Pediatric Neuropsychological Services at Alexian Neurosciences Institute

Our Tests, Treatments, and Therapies

Pediatric neuropsychology is a specialty that examines the role of the brain as a possible source of learning and behavior problems in children. Our pediatric neuropsychologists test your child's memory, language skills, and other abilities to assess brain functioning.  The results help our staff determine their level of cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional functioning to guide treatment planning. 

How does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from a school psychological evaluation?

School assessments are usually performed to determine whether or not a child qualifies for special education programs or therapies to enhance school performance.  These assessments are designed to only focus on skills needed for academic success.  Generally, they are not sufficient to diagnose learning or behavioral disorders such as ADHD caused by altered brain function or development.  

A neuropsychological evaluation is designed to better understand your child's abilities in areas such as memory, attention, perception, coordination, language, and personality. This information can then be used by teachers to better help your child in the classroom; by therapists and physicians in treatment interventions; and help you to parent with a clearer understanding of your child's unique needs. 

Why are children referred for a neuropsychological assessment?

Children are typically referred by a parent, doctor, teacher, school psychologist, or other professional because of one more problems such as:

• Learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, or Asperger's Syndrome
• Genetic disorders
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Brain tumors and/or cancer
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurosurgical intervention for children who will have or have had surgery for conditions such as brain shunting, tumors or difficult seizures.      

What is assessed in a neuropsychological evaluation?

Every evaluation is tailored to the presenting concerns and needs of your child.  Areas assessed may include: 

• Intelligence
• Academic skills such as reading, writing, and math
• Executive functioning skills such as problem solving, organization, planning, inhibition, self-monitoring, and flexibility
• Attention
• Processing speed
• Learning and memory
• Language
• Visual-spatial skills
• Motor coordination
• Behavioral and emotional functioning
• Adaptive Functioning
• Social skills

We take a detailed developmental history of your child and observe him or her during testing as well as in the school environment to better understand motivation, cooperation, and behavior. 

What will the results tell me about my child?

The evaluation will detect the presence and effects of developmental, neurological, and medical problems such as epilepsy, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or a genetic disorder.  When the assessment is complete we create a profile of your child's unique strengths and weaknesses. The individualized results help those involved in your child's care by identifying specific difficulties with school and other daily activities that your child might encounter, and suggesting strategies to help your child overcome these challenges.