How can I determine if a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation is right for my child?

Dr. Hogan provides a complimentary brief phone or encrypted email consultation in which parent concerns and questions can be discussed to determine if an evaluation could help shed further light on these concerns and offer solutions

What is a pediatric neuropsychologist?

Neuropsychology is a subspecialty of psychology that focuses on brain-behavior relationships. A pediatric neuropsychologist uses standardized tests and observes behavior to define a child’s pattern of cognitive development. The child’s performance is compared to what is expected at the child’s age-level. The child’s individual pattern of strengths and weaknesses is defined based on this comparison. The pediatric neuropsychologist uses knowledge of brain development, brain organization, and the effects of various forms of brain injury on development to guide this assessment and to interpret the results.

The clinical neuropsychologist (minimal criteria) has:
1.    A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program.
2.    An internship, or its equivalent, in a clinically relevant area of professional psychology.
3.    The equivalent of two (fulltime) years of experience and specialized training, at least one of which is at the post-doctoral level, in the study and practice of clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences. These two years include supervision by a clinical neuropsychologist.
4.    A license in his or her state or province to practice psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology independently, or is employed as a neuropsychologist by an exempt agency.

Source: National Academy of Neuropsychology

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation involves an analysis of multiple brain functions (e.g. attention, learning/memory, intellectual functioning/problem solving skills, executive functioning, language, visual spatial and motor skills, as well as social and emotional functioning) to create a comprehensive profile of brain strengths and weaknesses. This information is used for intervention and treatment planning. 

How does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from a school evaluation?

  • School evaluations are often completed by school staff to determine IF a child exhibits a problem with academic skills and whether a child qualifies for special education programs at school

  • Neuropsychological evaluations focus on understanding WHY a child is having problems in school, home, or community settings. Neuropsychologists apply knowledge of functional neuroanatomy and brain behavior relationships to obtain a greater understanding of a child’s strengths and weaknesses which are contributing to difficulties across settings. Academic skills are just one part of the comprehensive evaluation in which thinking, problem solving, language, attention, learning and memory skills (among others) are assessed. Most importantly, the neuropsychological evaluation provides recommendations on what types of interventions can be done to help a child across all areas, not just at school

How will a neuropsychological assessment help my child and me?

The neuropsychological assessment and report will provide you with:

  • A description of your child’s strengths and weaknesses

  • Suggestions for what you can do to help your child

  • Recommendations for educational programming. This will include suggestions to help your child improve weaker skills and suggestions on how to use your child’s strong skills to compensate for the weaker skills.

  • Understanding what is fair to expect from your child at this point in time

  • Understanding what your child’s needs may be in the future, so that you can plan for the future.

  • Tailored “game plan” for developing and implementing interventions in targeted areas to maximize potential for success and improvement across settings

Will the neuropsychological evaluation be covered by my medical insurance?

Insurance companies vary considerably with respect to level of reimbursement for neuropsychological or psychological evaluations. It is possible that you will be minimally reimbursed for the cost of the evaluation. While I am not able to collect insurance reimbursement from your provider, I am able to provide a “superbill” so that you can submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement upon conclusion of the evaluation. I recommend that you contact your insurance provider in advance to discuss the specifics of your coverage for neuropsychological and psychological evaluations. Please note that if the nature of the assessment is educational/academic, insurance companies typically do not cover this type of evaluation. Dr. Hogan is considered an “out of network provider.”

What does a neuropsychological evaluation with Dr. Hogan entail?

1) Initial Consultation/Interview

2) Review of Relevant Records

3) Collaboration with other professionals

4) Neuropsychological Testing Session(s)

5) Comprehensive Written Report

6) Feedback/Summary Session

What is the neuropsychological evaluation fee?

Every evaluation is tailored to the needs of each child; thus, the time spent and cost will vary

Please contact Dr. Hogan directly to discuss the individual needs of your child as well an estimated fee for the evaluation

I am ready for my child to complete an evaluation with Dr. Hogan, what is the process and timeline?

Please see the What to Expect page for detailed information about the process