about neuropsychological evaluations
What We Do
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation that focuses on cognitive, adaptive, and psychological functioning. Neuropsychologists have specialized training in brain functioning to better understand brain/behavior relationships and make informed diagnoses that considers the whole person rather than symptoms in isolation.
Using standardized assessments, we can gather information regarding intellectual functioning, academic achievement, cognitive functioning (e.g., attention, learning and memory, executive functioning, processing speed, language, motor speed, and visuospatial skills), and psychological functioning, including mood and personality.
why evaluations are helpful
Evaluations are requested for a wide variety of reasons:
- To help with diagnosis. Test results help understand the cause of problems with thinking, understanding, or feeling. This helps to connect you to the most appropriate treatment.
- To determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Test data can show how you learn best and what areas need improvement, which helps to inform thoughtful recommendations to help you achieve your goals using your strengths to compensate for your weaknesses.
- To establish a baseline or monitor treatment. Evaluations may be performed before and after medical interventions or events in order to monitor recovery or progression.
What we assess
ADHD and Autism Spectrum
We assess neurodevelopmental disorders for all ages such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using empirically based assessments and diagnostic tools.
Dr. Cheatham understands high masking and the nuanced presentation of autism in girls and women.
Academic accommodations and support for 504/IEP can also be provided if indicated.
Learning Disorders
A full evaluation is needed to diagnose an individual with a learning disorder. Using standardized testing, we can determine intellectual and academic strengths and limitations and inform which support would be helpful.
Academic accommodations and support for 504/IEP can also be provided if indicated.
Memory Disorders and General Cognitive Functioning
Cognitive Effects of Complex Neurological or Medical Issues
We perform a neurocognitive functioning evaluation to assess cognitive domains such as learning, memory, processing speed, judgment, and so on. This can assist with differential diagnosis of disorders and provide treatment recommendations.
Cognitive Effects of Complex Neurological or Medical Issues
Cognitive Effects of Complex Neurological or Medical Issues
Cognitive Effects of Complex Neurological or Medical Issues
We evaluate cognitive effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, epilepsy, Lyme disease, medication-related cognitive decline, multiple sclerosis, and much more.
We can also examine pre- and post-treatment cognitive functioning to monitor efficacy of treatment (e.g., medication, ECT, TMS, etc.) or progression of disease.
Psychological Disorders
Cognitive Effects of Complex Neurological or Medical Issues
Psychological Disorders
Psychological assessments and diagnostic interviewing can assist with accurate diagnosis of psychological disorders. This can include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, and more.
A psychological evaluation will not only provide the patient with accurate diagnosis, but it also increases self-understanding and provides useful treatment recommendations.
Capacity Evaluations
Cognitive Effects of Complex Neurological or Medical Issues
Psychological Disorders
After identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses, the clinician can work with the patient and their family to assess their adaptive functioning. The main goal of a capacity evaluation is to describe the patient's ability to make an informed and specific decision. For example, we can assist with determining if an individual has capacity to make their own medical decisions, drive, live independently, or manage finances.
High-Stakes Exam Testing
High-Stakes Exam Testing
High-Stakes Exam Testing
High-stakes exams are primarily to help make decisions about admissions to certain programs, such as college, graduate school, or private school.
Neuropsychological testing can play a crucial role in determining whether a student qualifies for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
If a qualifying diagnosis is established, we prepare a detailed report that meets documentation standards that contain the specific criteria outlined by the testing board.
Examples include: SAT, ACT, MCAT, GRE, LSAT
Depending on the program/diagnosis, most organizations mandate that the evaluation needs to be no older than between 1-3 years old, so keeping current with these requirements is an important part of the process.