Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a specialized branch of psychology that aims to understand how the structure and function of the brain relate to specific psychological processes. Neuropsychology as a discipline is strongly scientific in its approach and shares an information processing view of the mind with cognitive psychology and cognitive science.

Neuropsychology combined with neuroscience is an emerging field, coming of age in the early part of the twenty-first century with the advent of highly sophisticated brain-imaging technology.

Clients who request neuropsychological evaluations are often interested in precision information regarding their cognitive, emotional, behavioral and academic functioning. Frequently, these evaluations are required by the client's school to ensure that they are placed in the right grade level or to contribute to curricular planning.

We provide neuropsychological evaluations that are customized to answer our clients' specific questions while fitting within the time and financial constraints they may have. Our neuropsychological evaluations are written in accordance with the guidelines of the Educational Testing Service (E.T.S.) and are frequently requested to provide students with either placement into Gifted and Talented programs or to obtain for them special psychoeducational accommodations within the public school system.

All assessment information is strictly confidential and is shared only with the client and persons specifically authorized by the client.

Definition of Neuropsychology:

Historically and traditionally defined, Neuropsychology is the study of (and the assessment, understanding, and modification of) brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychology seeks to understand how the brain, through structure and neural networks, produces and controls behavior and mental processes, including emotions, personality, thinking, learning and remembering, problem solving, and consciousness. Conversely, the field is also concerned with how behavior may influence the brain and related physiological processes, as in the emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology (the study that seeks to understand the complex interactions between brain and immune systems, and the implications for physical health).

Neuropsychological Methods:

The Neuropsychologist uses objective and standardized tools (neuropsychological tests) to tie the biological and behavioral aspects together.Through the administration of such tests, the Clinical Neuropsychologist is able to differentiate whether or not a behavioral symptom or problem is more likely caused by a biological abnormality in the brain or by an emotional or learned process.

Neuropsychology is one of the most eclectic of all the psychological disciplines, overlapping at times with areas such as neuroscience, philosophy (particularly philosophy of mind), neurology, psychiatry and computer science (particularly by making use of artificial neural networks). As a clinical specialty, Neuropsychology bridges the medical concerns related to biological functioning of neural cells in the brain, spinal cord, and body with the study of psychological disorders. The Neuropsychologist uses objective, and highly specialized scientific techniques to link behaviors and emotional states to underlying normal and abnormal biological (i.e., brain) processes.

The Latest Advances in the Field of Neuropsychology:

There is no doubt that computerized brain imagery such as the latest advances in the QEEG or Quantitative Electroencephalogram (Brain Map) has transformed the field of Neuropsychology, providing more scientific, precise and verified information for the behavioral sciences. While Psychology and Neuropsychology have historically been considered a blend of art and science, with today's leading edge technology, both have been elevated in stature to the invaluable behavioral sciences that they are. While traditionally, the Neuropsychologist was concerned exclusively with the relationship between brain function and psychological factors, more recently, with the advent of such advances in Neuroscience as the Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG), EEG Neurofeedback, and other leading-edge treatment modalities, the Neuropsychologist’s role is increasingly associated with highly functional individuals, including top achievers, CEO's, gifted athletes and others. The modern Neuropsychologist might seek to provide these goal-achieving clients with professional guidance through Peak Performance Training based on the mind-brain connection. Neuropsychology is coming of age as the scientific discipline dedicated to optimizing human functioning, be it mental or cognitive enhancement, athletic training, optimization of mood and emotional well-being or other desired results.

Neuropsychological Discipline:

If we presume that the brain is the starting point for why and how we process all mental information (not just cognitive, but interpersonal communications, self-concept, emotional reactivity, personality, learned responses, etc.), then to some degree, all Psychology is Neuropsychology. Neurolinguistics, for example, is the study of how language shapes our self-concepts and our interpersonal communications. Neurodevelopmental Psychology is the study of how behavioral and mental characteristics change with nervous system growth. Even psychological concepts of dreaming (and dream content), level of attention, and conscious experience are subserved by brain processes. Neuropsychology is a structured, objective, and scientific discipline for peeking into individual brains by way of formally observing behaviors. Clinical Neuropsychology seeks, ultimately, to understand the individual mind and brain (and its normal as well as errant behaviors). The discipline uses experimental and objective procedures to compare performance among persons with known differences in their biological brain structures (within the limited criteria currently available for defining these differences), and to search for the myriad sources of brain variance that produce individual differences in behavior. These sources include biological factors (e.g., genetic, diseases, and injuries) as well as psychological factors (e.g., learned behaviors and personality) and social factors (e.g., economics, family structure, and cultural values).

Practical Applications:

In Applied Neuropsychology, understanding the biological sources of individual differences particularly helps identify brain-based disorders in memory, personality, self-awareness (conscious experience), cognition, and emotional expression. Working backwards then, from a look at abnormal behavior obtained using formal tests, reasonable inferences about brain disorders can be reached. Understanding these neurofunctional changes (i.e., abnormalities) as a result of brain changes (i.e., injury) defines parameters for current and future behavioral expectations in the lifestyle of the individual. Combined with additional understanding of biopsychosocial factors that coalesce into behavioral expression, the Neuropsychologist can gain a comprehensive impression of what is normal or abnormal behavior. As our knowledge of recovery from brain injury improves, such understanding provides realistic expectations for remediation (restoration or adjustment) of disordered behavior. Neuropsychological understanding is achieved through a comprehensive exploration of the neurophysiological foundation of behavior and seemingly infinite potential contributing factors. Everyone’s brain is wired differently, a product of native biological structure, past experiences, physical health, learned responses and personality, injuries and diseases, and a host of other factors. Clinically, it is the role of the Neuropsychologist to sort out the factors that influence how the brain is working in order to understand disease expression, progress, and recovery. Practical applications include the precision assessment of intellectual and emotional functioning and related achievement levels in scholastic endeavors, professional accomplishment, relationships and sports. Once an individual's ability and achievement levels have been accurately measured, that individual is better prepared to chart a course of personal improvement.