Neuropsychology is the study of how our brain affects our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
FAQ
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about services at Jax Neuropsych. Whether you're seeking an evaluation for thinking concerns, learning problems, or a brain injury, our goal is to provide clarity and help you better understand how our services can support your needs. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions you may have about Jax Neuropsych and our services. If you still have questions, please reach out!
A neuropsychologist is a specialized psychologist who focuses on understanding how the brain influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They use their knowledge of psychology and the brain to assess and diagnose individuals who may have brain-related conditions or injuries. They play a crucial role in helping people with brain-related challenges and promoting overall brain health.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment conducted by a neuropsychologist to examine how a person's brain functions. It involves a background interview, a series of tests and tasks that measure various cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and visual-spatial skills, and feedback regarding the findings and recommendations. The evaluation helps identify any strengths, weaknesses, or changes in brain functioning that may be associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, neurodevelopmental disorders, dementia, or other neurological conditions. The results of the evaluation provide valuable information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention strategies.
What is involved in a neuropsychological evaluation?
The neuropsychological evaluation usually happens in three parts. First, there's an interview where you talk with the neuropsychologist about your concerns and medical and academic history. Second, there's a testing session where you'll do different activities and tests to assess your thinking skills. After the evaluation, there will be a feedback session where the results and recommendations are discussed. This session is important because it helps create a plan for treatments or actions to take based on the evaluation findings. The feedback session may occur on a separate day or on the same day, depending on the evaluation and your unique needs.
Why might a child be referred to a neuropsychologist?
Children may see a neuropsychologist for various reasons, including:
Learning Difficulties
If a child is struggling with academic performance, reading, writing, or attention-related challenges, a neuropsychological evaluation can help identify any underlying cognitive or learning issues.
Developmental Concerns
Neuropsychologists can assess and diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities, providing insights into the child's strengths and weaknesses.
Brain Injuries or Concussions
Following a head injury or concussion, a neuropsychological evaluation can assess the impact on the child's cognitive functioning, helping guide appropriate interventions and monitoring their recovery.
Behavioral or Emotional Difficulties
When a child displays significant behavioral or emotional problems, a neuropsychological evaluation can help determine if there are underlying neurological factors contributing to these issues.
Neurological Conditions
Children with conditions like epilepsy, brain tumors, or genetic disorders may undergo neuropsychological evaluations to understand the impact of these conditions on their cognitive abilities and determine appropriate interventions.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Preparing for a neuropsychological evaluation involves a few key steps:
Collect any medical records, previous evaluations, or relevant documents related to your medical history, previous diagnoses, or current concerns. These can provide valuable background information for the neuropsychologist.
Write down any specific cognitive difficulties, behavioral challenges, or other concerns you or others have noticed. Include details about when these difficulties occur, how they affect your daily life, and any changes you have observed over time. This information will help guide the evaluation process.
Prioritize a good night's sleep before the evaluation. Being well-rested can help you perform your best during the assessment.
Take Medications as Prescribed
If you take any medications, continue taking them as prescribed unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider or the neuropsychologist.
Depending on the evaluation, you may need to bring specific items such as glasses, hearing aids, or any other assistive devices you regularly use.
It's natural to feel a bit anxious before the evaluation, but try to stay relaxed. Be open and honest during the evaluation, sharing your experiences, difficulties, and any relevant information. The more transparent you are, the more accurate the evaluation results will be.
Remember, the neuropsychologist is there to help you, so don't hesitate to communicate your needs and concerns. By preparing ahead of time and actively participating in the evaluation, you can contribute to a more effective assessment of your cognitive functioning.
Why might an adult see a neuropsychologist?
Adults may consult a neuropsychologist for various reasons, including:
Cognitive Concerns
If an individual experiences difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, language, or other cognitive functions, a neuropsychological evaluation can help identify the underlying causes and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Brain Injuries or Concussions
Following a head injury or concussion, one may seek a neuropsychological evaluation to assess the impact on their cognitive functioning, monitor their recovery progress, and guide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
Neurological Conditions
Individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or stroke may benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation to assess the impact of the condition on their cognitive abilities and plan appropriate interventions.
Work or Academic-Related Issues
Those facing challenges in their work performance or academic pursuits, particularly when cognitive functions are involved, may seek a neuropsychological evaluation to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and potential accommodations.