FAQS

At what age should a neuropsychological evaluation be performed?

There are age appropriate tests for children and adolescents of all ages. Therefore, a child of any age may be evaluated. The timing of your child’s evaluation will depend on the issues to be addressed in the assessment. Dr. Bronk will discuss the optimal age of assessment for your child’s specific needs with you.

Do I need a neuropsychological evaluation?

You likely need a neuropsychological evaluation if you exhibit difficulties in cognitive, emotional, behavioral and/or academic areas to the point of negatively affecting your performance and overall well-being. A neuropsychological evaluation is particularly warranted if you continue to show difficulties despite treatments or remedial efforts.

Does NHS participate in any insurance panels?

All evaluations are fee-for-service. Clients or the child’s caregiver will be provided with all of the necessary information to submit for reimbursement to their insurance company. You are responsible for submitting your own insurance forms.

Please contact NHS for further information regarding evaluation fees.

How does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from a psychoeducational, neurological, and/or psychological evaluation?

A neurological evaluation generally assesses and individual’s basic mental, motor and sensory functions to determine abnormal functioning in these areas, including gross deficits in cognitive functioning. A psychological evaluation provides in depth analysis of an individual’s social-emotional and personality functioning for diagnostic clarification and to inform treatment. A psychoeducational evaluation is generally an assessment of cognitive and educational skills focused on measuring ability and achievement discrepancies to diagnose specific learning deficits requiring academic remediation (such as special education services) and academic accommodations.

Unlike these evaluations, a neuropsychological assessment provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of an individual’s neurocognitive and emotional functioning using in depth and standardized tests. Results are not only compared to normative guidelines of individuals in your age group, but also to your own performance in other areas to determine relative strengths and weaknesses for diagnostic and treatment planning/remediation purposes. A neuropsychological evaluation uses information from neuroscience research into brain/behavior relationships to answer questions about the processes underlying your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to provide targeted interventions and treatment.

How frequently should a neuropsychological evaluation be performed?

In general, your neuropsychological evaluation results will be helpful for several years. NHS recommend updates approximately every three years (as long as they are needed), although a comprehensive evaluation may not be necessary. Brief evaluations may also be recommended sooner to assess the effects of recommended interventions.

How frequently should a neuropsychological evaluation be performed?

In general, your child’s neuropsychological evaluation results will be helpful for several years. NHS recommends updates approximately every three years, although a comprehensive evaluation may not be necessary. Brief evaluations may also be recommended sooner to assess the effects of recommended interventions.

How long will the evaluation take?

Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations take approximately 5 to 7 hours and are typically scheduled for 3 hour blocks over 1 day or 2 separate days. However, there is some variability in this scheduling depending on the reason for the referral as well as your specific needs. Dr. Bronk utilizes a hypothesis driven approach to the neuropsychological test battery. It is important to remember that it is frequently not the number of tests or hours that make an evaluation comprehensive, but the specific tests that are sensitive in identifying problems in various aspects of cognitive functioning. In general, your test results will be reviewed with you and a final report will be prepared.

How long will the evaluation take?

Neuropsychological evaluation take approximately 6 to 8 hours and are typically scheduled over 1 to 3 sessions. However, there is some variability in this scheduling depending on your needs. Dr. Bronk typically meets with parents during the first assessment session. A developmental or psychological evaluation takes place typically in one session. Sometimes more, shorter sessions are required, depending on your child’s age, ability to tolerate long testing sessions, and the nature of the referral questions. An optimal testing schedule will be discussed with you when finalizing your child’s appointment schedule. Please refer to your confirmation email and ask Dr. Bronk if you have any questions about your scheduled sessions.

How many sessions will be necessary?

A psychological evaluation takes place typically in one session. A neuropsychological evaluation may include 2 or 3 sessions. Sometimes more, shorter sessions are required, depending on the individual’s ability to tolerate long testing sessions, and the nature of the referral questions.

How will the results of my child’s evaluation be shared?

The results will be delivered as follows:

  • A 60-90 minute feedback session for parents.
  • For older children and adolescents, Dr. Bronk can also arrange to meet with your child on a separate occasion to review the results with them briefly, highlighting their strengths and explaining our findings and recommendations in simple terms.
  • Following the feedback session, a written report is generated for parents and other involved professionals such as schools or doctors or testing boards
  • All reports include specific recommendations and referrals for future assistance.
  • All reports are written in a clear and user-friendly style. It is the goal of this office for every parent to understand in plain language the results of this evaluation! Additional meetings or phone consultations can be scheduled, if parents need additional clarification about their child’s report.
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Phone: (315) 507-7150
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Email: info@cnyneuro.org