What is an
evaluation.
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of skills and abilities linked to brain function.
The evaluation guide, part 1 of 4:
- What is an evaluation?
- The evaluation process
- The evaluation report
- After the evaluation
What it looks at
Areas of concern may include:
- IQ
- Academics
- Visual-spatial skills
- Fine motor coordination
- Attention and impulsivity
- Memory
- Language
- Executive functioning
- Social-emotional functioning
How it differs from a school evaluation
New York City schools offer a psycho-educational evaluation. A neuropsychological evaluation covers what it leaves out.
A school evaluation includes
- Classroom observation
- Social history
- IQ and academics
- Sometimesa speech and language, occupational therapy or physical therapy evaluation
It doesn’t include
- Official diagnoses
- Neurocognitive skillsthe ones that affect school performance, such as memory, attention and impulsivity, and executive functioning
- An integrative reportone that brings separate evaluations together
- Recommendations for parentsat home, or for services outside school
When it’s needed
A comprehensive evaluation is worth it when:
- Your child keeps struggling in school despite academic services
- Your child’s profile is atypical
- IQ and academics are where they should be, but your child still struggles
- Psychiatric concerns complicate the picture
Next in the guide:
Not sure where to start?
Talk it through with us first. Tell us a little about what’s going on and we’ll help you find the right next step.