Pediatric Neuropsychology

Pediatric neuropsychology is concerned with learning and behavior in relationship to a child’s brain. A neuropsychological evaluation at Tashawna K. Duncan, Ph.D., P.A. usually includes an interview with parents about the child’s history, observation of and interview with child, and testing. Formal testing of abilities assesses brain functioning and assists in better understanding a child’s functioning in various areas such as memory, attention, perception, coordination, language, and personality.

A neuropsychological evaluation may be appropriate when the child has…

  • Difficulty in learning, attention, behavior, socialization, or emotional control
  • A disease or inborn developmental problem that affects the brain in some way
  • A brain injury from an accident, birth trauma, or other physical stress

What may be assessed during a typical neuropsychological evaluation by Tashawna K. Duncan, Ph.D., P.A.?

  • General intellect
  • Achievement skills, such as reading and mathematics
  • Executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, inhibition, and flexibility
  • Attention
  • Learning and memory
  • Language
  • Visual-spatial skills
  • Motor coordination
  • Behavioral and social functioning
  • Social skills

What will I learn about my child from neuropsychological testing?

  • How my child learns information
  • The reasons school problems are present (i.e., attention problem, language disorder)
  • The effects of developmental, neurological, and medical problems such as epilepsy, ADHD, and autism
  • A better understanding of the child’s behavior and learning in school, at home, and in the community