The Importance Of Neuropsychological Assessment

Overview of Assessment

Neuropsychological assessment is a vital component for both initial diagnosis and for further treatment of a condition. The purpose of assessing individuals who are suspected of a certain condition, or who have already been diagnosed, is to understand the relationship of the behavior that is overtly displayed with the possible physical or chemical abnormalities that are present in the brain (Vakil, 2012). Through a variety of assessments, neuropsychologists are able to identify where the cognitive decline is apparent, thus allowing them to make a more accurate diagnosis (Vakil, 2012). Diagnosis, and its accuracy, is of greater importance for children. Early identification of a neuropsychological condition can improve

Neuropsychologists must first view the reason for referral and determine if an assessment with their department is appropriate for the specific case (Vakil, 2012). If the professionals decide that a neuropsychological assessment is appropriate, there are then an array of considerations that must take place before the client arrives. Neuropsychologist must not only consider their prior medical history, but also know more about the patient outside of their medical records. Taking children for example, there must be documentation of relevant school records, such as testing that suggest that the child may have a learning disability. In general, an interview with the patient’s family members to consider their behavioral patterns is also a consideration for initial assessment before the actual tests are administered (Silver,

This is vital information to consider as this can affect their performance on the test and may not be attributed to their condition. Some of the most evaluated categories of assessment include: intelligence, achievement, memory, language, attention, and motor skills. (Silver, 2006). The selection of certain categories or tests within a category that should be assessed is determined based on the evident problems that the examinee displays or on their condition (Silver, 2006). Once the assessments are complete, a repot of the patient’s abilities must be documented along with the behavioral observations that the professional noted throughout the entire