What to Expect in Your Assessment
Your neuropsychological assessment will include a clinical interview, the administration of neuropsychological tests, and an evaluation of your emotional/psychological functioning.
The clinical interview will include a review of your personal and medical background and history of your injury. At that time, you will be asked to describe the difficulties you have noticed in your cognitive functioning. It will be very helpful if a family member or close friend is with you for this initial interview to provide information about your mental skills, personality and behaviour, both before and after your injury.
The neuropsychological assessment typically evaluates the following:
- attention & concentration
- speed of processing
- learning & memory
- language
- visual perception & visual-spatial skills
- problem-solving & reasoning
- motor & sensory skills
There are numerous aspects to one’s mental skills and abilities. As a result, many tests are necessary in order to assess the various mental functions that your brain performs. Some of the tests may be administered by a psychometrist who is specially trained to do so. It will take most of the day to complete all of the tests; a typical assessment will run from 9:00 a.m. to about 5:00 p.m. There is a break period to allow you time for lunch.
A common question is should I study or prepare for the assessment? The answer is simply no. There is nothing you can do that will make the tests easier or more difficult for you. However, there are some things that you can do to assist with your assessment. It is very important that you try your best at all times throughout the testing. If you wear glasses, hearing aids, or require other assistive devices, please bring these with you to the appointment. Also, it is important that you are well rested for the testing.