Neuropsychological Evaluations: Advice & Expectations
A thorough, independent neuropsychological evaluation, often called a “neuropsych”, is one type of assessment that can be used to help identify your student’s needs. This post will walk you through key questions and expectations to best understand neuropsychological evaluations and help you make informed decisions for your student.
What is a neuropsych? How can I know if my child needs one?
Columbia University defines a neuropsych evaluation as “an in-depth assessment of skills and abilities linked to brain function”. This series of tests looks into your student’s intellectual, emotional, academic, social, and behavioral functioning. The report can often be used as a roadmap for your child’s overall needs in and out of the school setting. If there is a disagreement or lack of clarity between you and the school district about your child’s disability, services, or placement, a neuropsych can be a helpful tool to clarify the child’s profile and needs.
What can I expect?
The evaluation typically consists of one long day, or multiple shorter days, of testing and interviews. Prior to testing, the evaluator will speak with you about your child’s “developmental, medical, educational, and psychological history,” so come prepared with necessary records (Mass General, 2020), including any recent testing by your school district or other outside evaluators. It is very important to share recent testing so that the evaluator does not repeat tests which could invalidate their results.
Just like dropping your student off for school, you will most likely not be inside the room during testing. Your student may find the tests to be simple, challenging, fun, frustrating or all of the above. Occasionally, a session has to be rescheduled because a child may be having an “off” day and isn’t responding to the evaluator in a way that will result in valid results. Since you may have waited months for this appointment, it’s important for your child to get a good night’s rest the night before and eat breakfast so they are as ready as possible for testing. If you have concerns about your child getting through all of the testing, share those concerns with the evaluator in advance. Skilled neuropsychologists will develop a rapport with your student and offer breaks during testing. Having some snacks on hand for you and your child during those breaks is a good idea. After a student completes testing, parents will receive a feedback session where you will discuss the findings with the evaluator.
What should the evaluation report include?
A few weeks after testing, you will receive the final report which is typically 10-20 pages in length. The report should include your child’s areas of strengths, weaknesses, diagnoses, and specific recommendations including those for special education that can be used when writing or amending the IEP. If something is unclear to you in the report, ask the neuropsychologist to explain it to you so you have a solid understanding and can explain it to the IEP team. If you need additional help, asking an advocate or educational consultant to review it with you can be beneficial. If you decide to share the report with the school district they are required to hold meeting to review it within 10 school days (in MA). Keep in mind the school is only required to consider using this new information to create a new or amended IEP. They are not required to use any of the information but typically a diagnosis or accommodations can be added at a minimum.
How do I choose a Neuropsychologist?
The school and other medical professionals will most likely have recommendations for professionals near you. Schools will often refer you to hospitals but be aware the wait times can be a year or more. Asking other parents, advocates, or special education attorneys for a referral are other options. If you anticipate needing an evaluation in the next 6 months to a year, booking the appointment now is highly recommended. You can ask to be put in their cancellation lists as well.
Once you talk/meet with the neuropsychologist, make sure you feel comfortable because you will want your student to feel the same. Ask questions about the profiles they evaluate the most, how long it will take for them to write the report, how much the report costs, and how specific are their recommendations. Ask the evaluator if they will be willing to document what your student requires, such as a specific reading methodology. Would they be willing to attend the IEP meeting with you to share their findings and what is that additional cost? If necessary, will they testify at a hearing in front of the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)? You may want to speak with multiple evaluators and explore a couple of options within your insurance plan before deciding which professional is right for you.
What is the cost?
Private neuropsychological evaluations typically cost $3000-$5000. Some of this cost can be partly covered under your insurance plan. This depends on what tests your student needs and the specific neuropsychologist you want to provide them. The academic portion of the evaluation is usually not covered by insurance. Many private evaluators do not accept insurance but may provide you with a detailed invoice to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. You can also consider requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) to potentially be paid for by the your school district.
Overall, independent neuropsychological evaluations are a useful tool to help you and the IEP team understand and identify your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and the support they need to reach their full potential as defined in MA state law and be provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).