A neurodevelopmental evaluation is the most comprehensive clinical assessment that can be administered and assists in providing information related to all aspects of mental health functioning. Neurodevelopmental evaluations assess cognitive ability, academic skill development, neuropsychological functioning, social/communication skills, and emotional/behavioral functioning. It includes an in-depth clinical interview where a child’s complete background history is obtained (e.g. developmental, social, medical, and educational history) and administration of a series of individually chosen assessment measures. Often, a school observation is conducted where the doctor observes the child in the educational setting prior to completing the assessment. A comprehensive report is provided at the conclusion of the testing that provides information on the child’s scores in the following areas:
- Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
- Verbal Reasoning Ability
- Visual Perception Skills
- Problem Solving Ability
- Working Memory/Attention
- Processing Speed Skills
- Reading Skills
- Mathematics Skills
- Written Language Skills
- Attention/Concentration Skills
- Executive Functioning Skills
- Social/Communication & Language Development (ADOS-2)
- Emotional Functioning
- Behavioral Functioning
The following diagnoses/areas will be considered in a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation: giftedness/intellectual deficiency, specific learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia) and grade-level academic skill ability levels, ADHD, language disorders, autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, pediatric bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.)
If concerned about a diagnosis not listed, please contact us. Consideration of some diagnoses may require a referral to a specialist (e.g., schizophrenia, intensive eating disorder).