Neuropsychological Testing for Children & Adolescents

Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuropsychological tests evaluate how the brain works in areas like intelligence, attention, memory, language, and emotions. These evaluations can explain why your child struggles in certain situations, like at school. They also help identify ares where your child does well and where they need support, providing useful information for their education. Based on the results, Dr. Kirmse can suggest practical strategies and resources to help your child succeed academically and across settings.

A neuropsychological evaluation is a helpful tool capable of examining the effects of neurological, medical or behavioral impacts on a child’s overall cognitive and emotional functioning. Neurological, medical, and neurodevelopmental conditions may include:

Seizure Disorders
Brain Tumors
Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury
Developmental Delay
Genetic Syndromes
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Migraine Headaches
Hydrocephalus
Metabolic & Neurodegenerative Disorders
Effects of Cancer, Chemotherapy and Radiation
Effects of Low Birth Weight/Prematurity
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Drugs, Alcohol or Other Toxins
ADHD
Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Math Disorder, etc)
Multiple Sclerosis
Language Disorders
Memory Impairments
Congenital Heart Defects
Stroke
Neurofibromatosis

Neurodevelopmental Evaluation

A neurodevelopmental assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s development across various domains, including motor skills, communication, social-emotional development, and cognitive abilities. The goal is to understand a child’s strengths and identify any areas that may need additional support or intervention. Common areas evaluated during a neurodevelopmental assessment include delays in speech, motor, or social skills, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), behavioral challenges, and missed developmental milestones. The evaluation may also look at regression of previously acquired skills, congenital and complex medical conditions, as well as preschool readiness and placement.

Psychoeducational Assessment

A psychoeducational assessment examines a child’s academic skills and cognitive abilities. The assessment explores how a child learns and also provides information on factors that may be impacting learning (i.e., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, or other factors such as social, emotional, or behavioral problems). Dr. Kirmse utilizes results obtained from psychoeducational testing to recommend appropriate school-based supports and services. Neuropsychological evaluations conducted by Dr. Kirmse typically include academic testing based on parent concerns and child needs.

Autism Evaluation

An autism evaluation looks at a child’s social interaction and communciation, as well as patterns of behavior. An autism diagnsosis by the age of two can be considered reliable if conducted by an experienced clinician. The sooner an autism diagnosis is correctly identified, the sooner treatment can begin. Early identification is key in the treatment of autism and involves psychosocial treatments to improve social and language skills, and to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning. Diagnosis is based on developmental history and current social and communication behaviors. An assessment includes a comprehensive parent interview, developmental and/or neuropsychological testing, and the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 is considered the current “gold standard” for the assessment of Autism.

ADHD Testing

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is the most common behavioral disturbance in children. Complexity in the diagnostic process arises as symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are not limited to ADHD and can occur in many other presentations.

At times, more than one factor can be playing a role in a child’s learning. Obtaining a thorough ADHD evaluation by someone who understands the role the brain plays in behavior is an important step, and the process requires a comprehensive approach in order to properly help children and adolescents be more successful at school or work.

Pediatric Psychological Testing

Pediatric psychological testing includes assessment tools for understanding a child’s psychological health. It can help clarify, confirm, or rule out specific diagnoses and answer questions about their current level of psychological functioning and needs. The process involves standardized tests and assessments that evaluate a child’s emotional functioning. Testing psychologists utilize these tests to identify potential behavioral or emotional issues. Through psychological assessment, insights are gained into a child’s social, behavioral, and personality development, which helps tailor recommendations for their educational and/or mental health needs.