Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychologists are specialist psychologists who have expertise in understanding brain-behaviour relationships, and the relationship between brain injury, cognitive impairment, personality and behavioural difficulties. Whilst other types of psychologists can use psychometric tools to screen for possible impairments, interpretation and comprehensive evaluation for diagnostic purposes or detailed understanding of functioning should be completed by individuals with endorsements in clinical neuropsychology from the Australian Health Practitioner Registration (AHPRA).
Neuropsychological assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s cognitive abilities, which is used to determine the presence of a range of conditions compromising brain functioning and cognitive abilities, as well as their impact on behaviour, personality, and mood. This detailed assessment can then be used for a variety of purposes, such as management and treatment plans, determining appropriate supports, and informed decision making.
Common referral questions include:
- Does the individual have an ABI due to a traumatic insult (TBI), substance abuse, or other neurological event
- Diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric disorder
- Diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions such as learning or intellectual disability
- What is an individual’s capacity to make a specific medical, financial, or lifestyle decision
- What are the impacts of known or suspected injury or diagnosis on daily functioning or behaviour
- Treatment and management recommmendations for individuals with known or suspected impairment
The assessment process involves the client attending an interview and completing a series of tasks which look at the different areas of cognitive functioning. Generally, this part of the assessment takes around 4 hours and can be completed over the course of a day or on two separate sessions. Following the assessment, the neuropsychologist then scores and interprets the psychometric results, reviews relevant collateral materials, and prepares a report addressing the referral question. A feedback session, where results and interpretation of the assessment are discussed, is then offered to the referrer, client and their supporters.
Forensic Assessment
Comprehensive and objective expert forensic assessment reports can be provided at a Local, District, and Supreme Court level.
In the Civil Law arena, neuropsychological assessment can assist in identifying cognitive impairments resulting from an accident such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Assessments can examine the severity and impact of the impairment on an individual’s current functioning, rehabilitation needs, and ability to return to activities such as education and employment. Such assessments are useful for insurer or solicitor claim evaluations as well as employers or service providers involved in rehabilitation.
We can also provide capacity assessments regarding individual’s capacity to make specific financial, medical, and lifestyle decisions. These assessments can assist decisions by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
For Criminal Law matters, comprehensive forensic neuropsychological assessment assesses an individual’s cognitive functioning in relation to their behaviours and the legal question.
Such evaluation is important where the client may be experiencing a condition impacting brain functioning, such as acquired brain injury (due to traumatic insult, stroke, substance abuse etc), neurodegenerative disorder (e.g. dementia, parkinson’s or huntington’s) or complex mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia).
Based on comprehensive neuropsychological and forensic assessment reports can address topics such as risk, pre-sentencing, fitness to stand trial, section 32, substantial impairment, and management or treatment needs. Our assessments include evaluation of client engagement and effort in order to ensure validity of results and provided opinion.
Education and Training
We are able to provide half and full day training on a range of topics related to forensic neuropsychology, such as identifying and working with clients with cognitive impairments, and on the relationship between cognitive impairment and offender risks and needs. We tailor the presentations to suit the needs of your group, having experience providing such training to students, community members, and service providers.
Please contact us (0447843615 or mhughes@neuroforensics.com.au) for further information.
For Clinical Psychological Services please visit:
Intervention
We provide individual client-centred neuropsychological intervention services. Such services include cognitive remediation and behavioural management, tailored to suit the needs of the individual. We provide psycho-education to clients, families, and service providers, and work together to introduce and monitor behavioural and cognitive strategies.
Please contact us (0447843615 or mhughes@neuroforensics.com.au) for further information.
For Clinical Psychological Services please visit: