What to Expect

Depending upon your child’s needs, we may complete a full neuropsychological evaluation or a single-visit neuropsychological consultation. Regardless of the type of service you need, please ensure we receive the following items prior to your visit, if they apply to your child:

• Individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 accommodation plan
• Any prior psychological or neuropsychological evaluations
• Medical records/referral information if your child has been referred to us by a provider outside MultiCare or Mary Bridge Children’s

Neuropsychological evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation typically includes the following steps:

Step 1: Initial interview

During an initial interview, or intake, we meet with both you and your child to discuss presenting concerns and goals for the evaluation. We may also gather additional history, if needed.

Step 2: Series of testing sessions

Typically, we conduct testing over the course of two to three sessions, scheduled a few weeks after your initial visit. Each testing session lasts two to three hours. Testing appointments do not involve parents unless your child is very young or needs a caregiver present for medical reasons. Your child’s evaluation may take less than two hours, depending on why they were referred or because of previous assessments they’ve had.

Step 3: Feedback session

Once testing is complete, we schedule a session to discuss feedback approximately three weeks after the last tasting appointment. Your child may or may not be invited to this feedback session, depending on their age and developmental level. The neuropsychologist will let you know if your child should attend the feedback session. Other adult family members, caregivers and advocates are welcome at the feedback session, if you choose.

Step 4: Written report

We will draft a written report that we will share with you at the feedback session. We may also share the report with your child’s school, referring provider, community therapists and other members of your child’s treatment team as appropriate.

Neuropsychological consultation

A neuropsychological consultation is typically a one-time visit to discuss cognitive concerns associated with your child’s medical condition. These consults typically do not involve testing but may include:

• A review of previous evaluations or records
• Diagnoses or possible diagnoses
• Recommendations for educational and treatment planning

Preparing your child for testing

For testing appointments, please make sure that your child has taken their regular medications and has had a meal prior to their appointment. Bring eyeglasses, hearing aids or any other necessary medical devices, as well as a snack and drink for your child.

Please tell your child that tests will involve thinking activities, some of which may be like schoolwork, but they will not be graded. Also, let them know that there will be no shots or “pokes” at these visits.