A neuropsychological assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of how an individual’s brain functions and how it affects their development, behaviour, and daily functioning across various settings. Conducted by a neuropsychologist with specialized training and expertise, this assessment offers a detailed evaluation of an individual’s strengths and challenges across key neurodevelopmental areas, such as cognition, memory, attention, and executive functioning.

This assessment is especially valuable for parents, school staff, therapists, and other professionals, as it helps them tailor support and interventions to meet the unique needs of a child/youth with complex neurodevelopmental concerns, optimizing their chances of success.

Who May Benefits from a Neuropsychological Assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment may be particularly helpful for individuals with the following risk factors:

• History of prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or toxins

• Prenatal or postnatal complications potentially affecting the brain

• Seizure disorders/epilepsy

• Traumatic brain injury/concussion

• Genetic or chromosomal disorders

• Acute or chronic neurological/medical conditions

  *Our clinicians also specialize in assessing neurodevelopmental impairments associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

What Does a Typical Neuropsychological Assessment Involve?

1) A review of all relevant background documents including medical records, previous assessments (e.g., OT, SLP), report cards, and Individual Education Plan (IEP).

2) In-depth interviewing with the child/youth, their parents, and possibly teachers or other supportive professionals to gather information about their history and daily functioning.

3) Administration of an individualized battery of standardized tests with the child/youth, along with behavioral observations. Questionnaires are also completed by the child/youth, parents, and teachers. Information from these tools (combined with interviewing) are used to assess functioning across the following neurodevelopmental domains:

• Verbal and Visual Reasoning

• Processing Speed

• Fine Motor Skills

• Visual-Spatial Abilities

• Language

• Attention

• Memory and Learning

• Executive Functions (e.g., planning, cognitive flexibility)

• Academic Achievement

• Adaptive Skills (e.g., daily living skills)

• Emotional and Behavioral Functioning

4) After the assessment, we provide a detailed verbal explanation of the findings and recommendations in a feedback meeting with the child/youth and/or parents. A detailed written report is provided, which can be shared with the school and other professionals involved in the child’s or youth’s care (e.g., family doctor). We also offer follow-up meetings with the child’s or youth’s school to review the findings and discuss educational recommendations, if desired.