Integrating Neuropsychological And Psychological Evaluations

Integrating Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessments is a resource for neuropsychologists, psychologists, teachers and parents who wish to address both the neurologically- and emotionally-based difficulties with which their children are presenting. In addition to a thorough description of neuropsychological and psychological assessment tools, this book also provides professionals with a unified approach to using the results from assessments to understand and integrate cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional functioning in school-age children. It posits that to educate and treat children who are struggling in school due to unique cognitive or emotional vulnerabilities, the whole child must be considered to decipher their needs and implement interventions. Cultivating a therapeutic relationship that integrates the emotional and relational functioning of the child enhances both their learning and ability to successfully navigate the world.

Integrating Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessments is a resource for neuropsychologists, psychologists, teachers and parents who wish to address both the neurologically- and emotionally-based difficulties with which their children are presenting. In addition to a thorough description of neuropsychological and psychological assessment tools, this book also provides professionals with a unified approach to using the results from assessments to understand and integrate cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional functioning in school-age children. It posits that to educate and treat children who are struggling in school due to unique cognitive or emotional vulnerabilities, the whole child must be considered to decipher their needs and implement interventions. Cultivating a therapeutic relationship that integrates the emotional and relational functioning of the child enhances both their learning and ability to successfully navigate the world.

Neuropsychological assessment is a difficult and complicated process. Often, experienced clinicians as well as trainees and students gloss over fundamental problems or fail to consider potential sources of error. Since formal test data on the surface appear unambiguous and objective, they may fall into the habit of overemphasizing tests and their scores and underemphasizing all the factors that affect the validity, reliability, and interpretability of test data. But interpretation is far from straightforward, and a pragmatic application of assessment results requires attention to a multitude of issues. This long-awaited, updated, and greatly expanded second edition of the Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, like the first, focuses on the clinical practice of neuropsychology. Orienting readers to the entire multitude of issues, it guides them step by step through evaluation and helps them avoid common misconceptions, mistakes, and methodological pitfalls. It is divided into three sections: fundamental elements of the assessment process; special issues, settings, and populations; and new approaches and methodologies. The authors, all of whom are actively engaged in the clinical practice of neuropsychological assessment, as well as in teaching and research, do an outstanding job of integrating the academic and the practical. The Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition will be welcomed as a text for graduate courses but also as an invaluable hands-on handbook for interns, postdoctoral fellows, and experienced neuropsychologists alike. No other book offers its combination of breadth across batteries and approaches, depth, and practicality.

A concise, up-to-date review of school neuropsychological assessment that covers effective treatment planning The third edition of Essentials of School Neuropsychological Assessment offers a practical and concise overview of neuropsychological practice in schools and other pediatric clinical settings and clearly explains how to identify the need for testing. The book shows how to collect a neurodevelopmental history, choose appropriate assessment instruments, effectively evaluate students, and accurately interpret results. The third edition has been revised and updated to include the most recent advances in the field such as major neuropsychological test batteries for children, including NEPSY-II, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition integrated, and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. In addition, the new edition contains updated online tools, including sample case studies, searchable databases of neuropsychological tests classified by processing area and conceptual model, a neuropsychological processing concerns checklist in both English and Spanish, and sample report shells with tables. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy practitioners and school psychologists quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of School Neuropsychological Assessment, Third Edition contains unmatched guidance and direction for school psychologists and other mental health professionals who serve educators, school children, and their families.

Neuropsychological and psychological evaluations in school settings are often rich in detail about a child’s cognitive, academic and emotional functions, and come with specific recommendations to support the child’s performance in school. However, there is often a gap between the assessment results and the implementation of the recommendations, since learning specialists and teachers frequently do not have the means to both interpret and implement the recommendations. This manual presents clear and specific guidelines for school counselors and teachers to decode and put into practice evaluation findings. The book begins by describing various functional domains that are assessed in a neuropsychological evaluation, and then notes how to recognize behavior and learning styles impacted by difficulty in one of more of the domains. Furthermore, it outlines activities that could be used in the classroom or other environments to support a child’s weaknesses, develop new skills, or appear to particular strengths. Finally, ready-to-use worksheets and activities are offered. This is an essential tool for school psychologists, special education teachers, and learning specialists and counselors.

The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), for disabled individuals, and their dependent family members, who have worked and contributed to the Social Security trust funds, and Supplemental Security Income (SSSI), which is a means-tested program based on income and financial assets for adults aged 65 years or older and disabled adults and children. Both programs require that claimants have a disability and meet specific medical criteria in order to qualify for benefits. SSA establishes the presence of a medically-determined impairment in individuals with mental disorders other than intellectual disability through the use of standard diagnostic criteria, which include symptoms and signs. These impairments are established largely on reports of signs and symptoms of impairment and functional limitation. Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability Determination considers the use of psychological tests in evaluating disability claims submitted to the SSA. This report critically reviews selected psychological tests, including symptom validity tests, that could contribute to SSA disability determinations. The report discusses the possible uses of such tests and their contribution to disability determinations. Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability Determination discusses testing norms, qualifications for administration of tests, administration of tests, and reporting results. The recommendations of this report will help SSA improve the consistency and accuracy of disability determination in certain cases.

A concise, up-to-date review of school neuropsychological assessment that covers effective treatment planning The third edition of Essentials of School Neuropsychological Assessment offers a practical and concise overview of neuropsychological practice in schools and other pediatric clinical settings and clearly explains how to identify the need for testing. The book shows how to collect a neurodevelopmental history, choose appropriate assessment instruments, effectively evaluate students, and accurately interpret results. The third edition has been revised and updated to include the most recent advances in the field such as major neuropsychological test batteries for children, including NEPSY-II, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition integrated, and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. In addition, the new edition contains updated online tools, including sample case studies, searchable databases of neuropsychological tests classified by processing area and conceptual model, a neuropsychological processing concerns checklist in both English and Spanish, and sample report shells with tables. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy practitioners and school psychologists quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of School Neuropsychological Assessment, Third Edition contains unmatched guidance and direction for school psychologists and other mental health professionals who serve educators, school children, and their families.