendations: Your neuropsychologist will identify your strengths and how to maximize them, as well as identify potential areas for improvement and strategies to cope with any cognitive deficits or weaknesses.
- Full written report: Provided upon completion of assessment.
Preparing for a Neuropsychological Evaluation
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- Expect to spend the day with us! Please bring glasses, hearing aids or other assistive devices you require for reading and writing. You also can bring snacks, drinks or meals you may require during the day.
- Please bring any relevant outside medical records or reports from prior neuropsychological evaluations that you have available. Family members or other individuals are not able to join you during test administration, though it is common to have family members present for the initial hour during the clinical interview.
- It is common to feel nervous about the evaluation, but it is important to note that there is no way to study for a neuropsychological evaluation. The expectation is just to try your best!
Goals of a Neuropsychological Evaluation
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Using the results of your neuropsychological evaluation, our primary goal is to collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs. Further, the evaluation will determine your individual cognitive strengths and weaknesses, inform your diagnosis and provide compensatory strategies to improve your well-being and functioning.