Child & Adolescent
Neuropsychological Evaluation 

Understanding the Brain-Behavior Connection

 

A Child Neuropsychological Evaluation at Curious Minds serves as a foundational step in gaining a better understanding of your child's brain and its influence on their behavior and learning. Dr. Thomas Linz is a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist and professor at Marshall University who is committed to revealing the links between brain function, development, and behavior, providing insights that can be life-changing for your child and your family.

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What is a Child Neuropsychological Evaluation?

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A Child Neuropsychological Evaluation is an in-depth assessment that explores how a child's brain influences their behavior, learning, and development. Using a combination of tests, observations, and interviews, our evaluations map out areas such as memory, attention, motor skills, language, and other cognitive domains. We aim to offer an empathetic and holistic view of your child's neurological and cognitive landscape in a supportive setting.

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Benefits of Child Neuropsychological Evaluations:

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• Holistic Insight: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of how your child's brain functions in relation to their behavior, emotions, and learning.

• Guided Interventions: Insights from the evaluation can lead to targeted interventions, therapies, or academic modifications tailored to your child's needs.

• Empowered Decision-making: A clearer understanding of your child's neurological functioning aids in making informed decisions about their care, education, and development.

• Early Detection: Early identification of any discrepancies can lead to timely interventions, enhancing the chances of optimal outcomes.

• Resource Connection: With a thorough evaluation, families can be connected to specialized resources, therapies, or educational settings best suited for their child.

 

How to Prepare for a Psychological Evaluation: 

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• Get a Good Night's Sleep: A well-rested mind can better focus and engage in the testing process.

• Eat a Balanced Meal: Hunger can distract you. Ensure you have a nutritious meal before the test, especially if you know the assessment will be long.

• Dress Comfortably: Wear something you feel relaxed in, as you might be sitting for a while.

• Stay Calm and Honest: Answer questions honestly and try not to overthink.

• Come Prepared: Gather historical information that may be relevant to the current evaluation. This may include medical records, prior psychological evaluations, school report cards, work performance reviews, or Individualized Educational Programs (school IEP’s). Bring an up-to-date list of all prescription medications and supplements you are taking.

 
What to Expect During the Testing Process: 

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• Initial Interview: Psychological Evaluations start with an initial interview to understand the reason for testing and gather background information. This guides decision-making regarding what tests are needed to answer the referral question.

• Varied Testing Methods: Depending on the purpose, you might encounter different testing methods, from multiple-choice questions to interactive tasks or open-ended questions. Curious Minds utilizes the latest psychological testing technology with computer based testing as well as interactive testing measures.

• Breaks: If the testing session is long, you'll typically be given short breaks.

• Safe Environment: The psychologist will ensure that the testing environment is comfortable and free from distractions.

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What to Expect After the Testing Process: 

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• Debriefing: After the testing session, brief impressions may be provided and a feedback session will be scheduled.

• Detailed Report: You'll receive a comprehensive report detailing the test results, interpretations, diagnosis and recommendations during the feedback session.

• Discussion and Clarifications: The psychologist will discuss the findings with you, helping you understand the results and answering any questions.