Neuropsychological Assessment is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functions. Neuropsychology is the unique integration of genetic, developmental, and environmental history with testing data to better understand brain functioning. Nowadays we know that mental illness and developmental disorders involve also several cognitive deficits and symptoms. Understanding cognitive strengths and weaknesses can help therapists to modulate their therapy and to objectively measure patient’s progressions and development.
Neuropsychological testing further evaluates:
- Attention and concentration
- Verbal and visual memory
- Auditory and visual processing
- Visual-spatial functioning
- Language and Reading skills
- Sensory Development and Sensory Integration
- Gross and fine motor development
- Social and Skill Development
- Executive Functioning
- Emotional and Personality development
Collateral information and behavioral assessment is sought from parents, educators, doctors, and therapists when appropriate. It is possible to use this information to create a road map of customized recommendations for therapy, treatments, educational assistance, and medications.
Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing is essential because it helps clinical professionals, treatment programs, and educational institutions to develop treatment planning and ensure treatment is effective and efficient.
Assessments that may be used
- Intelligence – WAIS-IV, WISC
- Achievement – WJ-III, WIAT, WRAT
- Attention – CCPT, WCST, Vanderbilt, NEPSY
- Language – Rey auditory-verbal learning test (RAVLT),
- Memory and Learning – WMS, WRAML, CVLT, RAVLT, ROCF, NEPSY
- Visual-Spatial – ROCFT, Bender-Gestalt, HVOT
- Executive Functioning – WCST, BRIEF, JEF, JEF-C, Digit Span Forward, Digit Span Backward, Verbal Fluency, Category Fluency, Stroop Test
- Behavioral – TEC, VINELAND II
Francesca Eleuteri is trained and authorized to administer JEF© (Jansari Assessment of Executive Function) and JEF-C© (Jansari Assessment of Executive Function for Children), developed by Dr. Ashok Jansari (2014). JEF is based on virtual reality technology and is planned to assess a number of constructs involved in executive functions, i.e.:
- Planning (PL)
- Prioritisation (PR)
- Selective Thinking (SE)
- Creative Thinking (CT)
- Adaptive Thinking (AT)
- Action-Based Prospective Memory (ABPM)
- Event-Based Prospective Memory (EBPM)
- Time-Based Prospective Memory (TBPM)