Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behaviour relationships. A variety of standardized behavioral measures are administered and the results are used for an individual’s underlying ability and current functioning in a number of broad cognitive domains, that is attention, memory, intelligence, language, visual-spatial thinking and other motor abilities.

Performance on these tests are then compared with normative performance levels of the general population and where they once again some insight into their natural abilities and performances of those tested.

Purpose of Neuropsychological Assessment

• Aid in the detection of neurological disorders
• Determine if a developmental learning disorder or other neurodevelopment disorder exists and suggest treatment.
• Assess adaptive functioning in response to neuropathology or psychopathology and use this information to assist in education and vocational planning.
• Provide information about the course and prognosis of deficits.

A neuropsychological assessment may be useful for rehabilitation. The neuropsychologist can gauge the individual’s ability to rejoin the workforce and what efforts are needed towards reentry. Aspects of neuropsychological testing can be integrated with organizational psychology in order to enhance the quality of vocational assessment.

Neuropsychological status plays an important role in determining an individual’s overall competency. Questions typically involve one’s ability to exercise rational judgment, make competent decisions, and live in an independent fashion. Assessment of the individual’s awareness of their limitation is also important in establishing ability for independent functioning.