Why choose Cook Children’s for Neuropsychology?
There are all kinds of things that can affect a child's brain activity: illnesses, genetic disorders, injuries and certain medical treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Our job is to help everyone working with your child understand their unique needs. Our neuropsychology team assesses kids of all ages to find their unique strengths and opportunities for development. We'll provide recommendations and coordinate with other specialists who treat your child to improve their overall care.
What you can expect
Neuropsychology is part of the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health. Our patients often see multiple specialists for their care. The complexity of the mind is why we brought together neurosciences, behavior and developmental services in one place. The Justin Institute offers coordinated care for kids with a range of medical needs.
As a leader in pediatric neuropsychology, we offer:
Pediatric neuropsychologists lead our team. These highly trained specialists study the connection between a child’s brain and how they learn and behave. Our team also includes experienced, licensed psychological associates who assist with evaluations.
A neuropsychological evaluation looks at a wide range of your child's abilities. Our findings and recommendations help parents, doctors, teachers and therapists understand your child's diagnosis and unique care needs.
We take time to help your child feel comfortable participating in tests. At every step, we also include you as a partner. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Our social workers connect parents to programs and services in the community. You can also receive a custom packet about your child's diagnosis with our Ask a Librarian service.
Your specialized care team
- Marsha Gabriel, Ph.D.
- Beth Colaluca, Ph.D.
- Carla Morton, Ph.D.
- Lisa M. Elliott, Ph.D.
- Lindsey Carnes Dalby, Ph.D.
Advancing Neuropsychology
Pediatric neuropsychology is an evolving field. Through research and clinical studies, our specialists stay current with the latest advances to deliver the best possible care to your child.
Services we offer
Neuropsychological testing is an in-depth evaluation of how well your child’s brain functions. The results help guide your child’s care plan and highlight areas in which your child may need extra support. The steps of neuropsychological testing are:
The most important member of your child’s care team is you. We meet with you first to help you understand the tests and what to expect. We also discuss your child’s abilities and any school services they’re receiving. This information helps us choose the right tests. It also makes the process as efficient as possible.
Our pediatric neuropsychologists use tests proven to detect problems. We select specific tests for your child based on their diagnosis, symptoms and age.
The most common tests we use measure:
- Academic level: Your child's reading, writing and math skills
- Attention span: Your child's ability to focus on a task
- Behavior and emotions: Whether your child has signs of depression, anxiety or disruptive behaviors
- Executive functioning: Your child's ability to focus, plan, organize, manage time and solve problems
- Fine motor skills: The small movements of your child's fingers, hands, toes and feet
- Language: How well your child understands words and communicates
- Memory: Your child's ability to recall things they've seen or learned
- Processing speed: How fast your child can perform a task
- Visual skills: Whether your child can identify different shapes and the position of objects in relation to each other
Testing usually takes a full day or two half-days. Our experienced specialists ensure your child's comfort, using their expertise to help them feel at ease. You may remain in the room with your child if you wish.
Our neuropsychologists review the test results to determine where your child's development is compared with their age. They look for strengths and challenges and prepare a written report. Recommendations for your child and family may include:
- Services to help your child develop skills or manage behaviors. We may recommend rehabilitation therapies, psychiatry or psychology. Some services may be available through your child's school.
- Strategies for you and others who work with your child. We can also share community resources for any daily challenges you're experiencing.
After we complete the report, we set up an in-person or phone visit to review the results with you. We also post the report to the MyCookChildren's patient portal.
We often recommend repeating neuropsychological testing to check for changes over time. We may ask your family to return every year or every few years. How often your child needs to retest depends on their age, diagnosis and special needs.
Moments of magic
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