Our highly qualified and experienced educational psychologist specialising in neuropsychology
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
WHAT ARE DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS?
A developmental neuropsychological assessment or test are in-depth evaluations of a child’s skills and abilities linked to their brain function. The tests measure memory, attention, problem-solving, language, IQ (intelligence estimation), visual-spatial skills, academic skills, and social and emotional functioning.
Developmental neuropsychological assessments can be performed on children as young as 24 months. The most common referral questions from parents, caregivers or teachers include concerns such as:
developmental delay
language and communication delay
autism spectrum disorder
behavioural problems
intellectual disability
attention and learning difficulties
medical and genetic conditions
Periodic, objective tests assess the child’s cognitive, motor, language, social, emotional, play, adaptive, academic and behavioural skills. The child’s performance is then analysed and compared using normative and individual comparison standards for relative strengths and weaknesses.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS?
Early identification and intervention are critical components in promoting a child’s overall development. The early years of a child’s life are essential in a child’s development. Many different behaviours and abilities (e.g. cognitive and social skills) often happen simultaneously and quickly. Concerns for parents can arise when children are not advancing or making age-appropriate progress in one or more of the developmental areas. Requesting a developmental neuropsychological assessment can ensure the early detection of a possible problem.
Developmental evaluations are often referrals from parents and professionals involved in the child’s care, such as school personnel, physicians, attorneys, educational advocates, behavioural, speech-language, occupational, physical therapists, etc. At Mizu Therapy & Assessment, each evaluation is individualised to the child’s needs and answers the referral questions. Generally, assessments are conducted over several sessions and include parental interviews and direct testing with the child. A preschool/day care observation may be performed on a case-by-case basis. Our educational psychologist (with a special interest in neuropsychology), Riza van der Merwe, will start out by administering a set of “core” tests to the child, adding additional measures as needed to answer the referral questions. Interviews and direct testing times will vary depending on the child’s needs. Additional measures may include parent and teacher questionnaire information about the child’s everyday functioning at home and school.
WHY MIZU THERAPY & ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS?
All assessments are done in the strictest of confidence.
A professional, detailed report is provided on completion of the assessment.
Key areas of concern are identified.
Suggested therapies and or treatment remedies are provided.
Our registered educational psychologist has more than 10 years of extensive experience in educational assessments and child therapy.
We insist on providing early identification and intervention to support clients.
We provide parent guidance and family support.
We are contracted with all major Medical Aid Funds.
