A better understanding of behavior and present functioning can help your treatment team identify your strengths and build a plan that works for you.
Psychological testing is not a single test. There are many research-backed tests and procedures used to assess specific aspects of a person’s psychological makeup.
Prairie View utilizes psychological testing most commonly under the following circumstances:
- Concern about dementia. This testing includes comprehensive assessment of immediate and delayed memory, language, attention, concentration, visuospatial skills, mental processing speed and executive functioning.
- Concern about a head injury or stroke. Cognitive and psychological evaluation for traumatic brain injury/stroke includes thorough evaluation of executive functioning, immediate and delayed memory, sensorimotor deficits, visuospatial skills, language, attention, concentration and psychological profile.
- Concerns about a loved one’s safety behind the wheel. Driving capacity evaluations include determination of driving capacity through assessment of vision, divided attention, processing speed and reaction time.
Children may also undergo neuro-psychological testing. Often testing is suggested if:
- Your child has a disease that can damage the brain
- Your child has had an injury that may have damaged their brain, such as a concussion or a more serious brain injury
- Your child has been exposed to poisons, chemicals, drugs/alcohol or pollution that can cause brain damage
- Your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems in school
Identifying the potential of a serious driving problem. Physical disabilities, mental illness, medications, loss of vision or frailty can end anyone’s driving career prematurely. Not being able to drive is a hassle, but remember that safety is the most important issue – not just your safety, but the safety of others on the road. Prairie View’s Driving Capacity Evaluation is a brief outpatient screening evaluation that can be helpful in identifying the potential of a serious driving problem. The interview and Useful Field of View test measures attention/concentration and visual processing speed, determines the ability to react to information in a timely manner, and assesses the risk of having an accident due to impairment in these areas.
An academic assessment is designed to clarify problem areas and strengths for students to determine if a different teaching approach may be more helpful in their learning. These assessments are most helpful when there are specific problems with attention, reading, writing, or math that are not explained by a lack of educational opportunity or intelligence.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To make an appointment or to obtain more information call 1-800-992-6292 and ask for the specialty area. If a therapist is not immediately available, you may leave a confidential voice mail. Please leave your telephone number, a time when you are available for a call, and whether Prairie View can identify itself when your call is returned. Some initial information will be taken over the telephone and an appointment for an evaluation can be scheduled at that time, if requested.