Frequently Asked Questions

Neuropsychology is a specialty field within psychology. Neuropsychology examines the relationship between brain functioning and behavior. In children and adolescents, it can help explain how development, medical history, neurological conditions, attention, learning, memory, language, executive functioning, and emotional or behavioral factors affect everyday functioning.

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of brain-behavior relationships. Unlike a standard medical test (like an MRI or EEG) which looks at the physical structure of the brain, a neuropsychological evaluation looks at how well the brain is actually functioning. By using standardized paper-and-pencil, hands-on, and computerized tasks, Dr. Wolfe measures cognitive strengths and weaknesses to create a customized profile of how your child processes information.

Psychological evaluations typically focus on diagnosing emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric conditions (such as anxiety, depression, or standard ADHD) primarily through clinical interviews, observation, and rating scales.

Neuropsychological evaluations go much deeper into cognitive mechanics. They assess specific brain functions—such as executive functioning, memory systems, language processing, visual-spatial skills, fine motor skills, and processing speed. This is critical for children with complex medical histories (e.g., CHD, prematurity, epilepsy, TBI) or those with complex, overlapping learning and behavioral profiles.

School-Based Evaluations (Psychoeducational): These are conducted by school psychologists to determine if a child meets the state’s legal criteria for special education services or accommodations (under an IEP or 504 Plan). They focus almost exclusively on academic performance and basic intelligence. They do not provide medical or clinical diagnoses.

Clinical Neuropsychological Evaluations: These are medical/clinical assessments. Dr. Wolfe looks at the whole child, integrating their medical history, neurological status, and developmental trajectory. She can diagnose clinical conditions (e.g., ADHD, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism, cognitive deficits secondary to medical conditions) and provide recommendations that apply to home, community, medical care, and school.

If your child has a known or suspected medical, neurological, or genetic condition, or if they have complex learning/behavioral struggles that have not responded to standard interventions, a neuropsychological evaluation is typically the most appropriate choice. During your initial consultation, Dr. Wolfe will review your concerns and help determine if a neuropsychological evaluation is the right fit.

An evaluation is highly valuable even without a formal diagnosis. The primary goal is to map your child’s cognitive profile. Identifying that a child’s struggles are due to a specific pattern of cognitive processing (e.g., slow processing speed or weak working memory) rather than a diagnosable disorder still provides a vital roadmap for targeted support at home and school.

Dr. Wolfe evaluates children, adolescents, and young adults, typically ranging from ages 4 through 18. This age range may be extended for young adults with developmental disabilities or those currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational setting.

While many families are referred by pediatricians, neurologists, cardiologists, or teachers, a formal physician referral is not always required to schedule an appointment.

No. Dr. Wolfe’s practice is strictly clinical. She does not conduct evaluations for custody disputes, forensic/legal proceedings, or court-ordered mandates.

A comprehensive evaluation typically consists of three distinct steps:

• The Intake Consultation: A discussion of your child’s developmental, medical, and academic history, and a review of your current concerns.
• The Testing Session: The direct assessment session(s) where your child works one-on-one with Dr. Wolfe.
• The Feedback Session: A detailed meeting to discuss the results, diagnostic impressions, and the recommended plan of action.

• Intake and Feedback: These sessions can often be conducted virtually via secure telehealth for your convenience.
• Testing Session: This must be conducted entirely in person at our clinic to ensure standardized, valid test administration.

Direct testing typically takes between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the child’s age, the complexity of the referral questions, and their processing speed. Dr. Wolfe builds in frequent breaks for snacks, movement, and rest to ensure your child performs at their best.

• Corrective devices: Any corrective lenses (glasses/contacts) or hearing aids your child uses.
• Comfort items: A water bottle and several preferred, low-sugar snacks.
• Documentation: A copy of previous evaluations (school IEPs/504 plans, speech therapy reports, prior psychological testing) and relevant medical records (especially for cardiac, oncology, or neurological conditions). Note: You only need to bring physical copies of these documents if they have not been previously shared during the intake appointment, uploaded to the electronic medical record, or sent via email.
• Medications: A list of all current medications and dosages.

Yes. Unless explicitly instructed otherwise by Dr. Wolfe or your prescribing physician, your child should take all daily medications (including ADHD stimulants) at their usual times. Testing a child off their prescribed medication can produce results that do not reflect their daily functioning.

Yes. You will receive a comprehensive, detailed written report. This document includes your child’s history, test scores, clinical interpretations, diagnostic determinations, and highly specific recommendations. Reports are typically finalized and sent to families within 1 week following the feedback session.

Absolutely. Dr. Wolfe’s reports include a dedicated section outlining evidence-based educational recommendations. These are designed to translate directly into school accommodations, such as IEP goals, 504 Plan accommodations, classroom modifications, and specialized instructional strategies.

The evaluation report is protected health information (PHI) and belongs to you. Dr. Wolfe will not share the report with anyone without your written consent. During the feedback session, Dr. Wolfe will discuss who should receive a copy (such as your pediatrician, pediatric subspecialists, or school team), and she can securely send it to them once you sign a release form.

Because children’s brains develop rapidly, re-evaluations are often recommended during major developmental transitions (e.g., moving from elementary to middle school, or preparing for college) or to monitor the late effects of medical treatments. Typically, evaluations are updated every 2 to 3 years, or sooner if there is a sudden change in academic, cognitive, or medical status.