Neuropsychology for Kids

HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Is there any way to prepare for a neuropsychological evaluation?

These are not tests that a person can study for, but there are several things that one can do to facilitate the evaluation:

• The child’s relevant medical records, including current medications, should be sent prior to the day of testing. In particular, please contact the physician who treated/referred you to have relevant office notes forwarded via mail, email, or fax.

• It is helpful if the patient can provide records of previous neurodiagnostic testing (e.g., brain scans such as CT or MRI scans) and/or results from previous neuropsychological evaluations. IEPs/504 Plans need to be sent from the school district prior to the evaluation.

• A parent or caregiver must be present for the intake interview. The child is not required to attend this first appointment, and it is often best to discuss history and concerns in their absence. The child will be interviewed during their day of testing. The parent/caregiver will not participate in the testing process, and is not required to remain in the clinic during during that time. It is the parent/caregiver’s choice whether to bring the child to the feedback session to discuss the test results.

• The parent/caregiver and teacher(s) will likely be given forms to complete regarding a child’s social/emotional/behavioral function. All documents must be returned prior to the evaluation session.

It is the goal of the neuropsychologist to get the best possible picture of the patient’s current functioning. Several things can interfere with this goal, such as if the patient is:

• Excessively tired or fatigued

• Not motivated to put forth their best effort

• Very emotionally distraught or experiencing symptoms of a severe psychological condition

• Under the influence of medications or illicit substances which interfere with cognitive functioning

Patients should let Dr. Konrady know if they anticipate that any of these issues are likely to interfere with the evaluation.

Children/teens are offered breaks throughout the testing session, and will be excused for a one hour lunch break around noon. They are welcome to bring any drinks or snacks that they prefer. If the child’s young age, inattention or behavior prohibits them from completing testing in one day, an additional testing session on a separate day will be offered to accommodate their needs.

It is important to get a good night’s rest before the evaluation. Patients who live far away might consider spending the evening prior to the evaluation within Sioux Falls rather than awaking early to drive to the evaluation. On the day of testing, patients should take their medication as prescribed, but should not take stimulant medication if the referral question involves the assessment of ADHD.

Patients should not worry about whether they will “pass” the tests. The tests cannot be passed or failed. Rather, they describe how well a person performs relative to same aged peers.

Although testing can be a long process, every effort will be made to promote a safe, secure and fun environment for your child. Please let Dr. Konrady know of any accommodations that can be made for your child to elicit their best performance.