Neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis
Are you wondering if a neuropsychological assessment could help you better understand how you (or your child) function at school, at work, or at home? At CERC, our neuropsychological assessment clinic supports children, adolescents, and adults in Montreal, Laval, Brossard, and on the South Shore.
Why conduct a neuropsychological assessment?
Neuropsychological assessment allows the effectiveness of different brain functions to be objectively evaluated. It is useful for both children and adults.
To do this, the neuropsychologist uses a set of tests that put the brain into action.
For example, to measure the ability to memorize new information, the neuropsychologist might ask his client to try to memorize a long list of words.
To measure the ability to stay attentive and focused on a teacher talking in class, the neuropsychologist might ask a young person to listen to a long, boring audio message while reacting at specific moments to prove that he or she is indeed listening.
The neuropsychologist therefore has a whole battery of tests that can be used to give an objective rating to the efficiency of the various cognitive functions handled by the brain, such as :
- Attention and concentration
- Self-control, inhibition
- Memory
- Reasoning and logic
- Problem-solving skills
- Intellectual potential (IQ)
- Learning skills
- Etc
Neuropsychological assessment, which involves making the link between the brain and behavior, is a procedure legally reserved exclusively for neuropsychologists and doctors. Only these professionals can give an opinion on the effectiveness of the brain's various functions.
That said, rest assured that neuropsychological evaluation does not involve syringes, injections, brain scans or electrodes placed on the skull!
What are the steps in a neuropsychological evaluation?
At CERC, the neuropsychological evaluation is carried out in four (4) main stages:
1 - Appointment scheduling and preparatory forms
When you make your appointment, our secretaries will email you questionnaires and forms to fill out.
- If the assessment concerns a child, there will be forms to be completed by the parents, as well as by the teacher (or childcare worker).
- If the assessment is requested by an adult, there will be forms to be completed by the adult requesting the assessment, as well as by one of their relatives.
In all cases, these forms enable the neuropsychologist to prepare their assessment, learn about the person's life context, and gain an initial understanding of the symptoms encountered on a daily basis.
2 - Initial consultation
Aná : "from bottom to top" -mnêsis: "memory". In other words, "to bring back memories".
The anamnesis traces the client's medical history and the history of the complaint, as well as their current symptoms. During this one-hour meeting with the parents, or with the adult being assessed, the neuropsychologist will compile a complete history:
- From the family context,
- Social and professional relationships,
- Lifestyle habits,
- Significant events,
- Behaviors, attitudes, or symptoms that currently appear problematic and lead to a request for evaluation.
This one-hour session is often conducted remotely, in the comfort of your own home or at work, thanks to the magic of video conferencing!
3 - Neuropsychological assessment and testing.
The next step is the heart of the process! Over the course of a full day, or two half-days, for a total of 5 to 6 hours (for a complete neuropsychological assessment), the child or adult being assessed will spend time with the neuropsychologist and complete various cognitive tests. These tests can be compared to small intellectual challenges, or logic or memory games.
However, neuropsychological tests are unique in that they are standardized. They are designed to measure a very specific aspect of cognitive functioning and have been administered to a large sample of people in order to determine the normal and expected performance for each age group. The neuropsychologist can then draw up a complete profile of strengths and weaknesses across all brain functions, as measured in a given individual.
4 - The review meeting, presentation and explanation of results.
Approximately 3 to 4 weeks after the assessment, you will have a final meeting with the neuropsychologist. During this one-hour session, which can be done remotely via videoconference, the results will be explained to you using clear, visual graphs, and you will be given a written report detailing the results and conclusions of the neuropsychological assessment. You will be helped to understand the diagnosis, if applicable, and will receive a series of recommendations to implement going forward.
Which brain functions are measured during a neuropsychological assessment?
The brain is a complex organ with multiple functions! The neuropsychologist has the tools and tests needed to target each of these functions and assess them in a precise and isolated way. For example :
- Left-hemisphere functioning (including verbal reasoning skills)
- Right-hemisphere functioning (including visual-spatial reasoning)
- Short-term memory (or working memory)
- Long-term memory
- Attention / concentration
- Planning, organization and problem-solving skills (also known as executive functions)
- Self-control and inhibition skills
- Academic learning skills (reading, writing, mathematics)
- Motor development (fine motor skills, gross motor skills)
- Psycho-affective issues such as personality traits, anxiety or self-esteem
The objective is to develop a clear picture of strengths and vulnerabilities in order to guide interventions and recommendations in a concrete manner.
Our neuropsychology services
Discover our neuropsychology services: neuropsychological assessment of children, neuropsychological assessment of adults, ASD assessment (children and adults), and consultations to obtain tailored advice and recommendations.
Neuropsychological assessment of children
The aim of aneuropsychological assessment is to identify the child's strengths and difficulties, so that a precise diagnosis can be made if necessary.
Adult neuropsychological assessment
Adult neuropsychological assessment can be used to diagnose learning disabilities or long-standing ADHD. It can also be used to establish a cognitive profile following brain damage, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
ASD assessment (children and adults)
The assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a separate evaluation that follows a standardized process. This process includes an interview about the child or adult's developmental history, as well as the administration of the ADOS-2 battery. At our ASD assessment center, our neuropsychologists, who are certified to administer the ADOS-2, ensure an accurate and rigorous diagnosis.
Neuropsychological consultation
Book a one-hour neuropsychological consultation with one of our neuropsychologists to obtain explanations, advice and recommendations on a subject of concern to you.
To make an appointment or for any questions about neuropsychology
Our neuropsychologists
Founded in 2003 by Dr. Benoît Hammarrenger, our team of more than 45 specialists has 22 years of combined expertise. Our team of neuropsychologists in Montreal, Laval, and Brossard, made up of accredited professionals, offers specialized support to individuals facing neurological disorders. We develop personalized intervention plans and support families in promoting well-being and cognitive success.
Tools on the subject
Frequently asked questions about our psychoeducation services
Find answers to the most common questions about the support offered at the clinic here.