What are the signs that indicate that my child needs a neuropsychological evaluation?
If your child is becoming frustrated by not being able to keep up with learning in school, you may want to consider neuropsychological testing to identify a potential learning disability. Children are not likely to come out and say directly that they are having problems, but they may “act out” and become cranky, cry, or become aggressive.
A neuropsychological evaluation can determine specific cognitive problems related to neuropsychological disorders and learning.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations in children are used to determine a child’s cognitive abilities. This consists of giving a battery of tests measuring a variety of cognitive functions such as attention and concentration, vocabulary, abstract reasoning, and planning ahead. By giving an overall intelligence test battery (usually one of the Wechsler scales), one can compare the child’s overall ability to specific functions to see where any problems lie. Additionally, by comparing intelligence to achievement tests in reading, writing and math, one can determine if there is a learning disability in one or more of these areas. In order to get accommodations and/or support services for a learning disability at school or for standardized tests(such as the SAT), a full evaluation is necessary. A letter from a doctor or psychologist is not enough to get accommodations. In this case, it is beneficial to have testing done early in life in case accommodations are necessary on high-stakes tests later in life. Testing organizations expect to see a paper trail from early years.
Dr. Thomas and his staff have been in practice for over 30 years and have done thousands of neuropsychological evaluations with people ranging from age 3 to 93. The advantage of a neuropsychological evaluation as opposed to a psycho-educational evaluation is that brain-behavior relationships can be established in addition to the psycho-educational aspects.
How can I schedule an initial appointment with The Brain Clinic in New York? Do I need a referral first?
Patients are referred to The Brain Clinic through many sources—including neurologists, oncologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists and other clinicians.
Most of our patients do have referrals before seeking treatment, but you may also contact us at 212-268-8900 if you would like to make an appointment directly.
Will insurance cover my child’s Neuropsychology Program appointment?
We do not take insurance, but will help you get reimbursed.
Dr. Thomas does not take insurance, but his staff will work with you to get reimbursed. Patients are personally responsible for all fees, and payment is due at the time services are rendered. A receipt can be given so that you can file it with your insurance company for reimbursement. Additionally, any insurance forms should be completely filled out so that only the doctor’s signature is required.
What should I tell my child before his or her appointment?
Your child’s age and individual circumstances may determine which information (and the amount of information) you choose to share before the initial appointment. Guidelines for a beneficial conversation might include:
explaining that the doctor you will be meeting is going to ask some questions and give some assignments to help figure out what sort of a “thinker” and “learner” your child is
reassuring your child that you will be there throughout the appointment
encouraging your child to speak freely about feelings and worries, and to ask any questions that come to mind, both before and during the appointment
What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
A member of our staff will go over everything you’ll need on the day of your visit. A good checklist of take-along items should include:
the name of the doctor you will be seeing
the name and floor of the building you will be visiting
the name and telephone number of your referring physician, if applicable
Bring a check or credit card to cover the expense.
information from your child’s referral
all relevant medical and personal records
all relevant school records, including:
psychological evaluation reports
speech/language, physical therapy or occupational therapy reports
psychoeducational records
individualized education plans
504 plans (plans listing modifications and accommodations for your child under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act)
a list of your child’s medications
Contact Us to find out how to schedule an appointment.
Children’s Neuropsychological Evaluations
What are the signs that indicate that my child needs a neuropsychological evaluation?
If your child is becoming frustrated by not being able to keep up with learning in school, you may want to consider neuropsychological testing to identify a potential learning disability. Children are not likely to come out and say directly that they are having problems, but they may “act out” and become cranky, cry, or become aggressive.
A neuropsychological evaluation can determine specific cognitive problems related to neuropsychological disorders and learning.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations in children are used to determine a child’s cognitive abilities. This consists of giving a battery of tests measuring a variety of cognitive functions such as attention and concentration, vocabulary, abstract reasoning, and planning ahead. By giving an overall intelligence test battery (usually one of the Wechsler scales), one can compare the child’s overall ability to specific functions to see where any problems lie. Additionally, by comparing intelligence to achievement tests in reading, writing and math, one can determine if there is a learning disability in one or more of these areas. In order to get accommodations and/or support services for a learning disability at school or for standardized tests(such as the SAT), a full evaluation is necessary. A letter from a doctor or psychologist is not enough to get accommodations. In this case, it is beneficial to have testing done early in life in case accommodations are necessary on high-stakes tests later in life. Testing organizations expect to see a paper trail from early years.
Dr. Thomas and his staff have been in practice for over 30 years and have done thousands of neuropsychological evaluations with people ranging from age 3 to 93. The advantage of a neuropsychological evaluation as opposed to a psycho-educational evaluation is that brain-behavior relationships can be established in addition to the psycho-educational aspects.
How can I schedule an initial appointment with The Brain Clinic in New York? Do I need a referral first?
Patients are referred to The Brain Clinic through many sources—including neurologists, oncologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists and other clinicians.
Most of our patients do have referrals before seeking treatment, but you may also contact us at 212-268-8900 if you would like to make an appointment directly.
Will insurance cover my child’s Neuropsychology Program appointment?
We do not take insurance, but will help you get reimbursed.
Dr. Thomas does not take insurance, but his staff will work with you to get reimbursed. Patients are personally responsible for all fees, and payment is due at the time services are rendered. A receipt can be given so that you can file it with your insurance company for reimbursement. Additionally, any insurance forms should be completely filled out so that only the doctor’s signature is required.
What should I tell my child before his or her appointment?
Your child’s age and individual circumstances may determine which information (and the amount of information) you choose to share before the initial appointment. Guidelines for a beneficial conversation might include:
What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
A member of our staff will go over everything you’ll need on the day of your visit. A good checklist of take-along items should include:
Contact Us to find out how to schedule an appointment.