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The Neuropsychology Department is a clinical specialty service at Associated Neurologists of Southern Connecticut. Neuropsychological assessments evaluate cognitive (e.g., thinking) functions that can help in the proper diagnosis and treatment planning for a wide range of conditions. The brain and its functions are remarkably well-organized. There are many tools available to your doctor to analyze your brain function, including imaging and scans (e.g., CAT scans or MRIs). Neuropsychological evaluations are another tool that can aid your doctor in deciding how best to treat you. Neuropsychological evaluations are unique in that they focus on how your brain works in your everyday life, such as remembering names, remembering where you put things, ability to focus and concentrate well enough to do daily tasks, and ability to organize things and make decisions. Our Clinical Neuropsychologists are licensed doctoral-level clinical psychologists who have specialized training in brain-behavior relationships, and are uniquely qualified to evaluate your cognitive and mood status to help ensure proper medical care. For individual with complaints of memory problems, problems with concentrating, or difficulties completing daily tasks, a neuropsychological evaluation can be helpful to outline areas of difficulty, and can also help establish a diagnosis. For individuals who have an established diagnosis (such as MS, Parkinson’s, brain injury, or Alzheimer’s Disease), a neuropsychological evaluation can help to determine the severity of problem areas. This can assist with rehabilitation and treatment recommendations. For those who are seeking help with determining return-to-work readiness or school placement or accommodations, our Clinical Neuropsychologists can also assist with measuring those skills needed to succeed in the workplace or school. In addition to neuropsychological evaluations, our Clinical Neuropsychologists can also perform psychological evaluations (both with and without testing) to help diagnose and treat emotional disorders (such as anxiety and depression), or to take a look at the psychological and lifestyle factors that impact adaptation to a medical diagnosis (such as chronic pain or headache). We work closely with area mental health professionals to ensure proper evaluation and treatment. We are also an integral part of our own Health and Wellness Center. We offer services that meet a wide range of needs. Below is a description of some of the conditions where a neuropsychological evaluation can be useful and some helpful websites.
MEMORY ASSESSMENTALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS
HEAD INJURY
STROKE
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADHD/ADD)
LEARNING DISABILITY
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
FORENSIC CONSULTATION & DISABILITY DETERMINATION WORKER’S COMPENSATION CHRONIC PAIN AND HEADACHE PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY SERVICESPediatric Neuropsychology is a subspecialty of Clinical Neuropsychology that focuses on whether or not a child is making appropriate gains in their cognitive and emotional development. A pediatric neuropsychological evaluation can be helpful to track a child’s attainment of developmental milestones, such as developing appropriate language skills, social skills, problem-solving abilities, and other skills that are needed to succeed in school or at home. When a child has suffered an illness or injury, a neuropsychological evaluation can also be helpful to determine if this has affected his or her ability to learn and function well at school and with his or her peers. We can help to address parents’ concerns about whether or not their child is experiencing a normal adjustment to life’s challenges or if their child has a specific problem such as a developmental disorder (such as Autism or Asperger’s), attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), an emotional disorder (such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder), a specific learning disability (such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disorder, or problems with mathematics). When a child has experienced an injury such as a concussion or has a medical illness (such as Lyme disease, thyroid dysfunction, PANDAS, or migraines), an evaluation can be helpful to measure its impact. We also offer support for educational purposes, such as testing to qualify for accommodations for college or standardized testing (e.g., SATs, GREs, LSATs), IQ or personality testing for private school admissions, and educational evaluations to help with school placement or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We offer evaluations for children from the age of 3, and can answer such questions as:
Below are some links to some helpful websites:
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION InterviewPrior to beginning testing or treatment, you meet with one of our Clinical Neuropsychologists for a comprehensive interview that gathers information about the presenting problem, your history, and the goal of the evaluation. This appointment typically lasts one hour. Testing AppointmentsAfter the initial interview, if it is determined that neuropsychological or psychological testing would best serve your needs, you would be scheduled for testing appointments. Testing is typically conducted over one to two sessions, with each session lasting approximately two hours. These may be longer or shorter, depending on your needs. FeedbackIn most situations, you and family members (if you choose) return for a 30 minute appointment following the testing to review test results. At this appointment, we provide personalized recommendations for follow-up. A written summary of the evaluation is usually provided to the referring provider, and if requested, to the patient. At the time of feedback, we are happy to help facilitate referrals to other professionals or assist with initiation of treatment recommendations. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: What is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?A: A Clinical Neuropschologist is a clinical psychologist with a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) who has additional specialty training in the assessment of cognitive disorders, neurological conditions, dementia, medical conditions, attention deficit disorder, and learning disabilities. Q: Will my health insurance cover these services? A: Our Clinical Neuropsychologists participate in most major insurance plans. Neuropsychological evaluations are often covered under your plan. Our billing department can obtain pre-authorization to obtain benefits when needed. Q: Are the results confidential?A: Yes, results of the evaluation will be shared with other individuals only with your written consent. Q: What if I only want counseling, not testing? A: Our Clinical Neuropsychologists provide counseling and psychotherapy on an outpatient basis. In addition, our practice offers the services of a full-time Licensed Counselor, who also provides counseling. Testing is not required to obtain counseling. Q: How do I make an appointment?A: Call our Neuropsychology Coordinator at (203) 333-1133 x 152. Meet Our Clinical Neuropsychologists |
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 Associated Neurologists of Southern Connecticut, P.C.
Main Office
Milford Office
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