Ep. 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation

Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Listen in to dive into a topic this week that often confuses parents, educators, and professionals alike: the differences between neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational evaluations, and school-based assessments. Listen as Karen breaks down the purpose, scope, and key distinctions of these evaluations. We begin by exploring the reasons why families might seek assessments, from academic struggles to behavioral or emotional challenges, and even to identify giftedness. Learn how school-based evaluations focus on academic impact and eligibility for accommodations, while neuropsychological assessments offer a comprehensive view of a child's brain functioning, including cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social skills. You can also expect to hear how evaluations provide a middle ground, often focusing on learning profiles and classroom support.

Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your child’s struggles, an educator seeking clarity, and/or a fellow professional navigating these assessments, this episode provides essential guidance to help determine the best path forward!

Show Notes:

[0:53] - Parents often seek evaluations to understand their child's academic or behavioral challenges. [3:08] - Assessments can explore emotional, social, cognitive, or processing factors impacting school performance and peer interactions. [6:02] - School-based evaluations determine eligibility for school-based support but do not provide medical diagnoses like ADHD. [8:38] - We learn how neuropsychological assessments offer a detailed analysis of cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning. [11:38] - Children benefit from neuropsychological assessments to address unexplained struggles or track cognitive changes over time. [14:16] - Discover how neuropsychological assessments explore broader brain-behavior relationships. [16:55] - Psychoeducational assessments emphasize academic skills and learning profiles. [18:24] - In closing, parents can seek help from practitioners to determine the most suitable evaluation for their child.

Links and Related Resources:

• How to Initiate a Special Education Assessment

• Episode 113: Demystifying the Assessment Process

• Episode 205: Understanding ADHD Assessments

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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.