Pediatric Neuropsychology is a professional specialty that focuses on cognitive development, learning, socio-emotional, and behavioral development as it relates to brain structure and function.

A Pediatric Neuropsychologist is a doctoral level clinical psychologist who has obtained several additional years of necessary education, training, and expertise in brain behavior relationships in children, teens, and young adults.

Our recommendation is no. A neuropsychological evaluation should be completed only by a neuropsychologist, since it is the many years of additional training and expertise that is the key to the neuropsychological evaluation – not the tests.

The goal is to better understand each student’s unique neurocognitive and neurobehavioral profile in order to develop a comprehensive intervention and support program to meet their unique needs.

We see students for a wide variety of reasons, but common reasons for referral include:

• Unexpected challenges within an obviously bright student
• Difficulty in learning (reading, math, writing, etc.)
• Difficulty in attention, behavior, social and/or emotional functioning
• Symptoms suggestive of an autism spectrum disorder/pervasive developmental disorder
• Evaluation for gifted and talented and/or twice exceptional/2E
• Developmental delay (i.e., language, motor skills, social skills)
• Brain injury
• Genetic, neurological, and medical disorders that may affect neurocognitive and socio-emotional functioning
• Second opinion or lack of response to supports and interventions in place

First, our team gathers detailed historical information from parents, including development, educational information/records, all previous evaluations and interventions, etc.

We begin the first evaluation appointment getting to know each student to help them to feel safe, comfortable and confident in the evaluation process. We aim for this to be a positive experience!

Next, a variety of standardized tests are administered by our expert psychologists/neuropsychologists (never technicians), who will also make detailed behavioral observations throughout the evaluation process.

Finally, evaluation results and recommendations are discussed in detail during a final two hour appointment. We educate parents and students to ensure all information is thoroughly understood, and so all involved feel empowered.  We want to help students embrace and feel confident in who they are.  A report will be developed following the feedback meeting.  Our reports are well known for their ability to educate and advocate for each student, including detailed evidence based recommendations and customized supports to help students reach their full potential.

This comprehensive report will include detailed evaluation findings and recommendations. Our team is well known for writing some of the best reports in the field…a fact of which we are quite proud!

The report is for everyone who works with the student to have a thorough understanding of areas of strength, challenge, learning style, social/emotional/behavioral facts, and how to support/intervene with the student appropriately. Since the report is very detailed and prescriptive, it can include the following:

• Specific academic programming needs
• Home based support
• Intervention/therapy needs – with trusted referrals
• Any formal interventions or other evaluations that may be important
• Appropriate modifications and accommodations

Our goal is to go above and beyond that of most other evaluations, to ensure that we are your expert team that serves as dedicated educators and advocates throughout your entire journey. Please reach out to us today so we can share our competitive pricing with you and address any questions.

Please contact us today at info@dawsonneurobehavioral.com or submit a web form. We are eager to speak with you and learn about your unique needs.

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, it is appropriate to describe testing as a series of activities designed to find out how he/she learns and understands information best.  The goal is to discover what works best to help each child achieve their potential. 

Reassure your child that the evaluation is nothing like group standardized testing at school (ISAT, PARCC, MAP, Tera Nova, etc.). He/she will be working one-on-one with their psychologist/neuropsychologist doing many different activities. Some activities involve listening and talking while other activities involving looking at pictures, using blocks to make designs, and drawing.  Some activities will be familiar, such as reading/math/spelling, while some activities will be novel.  Most children and students find the evaluation process a positive experience and enjoy the support and positive feedback they receive.

For children and adolescents, we start each appointment with the student and parents together getting to know one another.  Once a student feels safe and comfortable, parents will leave to the adjacent waiting room just outside the testing room door.  If parents choose to leave the premises during the course of their child’s evaluation, please leave a cell phone number and remain nearby in the event your child needs you or the evaluation ends earlier than expected.

Students should get a good night’s sleep prior to each appointment. Students should also make sure to have a good breakfast.  Encourage students to dress comfortably and bring their favorite drink and snacks for break time.  Students should know that these are not “tests” they can fail.  We will be completing a series of activities that will provide information about how their brain works best.  Their only job is to relax, have fun, and to try their best on easy and hard items.