Neuropsychological assessment
for adults
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is a diagnostic process that covers all the functions handled by the brain (memory, attention, organization/planning, perception, oral expression, reading, writing). The psycho-affective state can also be assessed, to highlight the presence of anxiety, sadness, anger or loss of self-esteem, for example.
The aim of the assessment is to highlight both strengths and difficulties. The profile thus established by all the tests enables CERC neuropsychologists to make a diagnosis when appropriate.
Why a neuropsychological diagnosis when you're an adult?
Learning disabilities in the young adult student:
There are several reasons why an adult may seek a neuropsychological evaluation. First of all, more and more young adults are pursuing college or university studies despite a learning disability. Accommodations can easily be put in place to help these students succeed academically, and educational institutions are increasingly willing to authorize such accommodations. Our assessments can establish or update the diagnosis of a learning disability entitling the student to accommodations for assignments or exams, or even for taking notes in class. As such, the student may be entitled to more time to write exams, the use of a computer and software in class and during exams, extensions for handing in assignments, a reduced timetable, the help of a note-taker in class, and so on.
And because neuropsychological assessments were either non-existent or not widely available some twenty years ago, many adults have grown up and struggled through their academic path and then their careers with a learning disability that has never been diagnosed. Some are now interested in understanding the difficulties they have always encountered academically, and come for a neuropsychological evaluation to finally establish a clear diagnosis of their learning disability (dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, etc.).
ADD/ADHD
Finally, more and more adults recognize themselves in the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. We now know that one in two children with ADHD will continue to suffer from the disorder as adults. ADD/ADHD therefore affects around 3% of the adult population. These adults often feel professionally unfulfilled, unable to complete their projects, and often experience marital difficulties linked to their disorganization and forgetfulness. Also, the risk of a serious car accident is increased by 45% in adults with unmedicated ADHD. Call us for a reliable and comprehensive assessment of adult ADHD.
To book an appointment or for any questions about neuropsychological assessment
Our neuropsychologists
Our team of neuropsychologists in Montreal, Laval and Brossard is made up of accredited professionals who can not only help you better understand a particular diagnosis, but can also guide you towards solutions and quality interventions in our clinics.
Frequently asked questions about adult neuropsychological assessment
Find concise answers to your questions about adult neuropsychological assessment, so you can better understand how we can help you achieve better mental and cognitive health.
How does a neuropsychological assessment with an adult work?
The evaluation usually takes place over the course of a full day, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 or 4:00 PM, with lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 PM. This mode of operation seems to us to be the best way of really observing attention and the degree of fatigability in a context of intellectual work and challenges. In terms of effort of concentration, our assessment day is the equivalent of a day's work or study. Thanks to our full-day assessments, the accuracy of our diagnoses of attention and concentration is greatly enhanced.
All our tests are standardized, meaning they have been administered to hundreds of adults, enabling us to compare your results with those of the average adult of your age.
Following the assessment, we will draw up a detailed report, which we will be able to give you two to four weeks after the assessment. During this session, the results will be clearly explained to you, and you'll even be able to visualize them in graphical form, so that you can compare yourself and see where you stand in relation to people in your age group, for the different functions of your brain. We'll make recommendations to help you, precisely targeting the strengths and weaknesses measured during the assessment. We'll also take the time to answer any questions you may have. It's important to us that you leave equipped for what's next!
How are neuropsychologists trained?
Neuropsychologists have undergraduate training in psychology, followed by post-graduate training (master's and/or doctorate) in neuropsychology. Neuropsychologists are members of the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ), which verifies their qualifications and insures quality of practice. Psychotechnicians are graduate students in neuropsychology, working under the supervision of a senior neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists and psychotechnicians have been scrupulously selected and trained by our team at CERC, to ensure consistency of service and quality of professional practice. Our team is our pride and joy, and makes CERC an exceptional clinic.
Are the costs of the assessment covered by my insurance?
The cost of sessions with a neuropsychologist is covered by your insurance, just like sessions with a psychologist. In many cases, the out-of-pocket expenses are minimal. Contact us for more information.