Today’s Parent Tip is brought to you
by Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center.
Pediatric neuropsychology is a specialty within the field of psychology. Children are evaluated using standardized tests that might include communication skills, visual functioning, or paper and pencil work. Tests are all non-invasive; there is nothing physically painful and many children actually enjoy completing the tests and the time spent with the neuropsychologist.
What do the tests assess and do results lead to a diagnosis?
Evaluations are comprehensive cognitive assessments that are designed to meet an individual child’s needs. A child’s thinking, attention and organization skills, memory and learning, speech/language, visual-spatial skill, academic development, and emotional/behavioral functioning may all be assessed. In some cases, a diagnosis, such as a learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, Specific Learning Disability in Written Expression, Math, etc.) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is made; in other situations, findings from the evaluation do not point to a specific diagnosis, but recommendations for helping to strengthen areas of weakness can still be made. The main goal at the neuropsychological assessment is to help access and guide the direction of intervention services and support.
When should children be referred for a neuropsychological assessment?
- Your child is having learning difficulties and you would like an evaluation completed outside of the school environment
- You are concerned that an inability to pay attention may be affecting learning and/or behavior
- There are academic or day-to-day inconsistencies
- Your child is not making expected progress with or without intervention
- There is a known medical condition that can or is affecting learning and development
Will insurance pay for my child’s neuropsychological evaluation?
In many cases, neuropsychological assessments are a covered service by insurance, but this can vary with the reason for referral and the insurance carrier.
CHSC conducts neuropsychological assessments; for information call 216-325-7570 or visit chsc.org/neuropsych.
