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Achieve Center, Inc. in Wausau, WI

Neuropsychological, developmental and learning services for children, adults, and their families

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715-845-4900

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Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessments

Neuropsychological:

WHAT IS IT?

A neuropsychological evaluation assesses brain functioning. The profile shows an individual’s current strengths and weaknesses. Areas that can be assessed include: intelligence, academic achievement, attention, concentration, executive functioning, memory, verbal functioning, visual-spatial and visual-motor functioning, adaptive behavior and emotional-behavioral functioning.

WHY GET ONE?

This is helpful to better understand an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation provides insight into how an individual processes information, and if there is a difficulty, where in the thinking process there may be trouble. The evaluation concludes with specific treatment recommendations to both maximize the strengths and remediate or compensate for weaknesses. Diagnoses are provided in an attempt to best explain the specific challenges requiring intervention. This may help answer common questions, such as:

  • Are criteria met for a learning, emotional, or behavioral disorder?
  • What treatment interventions are likely to be most helpful?
  • If there is history of genetic or developmental issues (syndromes, cleft lip/palate, craniofacial presentations), or acquired events (such as brain injury/concussion, exposure to toxins, stroke, traumatic events, etc.), could the individual’s difficulties be related or unrelated to the medical history.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

  1. First, clinical interview takes place, typically the same day of testing, where the patient and family meet with the neuropsychologist to go over goals of the evaluation and pertinent history.
  2. The testing portion involves participating in a variety of different tasks. Many of these are in the form of games. Some testing is paper-pencil based, like school. Other tests may be on a computer, answering some questions, or hands-on activities.
  3. About 2 weeks after the testing is completed, there will be a one hour feedback session with the neuropsychologist to review the results, provide diagnostic information, and treatment recommendations. A report detailing the entire evaluation is then mailed home.

HOW MUCH TESTING TIME IS NEEDED?

Typically, for children 3 months – 3 years, this is about 2 hours. For children 3 ½ up to 5 ½ it may take 2-3 hours. For children 6 years old up through to adulthood, it may take the same amount of time as a school day (4-5 hours). A one hour lunch break is typical. Much effort is put forth to make the assessment experience enjoyable and interesting. We recognize that children at times may benefit from creative strategies for optimal performance.

To schedule an appointment call 715 845-4900

Psychological:

WHAT IS IT?

A psychological evaluation seeks to clarify the level of emotional and behavioral functioning of an individual. Sometimes, other areas are assessed as well, such as IQ, attention, and academic functioning.

WHY GET ONE?

The psychological evaluation can help to increase the accuracy of an emotional, behavioral, or personality diagnosis. The result can provide helpful suggestions toward the treatment plan. For example, which therapies may be most effective and what therapeutic goals may be most beneficial for the individual?

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Psychological testing can take several forms.

  1. Typically, the evaluation starts with an hour intake, where the neuropsychologist reviews case history and asks questions to clarify the goals of the evaluation and specific tests to be given.
  2. The psychological tests typically include answering questions, which may be administered in person, on paper, or on a computer, or a combination of all three.

HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED?

The evaluation itself can vary, ranging from 3 to 6 hours. This depends on the complexity, goals of the individual/family, and age of the patient.

To schedule an appointment call 715 845-4900

Rehabilitation Counseling:

Goals of rehabilitation psychotherapy may include pain management, coping/adjusting to disability or a medical condition, and coordinating with therapists already involved to provide the best chance of success.