Clinical neuropsychology is a specialization within psychology that focuses on brain function and its impact on learning (e.g., thinking abilities) and behaviour (i.e., how an individual acts and what an individual can do). Neuropsychological assessment aims to provide an accurate evaluation of an individual’s thinking abilities (e.g., memory, attention, organization, language).

Comprehensive assessments are available for individuals 18 years and older who have concerns related to the following: learning challenges, cognitive difficulties (e.g., attention problems, memory concerns), mood (e.g., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder), and changes to current functioning (e.g., difficulty completing tasks that involve multiple steps, difficulty understanding others). A neuropsychological assessment can also assist individuals with identifying current cognitive strengths and weaknesses, providing a baseline of cognitive functioning, tracking cognitive changes over time (e.g., changes related to a medical condition and/or treatment that may impact brain function), and assessing cognitive decline (e.g., related to Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia).

We see a variety of clients with concerns related to their cognitive functioning. These include individuals who may suffer from neurological disorders (e.g., dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cancer), individuals who may have a Specific Learning Disorder or Disability, ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), and individuals with a psychological concern (e.g., clinical depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder).

Assessment procedures include an interview with the client, an interview with someone close to the client with the client’s permission/consent, review of pertinent medical and/or school information, paper-and-pencil measures, computerized tests, and questionnaires/standardized forms.

A detailed report and feedback session are included as part of the assessment. A detailed report often describes an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, learning profile, the nature of any weaknesses and, if relevant, a provision of a diagnosis, any criteria associated with a diagnosis, how identified weaknesses may impact future functioning, and recommendations, strategies, and resources. At the feedback session, clients learn about the findings of the assessment and are provided with recommendations and strategies to implement in their daily life. The feedback session will be scheduled approximately 4-6 weeks after the completion of all testing, questionnaires, and interviews.