NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation provides an in-depth understanding of a child’s or young adult’s cognitive, academic, and social-emotional functioning. Evaluations are designed to clarify areas of strength and difficulty, establish or refine diagnoses, understand how developmental, neurological, or medical conditions affect functioning, and guide individualized recommendations for educational programming, accommodations, intervention, and treatment.

A comprehensive evaluation can be particularly helpful when the diagnostic picture is complex or when multiple concerns overlap. Common referrals include children, adolescents, and young adults with known or suspected learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia), ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disability, concussion/traumatic brain injury (TBI), and seizures/epilepsy.

Depending on the referral questions and individual needs, areas assessed may include:

• Intellectual functioning (IQ)
• Academic achievement
• Attention and executive functioning (e.g., organization, planning, cognitive flexibility, behavioral regulation)
• Learning and memory
• Language
• Visual-spatial and motor functioning
• Adaptive functioning
• Social-emotional and behavioral functioning

Findings are integrated with developmental, educational, medical, and psychosocial history, behavioral observations, and information from parents, teachers, and other professionals when appropriate. The goal is not simply to identify a diagnosis, but to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual and translate the findings into meaningful, practical recommendations.

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATION

A psychoeducational evaluation is a more targeted assessment focused primarily on intellectual functioning (IQ) and academic achievement, with screening of social-emotional functioning. It is designed to determine whether an individual meets criteria for a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or a disorder of written expression, and to inform educational planning and intervention.

Because a psychoeducational evaluation is narrower in scope than a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, it is not designed to diagnose conditions such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder or to comprehensively assess areas such as attention, executive functioning, or memory. When concerns extend beyond academic learning, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is generally more appropriate.

Psychoeducational evaluations can also be appropriate for children and adolescents with an established learning disability who require updated cognitive and/or academic testing to assist with educational planning or document their current learning needs.

CONSULTATION

Dr. Dorfman provides consultation for parents and young adults seeking guidance regarding diagnostic, educational, or treatment questions. Consultation may be helpful when families are uncertain whether a comprehensive evaluation is warranted, would like a second opinion regarding previous testing or diagnoses, or need assistance understanding prior evaluation results and determining appropriate next steps.

Depending on the referral question, consultation may include a clinical interview, review of educational and/or medical records and prior evaluations, and collaboration with other professionals involved in the individual’s care.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & CONSULTATION

Dr. Dorfman provides professional supervision and consultation to psychologists and other clinicians seeking additional training in pediatric neuropsychological assessment, case conceptualization, differential diagnosis, and interpretation of neuropsychological findings. She is also available to provide presentations, workshops, and professional development for schools, parent groups, clinicians, and other organizations on topics related to child and adolescent neuropsychology, learning and attention disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other areas of neurodevelopment.