What is Neuropsychology?

• Neuropsychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on understanding the link between the brain and behavior.  Neuropsychology aims to understand how various components of the brain are able to do their jobs.  A variety of assessment measures are used to better understand each person’s unique cognitive profile, include areas of strength and weakness.  This information is then used to create an individualized treatment plan that will help the child or adolescent meet his or her full potential academically, cognitively, behaviorally, and adaptively.

 

What is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist?

• Pediatric neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists who have received specialized training in both clinical psychology and neuropsychology.  They have special training in how the brain develops and they use this training to evaluate and help support children and adolescents with neurocognitive concerns.  Child or adolescents with a history of brain injury, medical disease, or developmental problems are often recommended to receive a neuropsychological evaluation.

 

What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

• A neuropsychological evaluation involves examination of thinking, behavior, and social-emotional functioning.  A neuropsychologist uses standardized tests and observes behavior to define a person’s pattern of brain functioning and overall development. That performance is compared to what is expected for your child’s age and education. Your child will be asked many questions and will also be asked to solve a variety of problems.  Tests may be performed using paper and pencil or on the computer.

 

How long will testing take?

• The length of testing depends on a variety of factors including your child’s age and current concerns.  Typical neuropsychological evaluations last all day with appointments starting at 9am and lasting until 2 or 3pm.  An hour lunch break will be given in addition to a variety of shorter breaks as necessary.  Dr. DiQuattro will work with you prior to the testing appointment and will give you an estimate of how long the testing session will last.

 

What should I bring with me to my first appointment?

• Prior to your first appointment, please download and complete the parent questionnaire, medical release, and patient privacy forms.  Also, please print off the teacher questionnaire and ask your child’s teacher(s) to complete the form and bring the completed form back by the first appointment. 

• It will also be important to bring any important medical or academic records to the first appointment.  For example, if your child has a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), please make sure to bring a copy to the appointment.

• Feel free to bring a few snacks and drinking water to the appointment.  Please let your child know that they will not be allowed to bring back personal phones or electronics into the testing session; however, these will be permitted for use during breaks or lunch.

• If your child has previously undergone neuropsychological, academic, cognitive, or developmental testing, please bring copies of these evaluations with you to the first appointment.

 

What should I tell my child to prepare him or her for neuropsychological assessment?

• Children sometimes think that visits to a doctor will involve shots. It is important to reassure your child that no shots or painful procedures will be involved in the visit to the neuropsychologist.

 

• For school aged children:

  • Let your child know that testing is very similar to a day at school.  Tell your child that he or she will be doing many different activities, including talking, drawing, looking at pictures, and building with blocks.  Some of the activities will be easy for them while others will be challenging and that is okay. Parents are not typically allowed to be present during testing. If need be, you can let your child know that you will be close by while he or she works with the neuropsychologist.  Reassure your child that she or he can have breaks to use the bathroom and to eat lunch.

 

• For preschool children:

  • Describe the appointment as a time to play games, talk, listen, and remember things.  Let your child know that the neuropsychologist will have toys like blocks and puzzles that he or she will get to use. You can help your child get ready for assessment by making sure that he or she gets a good night’s sleep prior to testing. Make sure that you child has eaten so that he or she will not be hungry during testing.   

 

What is the cost of a Neuropsychological Evaluation, and do you take insurance?

• Fees vary depending on the type of service provided.  A complementary 15-20 minute phone consultation is offered in order to help parents and caretakers determine if an assessment or treatment is warranted or appropriate at this time.  At present, payments are accepted by check or credit card.  We require that payment be made at the time of service, with half of the payment required on the day of assessment, and the remaining half of the payment due on the day of feedback.  Upon completion of the report, an itemized bill, which includes procedure and diagnostic codes, will be provided to you.  This itemized bill can be used to assist you in receiving reimbursement from your insurance company.  At this time, the Pediatric NeuroBehavioral Center of Peachtree City does not accept insurance, but patients and families are encouraged to work directly with their insurance company to receive reimbursement for services provided.