Neuropsychological tests are specialized assessments that evaluate cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions. They provide insights into brain function and potential neurological disorders. Neuropsychological testing can diagnose conditions like ADHD, Learning Disorders, memory issues, and neurological disorders.
We provide neuropsychological testing that covers many of the tests and conditions noted below. However, remember that some neuropsychological tests cannot be delivered remotely, there are limitations to what they provide, and this type of evaluation can be expensive, so it is important to be an informed consumer.
Common Neuropsychological Tests:
Here are some common neuropsychological tests that we use:
- Trail Making Test assesses visual attention and task-switching abilities. It consists of two parts: Part A involves connecting numbers in order, and Part B requires connecting alternating numbers and letters in sequence. Performance times and errors are recorded. This test helps us measure concentration, attention, and focus. This test is difficult to give remotely.
- The Stroop Test measures selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. You are presented with color names printed in different ink colors and asked to name the ink color while ignoring the word. This helps us measure how easily you can overcome distraction. This test can be given remotely.
- Wisconsin Card Sorting Test evaluates cognitive flexibility and executive functions. Participants are asked to sort a deck of cards based on changing sorting rules, and their ability to adapt to the new rules is assessed. This test cannot be given remotely.
- Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test assesses visuospatial skills, memory, and planning abilities. After a delay, you are asked to copy a complex figure and then reproduce it from memory. This test can be given remotely.
- Digit Span Test evaluates working memory. Participants are read a sequence of digits and must repeat them forwards or backward, with the sequence length increasing as the test progresses. This test can be given remotely.
- Boston Naming Test evaluates language and naming abilities. You are shown pictures of objects and are asked to name them. This test can be given remotely.
- California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) assesses verbal learning and memory. You are read a list of words and asked to recall as many as possible after different intervals. This test can be given remotely.
Uses for Neuropsychological Tests
Neuropsychological tests are incredibly versatile tools clinicians, researchers, and educators use to assess various cognitive functions and identify potential brain-related strengths, deficits, or conditions. Here are some key uses:
Neuropsychological Tests in Research
Neuropsychological tests are used in research settings to study brain-behavior relationships, cognitive development, effects of drugs or interventions on cognition, and more. We do not do testing primarily for research, but there may be a study where the results of your testing would be helpful to the researchers. Of course, in this case, we will ask for your permission to release any results (likely just your age and gender, as well as test scores that do not in any way identify you).
Neuropsychological Tests in Forensic Evaluations
Workplace Neuropsychological Tests
In the workplace, neuropsychological tests can assess individuals’ cognitive abilities and determine their suitability for specific job roles, accommodations, or vocational training. Some professions, especially those involving high cognitive demands (e.g., pilots, military personnel), may use these tests for pre-employment screenings or monitoring cognitive fitness.
Sports Assessments
In sports medicine, neuropsychological tests are most commonly associated with evaluating athletes who have suffered concussions. These help determine readiness to return to play. However, they can go well beyond that, assessing athletes who have ADHD or learning differences and giving suggestions for how they can ensure that the strengths and weaknesses associated with their diagnosis work to their advantage on the field of play.
Progress Monitoring with Neuropsychological Tests
Regular administration of neuropsychological tests allows you and your providers to track your progress to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust treatment plans as needed. They aid in designing treatment plans from the start. For example, when a child receives accommodations for ADHD, these tests help determine whether these steps are working and how to refine them as time progresses. The same holds for learning differences.
Types of Neuropsychological Tests
Neuropsychological tests encompass a wide range of assessments that evaluate various cognitive, sensory, motor, and emotional functions. The types of neuropsychological tests we use in our practice include:
Cognitive Function Neuropsychological Tests
We use neuropsychological tests to screen for cognitive impairments, weaknesses, and strengths. These basic tests assess memory, attention, processing speed, language capacity, and other executive functions. Sometimes, we do even more specific memory tests that assess various functions, including working, short-term, and long-term memory.
Visual and Spatial Tests
We use neuropsychological tests to screen for visual-spatial abilities and motor functions. These tests are common when the referral question concerns the potential decline in these areas, a learning difference that may affect these areas, or a person wants information before making a vocational choice. These tests can also be quite helpful in assessing athletes and helping design unique plans for athletic improvement.
Emotional and Personality Tests
While many measures of emotional state and personality are not technically neuropsychological tests, giving these tests as an adjunct is often helpful to see how these issues may impact neuropsychological functions. Thus, it is not uncommon for us to give measures of anxiety, depression, or overall stress as part of this battery.
Sensory Neuropsychological Tests
Tests that evaluate sensory perception and discrimination, such as the ability to distinguish between different textures, temperatures, or stimuli, can be helpful in some cases to assess for possible declines and establish baseline measures.
These are just a few examples of the many types of neurological tests available. The choice of tests depends on the specific cognitive or neurological functions being assessed and the individual’s condition or concerns. We usually do a combination of tests to evaluate an individual’s cognitive and neurological status comprehensively.
Summary and Our Work
It’s important to note that while neuropsychological tests are valuable tools, they should be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and information to form a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and potential impairments. In our practice, we provide basic neuropsychological testing, but mainly for those looking to see if they have a specific psychological diagnosis, understand their cognitive strengths and weaknesses, or make a case for academic or work accommodations at work or school. We can refer you to a specialist if your needs fall outside those areas.
Please get in touch with us if you’d like to hear more about our services or neuropsychological tests in general.
