A neuropsychological assessment helps us understand a person’s thinking, emotions, and how they are getting by day-to-day and any possible difficulties they may be having in these areas. These assessments are asked for in various situations, such as after a brain injury, illness, or medical condition affecting the brain, to look at how these may have impacted your abilities.They may also be recommended for assessment of learning difficulties, developmental conditions, mental health concerns, or to support treatment planning and personal development.
A full neuropsychological assessment offers a full picture of your strengths, challenges, and areas for growth. It helps guide recovery, education, and/or treatment. The process involves an in-depth review of your background, an interview, and standardised tests tailored to your unique circumstances.
Details provided by family members, close friends, or caregivers who know you well can help provide a fuller picture of your day-to-day functioning and abilities. With your consent, the psychologist may contact these individuals to talk through aspects of your behaviour, personality, thinking, challenges, and strengths and to comment on any changes they may have observed pre-/post-injury. This information is used to ensure the assessment findings are right so we can make meaningful recommendations.
Who will be doing the assessment?
A Clinical or Neuropsychologist will do the assessment with you. This person is trained in neuropsychology and has experience working with people who have brain injuries or other similar problems.
What can I expect on the day?
Before your appointment, the psychologist will review your background information. On the day of your appointment, they will start with an in-depth interview to understand your experiences, challenges, strengths, and goals.
The interview typically takes 90 minutes to three hours. Afterward, you will take part in a series of cognitive tests looking at skills, like attention, memory, problem-solving, and planning. This testing can take two to four hours, depending on your needs. The goal is not to “pass” or “fail,” but to understand your current abilities. Many people find the tasks interesting and helpful.
You trying your best is important to make sure we get a good understanding of your abilities. If at any point you feel tired or overwhelmed, let the psychologist know, and they will offer breaks or adjustments as needed.
Can I bring a support person?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person for the interview. The testing will be with you and the psychologist only as it is important that no distractions are present.
What are the steps after the assessment?
Once the assessment is complete, the psychologist will talk through the results with you in a feedback session. They may reach out to other health professionals involved in your care (with your permission) to talk them through it as well. A detailed report will be created, summarising the findings and recommendations to support your treatment and recovery. You may request a copy of the report and let us know if we need to correct some facts if necessary. The psychologist’s professional opinions and findings are based on evidence and cannot be altered.
Are there any risks when doing a neuropsychological assessment?
While neuropsychological assessments are safe, the process can sometimes feel tiring or bring up feelings of frustration. If any part of the assessment becomes too challenging, you may ask for a break or consider adjusting the process with your psychologist.
Sometimes, the outcome of the assessment might differ from what you or the third party requesting the assessment expects. The psychologist’s job is to provide an unbiased assessment based on the tests and your performance, and this may not always match the expectations of you or your funder. The psychologist will explain the findings and how they relate to what’s going on for you, making sure the recommendations focus on your health and recovery. You can discuss any concerns about the results during feedback.
What should I bring along?
- Any relevant medical reports and letters the psychologist may not have seen.
- A list of your current medications.
- Your spectacles if you usually wear spectacles.
- Hearing aids if you wear them.
- Any mobility aids you would usually use at home.
- Water or something else to drink (non-alcoholic).
- A snack.
What should I do prior to the assessment?
- Being well rested is important. The psychologist would want to assess you at your best.
- Eat prior to attending the appointment (usually breakfast).
- Take your prescribed medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not use alcohol or any mind-altering substances on the day of your appointment.
- Leave enough time to get to the appointment and for the appointment
