What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?
arbias has always placed a strong emphasis on the importance of an accurate diagnosis of ABI. It is equally important to identify how an ABI is impacting on a person’s thinking, behaviour and personality. Neuropsychological assessment makes it possible to better understand a person and then to work effectively with them towards achievement of their goals.
Neuropsychologists have specialist training in how the brain works and how it controls behaviour, thinking and personality. A neuropsychological assessment includes an interview, followed by a range of tasks designed to test specific areas of thinking such as memory, attention, concentration, learning, planning and problem solving, the ability to make decisions and to subsequently carry them through. The assessment includes completion of an interview, answering questions, paper and pencil tasks, puzzles and tests of memory.
A neuropsychological assessment usually takes two-and-a half to three hours to complete. Breaks are taken during the session and the pace can be varied to suit the individual.
After the completion of the assessment, the neuropsychologist will evaluate the results, taking into consideration the person’s age, background, history and reason for referral. A report is written that outlines the findings of the assessment, plus recommendations for what the person will benefit from. These results may then be discussed at another time during a ‘feedback session’ with the person and the original referrer and/or those people supporting the person.
More detailed information about neuropsychological assessments can be found in the arbias Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment for clients and family members (Download Adobe PDF 385kb).