Pediatric & young adult
Neuropsychological evaluation
As a pediatric neuropsychologist, Dr. Fischer provides developmentally focused assessment of children and young adults with neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., learning disorders like dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), giftedness, language disorders, autism spectrum disorder), traumatic brain injury & sports concussion, epilepsy, genetic disorders, history of prematurity, brain tumors, emotional or behavioral difficulties, and other complex medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, chronic illness). He is also a PEERS® for Adolescents Certified Provider.
Using a “whole-person” approach, we identify cognitive, academic, emotional, or other potential contributors to a child or young adult’s presenting concerns. Sometimes this results in a diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or learning disorders). Young adults also often struggle in college or in an employment setting and may not understand why. An evaluation helps to “peel the onion,” identify specific areas of difficulty alongside individuals' unique strengths, and map out the best path forward with the support of healthcare providers, educational professionals, and our resident experts (parents, caregivers, spouses, and family)!
Every child and young adult is unique in important ways - an evaluation will identify strengths as well as potential areas of difficulty, which allows us to capitalize on each individual’s capabilities to create an optimally tailored plan for treatment, academic accommodations, and overall improved well-being. This often includes close coordination with allied professionals (e.g., educational therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, psychiatry, etc.).
FAQ
What is the purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation?
Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations are helpful in identifying:
Learning styles
Cognitive and emotional strengths
Cognitive or learning difficulties
Emotional , or behavioral difficulties
The goal of an evaluation is to optimize the potential of individuals by creating a road map using evidence-based strategies (e.g., supported by peer-reviewed research!) to set young folks up to thrive across academic, social-emotional, employment, or even athletic settings.
Why are individuals referred for neuropsychological evaluation?
Individuals are often referred by school staff, psychologists, pediatricians, or other allied healthcare providers (e.g., neurology, psychiatry) for many reasons. Frequent referral reasons include:
Difficulties keeping up in school (e.g., in reading or math)
Focusing/attention difficulties
Developmental problems (e.g., language delays)
Behavioral, or social-emotional problems
Cognitive difficulties following brain injury, sports concussion, epilepsy, or other medical conditions
What skills or abilities do you assess?
The following are typically assessed in an evaluation:
Intellectual skills (e.g., verbal, visual spatial abilities)
Attention
Processing speed
Language skills
Learning and memory
Executive skills (e.g., self-regulation, organization, planning, cognitive flexibility)
Fine motor coordination and speed
Academic achievement skills (e.g., reading fluency, comprehension, writing, math)
Social and emotional development
How do you interpret scores?
We compare your performance to scores expected in same-aged individuals, and when possible, to same aged-peers with similar demographic characteristics (e.g., sex, years of education). We also analyze patterns of scores within your own profile, identifying skills that may be stronger or more difficult for you compared to your overall abilities. Importantly, every person’s challenges are considered in the context of their individual environment and life history, including quality of education, access to resources, and other social determinants of health. These are important factors when creating a tailored plan forward for every individual.
What can I or my child expect?
Neuropsychological evaluations typically include 2-3 sessions spread across 2-3 days, each lasting about 2-3 hours (with many breaks along the way!). We use a combination of tasks, including paper and pencil tests, physical puzzles, or other hands on materials. There are no shots, loud scanners, or white lab coats allowed - it’s not that kind of doctor’s visit! We often describe testing to children as a series of “brain games” and tasks to help parents or school understand how they think and learn, and what is or is not helpful in a learning environment. This way we can make schoolwork easier and more fun! There are no grades though we make sure to ask individuals to give their best effort.
What is the importance of diagnosis?
A diagnosis can sound scary at first. Diagnoses are also imperfect - such labels do not wholly describe children or young adults. Individuals are much more than a label, and a diagnosis describes only one aspect of us, as complex and multi-faceted individuals. The primary goal of an evaluation is not to diagnose, but rather to gather more information about an individual to figure out how they can be helped. However, identifying or naming an area of difficulty is often empowering for children and adults. We are often very aware of our own challenges (even children!), but naming an area of difficulty (when appropriate!) allows us to target it with support, connect with others with similar struggles, find treatment if needed, and use these aspects of our humanity to build resilience and reach our goals. Diagnoses also serve to communicate to allied professionals what treatments or supports are necessary and rule out intervention that may be detrimental. Ultimately the evaluation is a collaborative process where all involved are on the same page at every step of the process.
Click here for more FAQs about pediatric neuropsychology or adult neuropsychology more broadly.
