Pediatric neuropsychology is the medical discipline that examines how children's mental abilities and brain functions affect their behavior and learning. According to the American Psychological Association, or APA, a number of factors are assessed during a neuropsych evaluation, including intelligence, language, motor skills, learning, memory, behavior and social skills. The goal of evaluation is to identify the source of any problems and to design programs to help children succeed in school and life. Several factors can cause children to exhibit abnormal behavior or learning patterns, each of which may be a reason to seek neuropsych evaluation.
Developmental Delay
"Developmental delay" is the term used when a child fails to reach one or more of the developmental milestones. According to the University of Michigan Health System, these milestones are sets of skills or abilities that children should have acquired by certain ages. Skills measured include social skills, cognitive skills, language development, and motor or movement skills. If a child is significantly behind on reaching one or more of these milestones, he may be referred for a neuropsychological evaluation in an attempt to ascertain the reason for the delay.
Brain Injury
Brain injuries can result from accidents, exposure to toxins such as heavy metals or even the physical trauma of birth. Depending on the nature and location of the injury, mental or physical functioning (or both) may be affected, according to the AMA. Neuropsychological evaluation can help the child's caregivers to determine the extent of the injury and its effects on her cognitive functions.
Medical Conditions
A child's brain development can be affected by a variety of medical conditions, including strokes, seizure disorders and exposure drugs or alcohol during fetal development. As in the case of brain injuries, physical and cognitive deficits can result from illness or exposure.
Trauma
Exposure to trauma in childhood has been shown to have adverse affects on both the functional and structural development of children's brains. In an assessment published in the "Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma," Dawna Gabowitz et al cite examples of trauma as including physical or sexual abuse, neglect, loss and witnessing violence. Such events put a child at risk of developing both medical and psychiatric disorders that may impair their mental functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation can be a first step toward designing intervention programs to help these children.
Learning Disability
"Learning disability" is the term used to refer to a group of cognitive disorders in which individuals have trouble acquiring or processing information, according to the New York State Education Department. Children often exhibit the first signs of learning disabilities in school where they fail to progress in certain tasks, such as reading and writing, in relation to their peers. Children with suspected learning disabilities are often referred for neuropsychological evaluations.
Behavioral Problems
All children exhibit behavioral problems at different points in their lives, but some kids exhibit consistent, inappropriate behavior that affects their ability to succeed socially or in school. A child who is unable to focus, sit still or interact with her peers may benefit from the interventions offered after a neuropsychological evaluation.
References
- American Psychological Association: Pediatric Neuropsychology
- University of Michigan Health System: Developmental Milestones
- New York Department of Education: Learning Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation Implications
- "Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma"; Neuropsychological Assessment in Clinical Evaluation of Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma; D. Gabowitz, M. Zucker and A. Cook; 2008
