What is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist?
Pediatric neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists who focus on completing comprehensive evaluations to ascertain the most appropriate diagnosis in order to lead to the most effective treatment outcome. All neuropsychologists have their Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and also have several years of training with brain based behaviors, neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as effective interventions and accommodations.
The typical questions that parents will bring forth in a neuropsychology clinic are related to the child’s academic performance, behavioral regulation, social interaction, and/or emotional functioning. It is the goal of the neuropsychologist to help identify what is causing the negative behavior and what would be an effective course of action.
Conditions and diagnoses that pediatric neuropsychologists often work with include the following:
- Learning Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder
- Mood Disorders
Often, it is found that a child may have multiple conditions. One of the goals of the neuropsychologist is to help determine what the main condition(s) to address are and the most effective interventions.
The interventions that are determined by a pediatric neuropsychologist are often found in the following places:
- School Setting
- Home environment
- A therapeutic clinic setting
The neuropsychologist will often make recommendations based upon empirical research as well as his or her professional and clinical experience with the condition at hand.
Once the neuropsychological evaluation has been completed and intervention has begun, the neuropsychologist should be on hand for follow-up in order to provide insight as to the benefits of the intervention.