Neuropsychology
About Our Pediatric Neuropsychology Program
Pediatric Neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and treatment for children and adolescents with a range of medical and neurological disorders impacting their cognition and behaviors. Call Children’s Hospital New Orleans Behavioral Health Center today if you need an appointment to assess these potential health issues for your child or adolescent. We are here to give you the help you need today, intending to improve your little one’s overall quality of life.
Conditions we treat
This program evaluates and treats neuropsychological symptoms related to conditions such as:
- Brain tumor and other childhood cancers
- Central nervous system infection
- Cerebral palsy
- Cerebrovascular disease or stroke
- Craniofacial conditions
- Demyelinating disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ADEM)
- Epilepsy
- Genetic/metabolic disorders
- Heart disease (e.g., congenital heart disease, heart failure, heart transplant)
- Hydrocephalus
- Hypoxic or anoxic brain injury
- Mitochondrial disorders
- Neurotoxic exposures
- Spina bifida
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cognitive issues following viral illness (e.g. Covid-19, meningitis)
Conditions we do not treat
- Patients without medical conditions impacting the brain
- Patients with primary concern of autism
- Patients with only emotional or behavioral concerns
- Rule-out learning disabilities in absence of a medical diagnosis
- Forensic (legal) evaluations
Assessment overview
Our pediatric neuropsychologists will assess our patient’s thinking, attention, language, memory, visual, spatial abilities, and other behaviors. The information can be used to help make medical and school decisions. Typical ages of patients range from school age (4 years) children through early adulthood. Our patients who have a medical diagnosis that would affect cognition or behavior (e.g., epilepsy, brain injury, etc.) are seen in our clinic. The assessment will begin with a meeting with a neuropsychologist followed by one-on-one testing with a psychometrist. Parents are asked to remain in the waiting room or on the hospital campus. During the assessment, patients’ complete school-like tasks (paper-and-pencil, computer, etc.). Some tasks will vary in complexity. There is no grade or consequence for incorrect answers. Results and a formal report are available within a month of the evaluation. The report will include a test summary as well as recommendations for treatment and school accommodations. Lastly, a feedback session will then be offered to families.
- Intellectual functioning
- Attention and executive function skills (e.g., planning, organization, impulse control, cognitive flexibility)
- Reasoning and problem solving
- Language
- Visual-spatial/visual-perceptual skills
- Sensory-perceptual functioning
- Fine motor abilities
- Learning and memory
- Academic achievement
- Social skills
- Emotional and behavioral functioning
- Adaptive skills (independence in daily living activities)
- Baseline assessment of function or screening purposes in individuals without medical conditions known to affect the brain
- Monitoring of chronic conditions when there is no significant new change in behavioral, mental state, or cognitive functioning
Reach out to us today for more information about our neuropsychological evaluations
Our dedicated team at the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Behavioral Health Center is here to help. We have trained medical professionals on staff to help get you the answers you need for your child or adolescent’s mental health issues. We equip our clinics with the latest technologies and world-class care to ensure our mission of providing healthcare with heart across Southeastern Louisiana.
