What neuropsychological testing is
A neuropsychological evaluation looks at how the brain is working through the skills you rely on every day: attention, memory, learning, language, processing speed, problem-solving, planning and visual-spatial skills, along with mood and behavior. It goes further than a standard psychological evaluation by measuring each of these areas in detail and comparing results with people of the same age.
At Calmora, neuropsychological evaluations are led by Dr. Julian Ortiz, PhD, and are available for children from age 5, teens and adults, in English or Spanish. People come to us to clarify ADHD or a learning disorder, to understand changes after a concussion or illness, or to sort out whether memory concerns are related to stress, depression or something that needs medical follow-up. The goal is a clear picture of strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations you can actually use.
When testing may help
A neuropsychological evaluation may be useful if you or your child are experiencing:
- Ongoing trouble with attention
- Memory lapses that worry you
- Difficulty with reading, writing or math
- Falling behind at school or work despite real effort
- Problems with planning, organizing, starting or finishing tasks
- Slower thinking or processing speed
- Word-finding difficulties
- Changes in thinking after a concussion, head injury or illness
- Questions about ADHD, a learning disorder or autism in a teen or adult
- Difficulty following conversations or keeping track of instructions
- A need for documentation for school or testing accommodations
- Mood, anxiety or stress that seems to affect memory and focus
What does a neuropsychological evaluation involve?
A step-by-step process, explained to you before anything begins.
Testing is tailored to the questions you bring, so no two evaluations are exactly the same. Most neuropsychological evaluations at Calmora include:
- An intake interview about your history, concerns and goals
- Standardized tests of attention, memory, language and problem-solving
- Measures of academic or work-related skills
- Mood and personality questionnaires
- Review of medical, school or prior testing records, with your consent
- A detailed written report
- A feedback session to explain results and recommendations
Testing usually takes place over one or two longer appointments, with breaks. The written report is typically ready a few weeks later and can be shared with doctors, schools or employers if you choose.
Turning results into practical steps
What You Take Away From Your Evaluation
Many people arrive after years of wondering why some things feel harder than they should. A neuropsychological evaluation can put words to that experience, separate overlapping concerns such as ADHD, anxiety and learning differences, and show the strengths you can lean on.
Your report includes specific recommendations, which may cover classroom or workplace accommodations, study and organization strategies, therapy, or referrals for medical follow-up. If you would like ongoing support, Calmora’s therapists and psychiatrists can help with those next steps, and repeat testing later on can track changes over time.