Why choose a Neuropsychologist to assess Learning Disabilitity (LD)?

Neuropsychologists are specially trained to understand and evaluate the relationships between brain functioning, behavior, psychological functioning, and results of structured tests.  These comprehensive evaluations include assessment of executive mental functions, such as planning, organizing, prioritizing, and monitoring one's performance.  This assessment contributes to the diagnosis of subtle disabilities, and clarifies the nature of any cognitive problems underlying LD.

At what age should a Neuropsychological Evaluation be done?

Any age at which a problem is suspected, from preschool to adulthood.

What about Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) and Neuropsychology?

Neuropsychological evaluation is an objective method for diagnosing attentional disorders, because it specifically measures attention and related cognitive skill deficits usually implicated in ADD syndromes.  The evaluation usually involves an integration of medical and educational history, behavioral data, and test results.  As such, it can be used to determine if there is a true neuropsychological basis for behavioral and attentional difficulties.  A neuropsychological evaluation also provides an opportunity to detect other problems often associated with ADD, such as learning disabilities.

What are some reasons for referring students to a Neuropsychologist?

• To confirm a diagnosis of learning disability or attention deficit disorder.
• To understand the neuropsychological reasons for a student's learning difficulty.
• To determine if academic difficulties are due to cognitive or motivational deficits.
• To explain the declining achievement of a previously successful student.
• To assess the effectiveness of treatments.
• To obtain recommendations for how to accommodate the learning disability or attention deficit disorder.
• To identify any neurological or psychiatric factors associated with attention and learning problems.

Many colleges have support programs for LD adults, and are aware of their obligation to make appropriate provisions for LD adults.  Students who are properly diagnosed by qualified professionals can be eligible for accommodations such as extended time for testing and alternative examination formats.  A neuropsychological examination can offer specific recommendations to employers, vocational counselors, educators, or consultants, which can help the individual adapt to the work or school setting.