Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Evaluations
Which Evaluation Should I Choose for My Child?
The choice of evaluations depends on the referral question. A neuropsychological evaluation is usually preferred when diagnostic information and intervention guidance are needed. When a child has already been diagnosed with a learning disability and only needs documentation for accommodations in school (such as extended time on tests), then a psychoeducational evaluation can be sufficient.
What's the difference?
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive abilities, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning to understand a person’s learning profile and identify potential difficulties or strengths. Psychoeducational evaluations quantify difficulties in reading, writing, and math, helping to qualify students for school services and accommodations like extended test time.
Neuropsychological evaluations provide deeper insights into how neurocognitive processes affect learning, explaining why a child struggles in school. While a psychoeducational evaluation is part of a broader neuropsychological evaluation in school-age children, neuropsychological evaluations provide more in-depth analysis of areas such as language, visual-perceptual skills, information processing, attention/executive functioning, memory, and psycho-emotional health. Understanding strengths and weaknesses allows for more tailored, individualized interventions.
