Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What happens during a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation?

The structure usually includes a 1-2 hour parent interview, 2-3 days of testing (about 2-3.5 hours per testing appointment), and a 1-2 hour final feedback session where results and recommendations are given. The written report is then sent 2-3 weeks following the feedback session. In addition, Dr. Rothman can add additional services such as consultations, social cognition evaluations, school observations, as well as attending school meetings.

Testing is a combination of paper and pencil tasks, computer activities, puzzles, and other hands-on activities. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation looks at specific domains of functioning including cognitive, attention and executive functioning (e.g., planning and organizational skills, sustained attention), language, visual thinking, fine motor, learning and memory, academic achievement, and social-emotional functioning.

No preparation is necessary by you or your child for the evaluation. However, it is important for your child to try to get a good night’s sleep and eat a balanced breakfast before the testing. If your child takes regular medication (e.g., stimulant medication) please check with Dr. Rothman to discuss this before the appointment. In almost all cases they should take their medication as prescribed on the testing day.

Who would benefit from a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation?

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation will help you learn about your child’s individual profile of strengths and weaknesses, see how they perform relative to other children of their age, as well as find out about interventions and strategies that can be put in place to support them by enhancing their strengths and addressing their vulnerabilities. Some common reasons to seek out a neuropsychological evaluation include if there are any concerns with your child’s:

  • Learning

  • Attention, sustained/focus, or ability to self-regulate

  • Planning and organizational skills

  • Behavior

  • Stress and anxiety levels

  • Friendships and social skills

  • Emotional well-being

Some families may ask if they should wait before pursuing an evaluation and wonder how they will know when it is a good time to seek one out. Dr. Rothman recommends considering the following questions:

  • Have the concerns persisted for more than 6 months?

  • Have others noticed these issues (e.g., teachers, doctors)?

  • Are the concerns affecting your child’s academic progress? Social success? Emotional well-being?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” that’s a sign that your child might benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation. However, even if the answers are all “no,” if you continue to worry, then trust your instincts and reach out to Dr. Rothman for a free intake consultation or speak with your child’s other providers (e.g., pediatrician).

What is the difference between an evaluation that school would provide vs. a neuropsychological evaluation?

 While an evaluation provided by school typically provides cognitive and academic testing, a neuropsychological evaluation would go further to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a child or adolescent’s functioning. For example, looking at certain domains that are not focused on in a school evaluation (e.g., attention and executive functioning). In addition, school evaluations do not provide formal diagnoses.

How much does an evaluation cost and do you take insurance?

The total cost for an evaluation depends on the presenting concerns and questions. Please call 917-271-4298 and the fee that is relevant to your case can be reviewed.

Dr. Rothman does not accept insurance directly and is an out-of-network provider. However, she can provide parents with billing codes and other relevant information that they can submit directly to their insurance companies for reimbursement purposes.

 

How to talk to your child about a neuropsychological evaluation:

While there are many ways to explain the testing process, the following are some ideas for you to consider. To introduce the idea of an evaluation to a child, a parent/caregiver may wish to use the child’s own language. For example, “You know how you mentioned that you get really bored in math class?” “Remember when you shared with me how hard it is for you to make friends?” “I know you told me that understanding what you have read has been challenging” and then share, “Well, I listened and found someone who can help us figure out why this happens and then come up with a plan to make things easier.” It can be helpful to share that Dr. Rothman is not like their regular pediatrician (e.g., will not being giving shots!) and is more like a “thinking doctor” who looks at how children think and learn by doing a variety of activities with them.

When Dr. Rothman meets with the client she will explain that some of the activities may look like things the child has seen in school (e.g., math) and some will be brand new things that they have never been exposed to before (e.g., figuring out picture patterns). Dr. Rothman will also explain that the questions being asked are for many different ages and therefore the testing is not about getting every item correct (and some questions do not even have specific correct answers), but about trying their best and taking guesses if they can.

If your child has questions about the evaluation process that you are unable to answer, please make sure they ask Dr. Rothman!