WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGY ASSESSMENT?

A neuropsychology assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of how different areas of the brain function, focusing on cognitive abilities, emotions, and behaviour. It can assist in making diagnostic and treatment recommendations. A Neuropsychological Assessment will measure various cognitive functions including Intellectual functioning (IQ), attentional capacity, learning and memory, processing speed, executive functioning, language, visuospatial function, sensorimotor skills, academic performance, and social-emotional functioning. Cara sees children from 6 years up, and adults up to 90 years old for assessments. 

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WHO SHOULD GET A NEUROPSYCHOLOGY ASSESSMENT?

A comprehensive assessment can assist with diagnosing (or ruling out):​

• Neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment)

• Neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorders (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia), or Autism

• Intellectual disability or delay 

• Giftedness​

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An assessment can also be useful for:

• Tracking cognitive recovery following an Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury (ABI/TBI)

• Assessing the impact of neurological (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, tumour), neuropsychiatric or other genetic or medical conditions on cognition

• Assessing a person's IQ, learning profile and academic performance

• Assessing evidence of cognitive, intellectual and functional deficits and capacity for NDIS applications and reviews

• Individuals concerned about cognitive changes or decline

• Identifying a person's cognitive and learning strengths and weaknesses to guide treatment and supports to function at their best. 

 

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT?

Please obtain a referral from your GP/specialist, health professional, support coordinator, or school, prior to booking in your appointments. A comprehensive assessment consists of multiple appointments and components including:

1. Initial consult (1 hour) - here we will take a detailed history, discuss your current concerns, and book in your assessment appointment(s).

2. A comprehensive cognitive assessment typically takes approximately 3-4 hours. The client can either complete the assessment in one session with a break in the middle, or over 2-3 sessions depending on their level of attention/fatigue (recommended for children).

3. The comprehensive report will be written following your assessment (minimum 4 hours work depending on referral question and complexity) and provided to the referrer and client approximately 4 weeks post-assessment.

4. We also aways recommend clients attend a feedback session (1 hour) to discuss the results and recommendations detailed in the report. 

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** If there are any pending legal matters, this must be disclosed before the assessment appointment. Cara does not specialise in medico-legal reports and a clinical report is not sufficient for medico-legal purposes.​ Please note Cara does not conduct assessments for specifically for medico-legal capacity purposes (e.g. guardianship, parenting, financial, testament capacity)

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For more information on how to prepare for your first assessment please see our FAQs

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