WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?
A neuropsychological assessment explores cognitive, neurological and related functioning in relation to a specific referral question.
The assessment is individually tailored rather than based on one fixed set of tests. Information gathered during the process helps guide which areas may need to be explored further.
Depending on the referral question, areas such as attention, memory, executive functioning, language and other aspects of cognitive or developmental functioning may be considered. Neuropsychological assessment forms part of Mizu’s broader neuropsychology services.
WHEN MIGHT A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT BE USEFUL?
A neuropsychological assessment may be considered when there are questions about cognitive, neurological, developmental or related functioning.
Changes in Cognitive Functioning
Changes in thinking, processing or everyday cognitive functioning may prompt a neuropsychological assessment.
Memory or Attention Concerns
An assessment may help explore concerns relating to memory, attention or concentration in the context of the referral question.
Executive Functioning Difficulties
Questions involving planning, organisation, problem-solving or other executive functions may be explored where relevant.
Developmental Concerns
A neuropsychological assessment may be considered when developmental, cognitive or learning-related concerns require further understanding.
Changes Following Neurological Illness or Injury
Assessment may be relevant where there are questions about cognitive functioning following neurological illness, injury or other neurological events.
Forensic or Medico-Legal Referral Questions
Neuropsychological assessment may be used where cognitive or neurological information is required for a specific legal or medico-legal referral question.
WHAT AREAS MAY BE ASSESSED
The areas explored depend on the individual’s circumstances and referral question. Not every area is assessed for every person.
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING
May include aspects of thinking, reasoning and broader cognitive functioning relevant to the referral question.
MEMORY
Different aspects of memory may be explored where concerns or referral questions make this relevant.
ATTENTION
Attention and concentration may be considered as part of the assessment where appropriate.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
Planning, organisation, problem-solving and related executive functions may be explored where relevant.
LANGUAGE
Language-related functioning may be considered when it forms part of the referral question.
DEVELOPMENTAL FUNCTIONING
Developmental functioning may be explored where developmental concerns form part of the referral.
EMOTIONAL & BEHAVIOURAL
Emotional or behavioural functioning may be considered where it is relevant to understanding the broader picture.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONING
Social functioning may also be explored where it is relevant to the referral question.
The assessment is individually tailored, with findings from earlier stages helping to guide what may need to be explored further.
HOW THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS WORKS
01
Formal Intake
A formal intake explores the referral question, background and relevant concerns.
02
Assessment Sessions
Multiple tailored sessions explore the areas relevant to the referral question.
03
Written Report
Findings are integrated into a detailed written report with relevant recommendations.
04
Feedback
A formal feedback consultation explains the findings, recommendations and next steps.
For clients under 18, parents or caregivers take part in the formal intake consultation. Adults may attend independently or may choose to bring their parents if this would be helpful for providing background information.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PATHWAYS
Mizu offers different neuropsychological assessment pathways depending on the individual’s circumstances and the purpose of the referral.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Developmental neuropsychological assessments may be considered when there are questions about developmental, cognitive, learning, attention or related functioning.
FORENSIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Forensic neuropsychological assessments may be relevant when neuropsychological information is required in a legal or medico-legal context.
Comprehensive Neuro-Educational Assessment
When the referral question requires an integrated educational psychology and neuropsychology perspective, a Comprehensive Neuro-Educational Assessment may be appropriate.
The assessment is individually tailored to the person’s needs and referral question and considers relevant educational and neuropsychological areas together.
BEFORE & AFTER YOUR ASSESSMENT
PREPARING FOR AN ASSESSMENT
Relevant background information can help provide context for the assessment.
- School reports or teacher feedback, where relevant
Previous assessment or professional reports
Other information considered relevant to the referral question
Mizu can advise you during the intake process if additional information would be helpful.
FEEDBACK & RECOMMENDATIONS
Following the assessment process, the findings are integrated into a detailed written report.
- Findings are considered in relation to the referral question
- A formal feedback consultation explains the report and findings
- Relevant recommendations and next steps are discussed
Findings and recommendations are considered in relation to the referral question.
ABOUT RIZA VAN DER MERWE
Riza van der Merwe
Educational Psychologist &
Neuropsychologist
Riza van der Merwe is an Educational Psychologist and Neuropsychologist. Her work at Mizu includes neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults, guided by the individual’s circumstances and referral question.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What ages are neuropsychological assessments for?
Mizu provides neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. The assessment process is guided by the individual’s circumstances and referral question.
Does everyone complete the same assessment tests?
No. The assessment is individually tailored rather than based on one fixed set of tests. Information gathered during the process helps guide which areas may need to be explored further.
How many assessment sessions are involved?
Neuropsychological assessment takes place across multiple sessions. The exact process depends on the individual circumstances and the referral question.
Does everyone complete the same assessment tests?
No. The assessment is individually tailored rather than based on one fixed set of tests. Information gathered during the process helps guide which areas may need to be explored further.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Relevant information may include previous assessment reports, medical or professional reports, school reports or teacher feedback where relevant, and other information related to the referral question.
Will I receive a written report and feedback?
Yes. Findings are integrated into a detailed written report, and a formal feedback consultation is provided to explain the findings, recommendations and next steps.
How is a neuropsychological assessment different from a Comprehensive Neuro-Educational Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment focuses on neuropsychological questions relating to cognitive, neurological or developmental functioning. A Comprehensive Neuro-Educational Assessment brings educational psychology and neuropsychology together when the referral question requires an integrated perspective.
