Neuropsychological assessment
Neuropsychological assessments are used to evaluate the efficiency of different brain functions.
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 the 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:
- Appointments and forms. When you book your appointment, our secretaries will e-mail you questionnaires and forms to complete. If the assessment is for a child, there will be forms to be completed by the parents, as well as by the teacher (or daycare educator). If the evaluation is requested by an adult, there will be forms to be completed by the adult requesting the evaluation, as well as by a relative. In all cases, these forms enable the neuropsychologist to prepare for the assessment, find out about the life context of the person to be assessed, and get an initial idea of the symptoms encountered on a daily basis.
- The anamnesis encounter. Wikipedia defines the word anamnesis as follows:
Aná : "from bottom to top" -mnêsis: "memory". In other words, "to bring back memories".
The anamnesis traces the medical history and the history of the complaint, as well as the client's current symptoms. During this one-hour meeting with the parents, or with the adult undergoing self-assessment, the neuropsychologist will ask questions to get a complete history of the family context, social and professional relationships, life habits, significant events, behaviours and attitudes or symptoms that currently appear as problematic and that has led to the request for an assessment. This one-hour session is often conducted remotely, in the comfort of your own home, or at work, thanks to the magic of videoconferencing!
- 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 evaluation), the child or adult being evaluated will be with the neuropsychologist and will have to complete various cognitive tests. These tests can be compared to small intellectual challenges, or logic or memory games. The neuropsychologist's tests are, however, standardized, meaning they are designed to measure a very specific part of cognitive functioning and have been administered to a large sample of people in order to know the normal and expected performance for each age group. The neuropsychologist can then draw up a complete profile of strengths and weaknesses across all the brain functions measured in a given individual.
- Debriefing, 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 by videoconference, the results will be explained to you using clear, visual charts, and you will be given a written report detailing the results and conclusions of the neuropsychological evaluation. We'll help you understand the diagnosis, if any, and provide you with a series of recommendations for further action.
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
Our neuropsychology services
Find out more about our neuropsychology services, offering precise diagnoses and tailored interventions for cognitive disorders and learning difficulties.
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).
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
Our team of neuropsychologists in Montreal, Laval and Brossard, made up of accredited professionals, offers specialized support to individuals with neurological disorders. We develop personalized intervention plans and support families in promoting well-being and cognitive success.
