“ An ideal time to meet a pediatric neuropsychologist is if you are concerned that your child might get repeated negative feedback at school that can impact their self-confidence and development (eg, getting frequently reprimanded). Receiving tools from a neuropsychologist BEFORE your child faces conflict can be a great source of relief for both you AND your child.”

Robin Maddox

Director of Behavioral Health

When should I consider a Pediatric Neuropsychologist for my child?

You might be referred to a pediatric neuropsychologist by a therapist, a medical provider, or school. 

A Pediatric Neuropsychologist is for you if any that apply:

  • Knowing the why behind your child’s behavior is important to you
  • Your child has emotional or behavioral issues that get in the way of day-to-day activities
  • Typical parenting strategies don’t help improve the behavior
  • Your child is struggling with certain aspects of learning or academic skills
  • You have concerns about your child meeting their developmental milestones
  • Play skills or social skills seem concerning to your

What is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist?

Pediatric Neuropsychologists study how brain development (“neuro-”) interacts with child behavior (“-psychology”). Pediatric Neuropsychologists answer questions like: 

  • “Is my child not listening because they don’t pay attention, don’t understand, or don’t remember?”
  • “Is my child anxious because they’re having trouble focusing or learning? Or are they inattentive because they’re anxious?”

What makes Pediatric Neuropsychologists different from, say, therapists?

While child therapists treat behaviors or concerns, pediatric neuropsychologists will provide detailed assessments and evaluations in every part of the child’s life, and figure out root causes for behavioral or learning challenges. They provide diagnoses as appropriate to guide educational and treatment planning.

Pediatric Neuropsychologists give a series of assessments, interview teachers and parents/caregivers, gather clinical observations, and generate a detailed report to the parent, and, if needed, help advocate for special support from your child’s school or district.

Why are neuropsychological evaluations so helpful?

Neuropsychological evaluations are helpful for understanding…

  • The “full picture” of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. 
  • WHY your child may present with challenges in particular areas 
  • WHAT those challenges specifically are
  • HOW your child learns and socializes best and how to support them 
  • They can also help secure a 504 or IEP, two plans that ensure your child receives support services in school.

Most importantly…

  • These evaluations give YOU (parent/caregiver) tools and techniques to better support and understand your child. 
  • Plus, you don’t have to do any of it alone. Neuropsychologists are typically with you every step of the way.

Pediatric Neuropsychologists use their training to evaluate and help to manage children with many different types of conditions, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, emotional challenges, and Autism, as well as medical conditions (e.g., epilepsy), and brain injuries.

The Details: Pediatric Neuropsychologist

What do parents receive?
  • A detailed, comprehensive report that breaks down your child’s skill set in the areas of cognitive potential, attention/concentration, executive functioning, memory and learning, language skills, fine motor skills, social-emotional, adaptive, and behavioral functioning– all from standardized assessments
  • Clear next steps for you as a parent, referrals and resources
  • Strategies to capitalize on your child’s strengths to help them adjust
  • Advocacy for special education services 
Earliest age:
  • Some practices will start seeing children during preschool years if they are trained in early childhood and development.
Intake Process:
  • Comprehensive paperwork
  • A parent/caregiver interview
  • Review of any relevant medical, school, or related service provider records
Evaluation + Services:
  • On average, 6 hours of face-to face testing
  • School observations and/or objective rating scales completed by teachers and parents
  • Several hours for the neuropsychologist to score, interpret, and generate the report
  • 1-2 hours of feedback to parent
  • Additional hours to speak with with school-based support team and/or other related service providers when needed
Cost/Insurance:
  • Prices vary by state. In New York, it typically ranges from $3,500-$10,000 total, depending on the number of hours of testing and scoring involved
  • Clinics and hospitals will typically be lower cost than private providers
  • Some practices will offer sliding scales
  • Some insurance companies will cover a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation depending on the medical diagnoses and out of network benefits
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