What Is Neuropsychology Testing?
Neuropsychology is a specialty within clinical psychology focused on understanding how the brain affects thinking, emotions, and behavior. Neuropsychologists evaluate whether changes in memory, attention, mood, personality, or other cognitive skills may reflect changes in brain functioning.
A neuropsychological evaluation does not involve needles, scans, or medical procedures. Instead, it includes:
- Standardized cognitive tests (often presented like puzzles or games)
- A comprehensive clinical interview covering medical, developmental, academic, and social history
- Review of relevant records to provide a full picture of current functioning
Neuropsychologists are experts in identifying cognitive changes—whether sudden or gradual—and helping determine why these changes occur. They provide clear diagnostic impressions and personalized recommendations to improve daily functioning and quality of life.
Why Seek a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
People pursue neuropsychological evaluations for many reasons. Some notice changes in their memory, attention, mood, or behavior. Others are concerned about a loved one’s thinking skills or want clarity on a child’s developmental or academic challenges. Some individuals seek a baseline assessment because of a family history of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or ADHD.
A neuropsychological evaluation can help:
- Understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses
- Clarify diagnoses when symptoms are unclear
- Track changes over time with baseline data
- Identify patterns in thinking and behavior that point to specific conditions
- Differentiate between medical, neurological, psychiatric, or situational factors affecting cognition
Each evaluation includes a feedback session, where results, diagnostic impressions, and personalized recommendations are reviewed in detail. Neuropsychologists help guide next steps by connecting individuals and families to appropriate treatments, services, and supports.
Ultimately, a neuropsychological evaluation can improve daily functioning, increase independence, enhance quality of life, and provide clarity and direction during periods of cognitive or behavioral change.
Common Reasons People Seek a Neuropsychological Evaluation
Individuals and families often come for an evaluation when they have questions such as:
- “I have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, and I’m concerned about my memory. Can you tell me if I’m experiencing changes?”
- “My child is struggling academically and reading below grade level. Could this be a learning disorder?”
- “I’m having trouble focusing and multitasking. I used to manage, but now it’s harder. Do I have ADHD?”
- “My parent has new tremors, slowed movement, or gait changes. Could this be a neurodegenerative condition?”
- “I’ve had IEP/504 accommodations and am entering college. What supports will I need moving forward?”
- “I want to understand how my brain works—my strengths, weaknesses, and thinking style.”
- “I’m forgetting names and misplacing things more often. Is this normal aging or something more?”
A neuropsychological evaluation can help answer these questions and provide clarity, guidance, and a plan for next steps.
Populations Served
Dr. Errera is a lifespan-focused neuropsychologist, providing evaluations for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults—currently ages 6 through 90+.
Common Services Offered:
· IEP/504 behavioral plan accommodations
· Academic achievement testing
· Evaluation of giftedness
· ACT/SAT accommodations
· College/graduate school accommodations
· LSAT/MCAT accommodations
· OPWDD evaluations
· Disability evaluations
Some Conditions Assessed:
· Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, Learning Disorders, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Language Disorder, Tic Disorder etc.)
· Giftedness
· Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia
· Alzheimer’s Disease
· Lewy Body Dementia
· Frontotemporal Dementia
· LATE
· Aphasias
· Parkinson’s Disease
· Huntington’s Disease
· Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
· Stroke & Cerebrovascular Disease
· Epilepsy
· Multiple Sclerosis
· Cancer & chemotherapy effects
· Traumatic Brain Injury
· Neuropsychiatric Conditions (Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD etc.)
· Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
