What Does a Neuropsychological Exam Assess?

A neuropsychological exam may include tests of:

  • Memory (short-term, long-term, and working memory)

  • Attention and concentration

  • Problem-solving and reasoning

  • Language skills

  • Visual–spatial abilities

  • Processing speed

  • Motor skills and coordination

  • Emotional and psychological functioning

The results help families, educators, therapists, and doctors better understand an individual’s cognitive strengths and challenges, guide treatment planning, track changes over time, and support decisions about daily functioning.

What are Neuropsychological Exams Used For?

Neuropsychological evaluations play a valuable role in educational settings. Schools often use these assessments to:

  • Identify learning differences: A neuropsych exam can pinpoint the underlying cognitive reasons a student may struggle with reading, writing, math, attention, or organization.

  • Clarify diagnoses: It can help differentiate among conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, and anxiety and other emotional disorders.

  • Guide individualized support plans: Results often inform IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 plans, helping educators tailor accommodations, interventions, and teaching strategies to the student’s specific needs.

  • Monitor progress over time: Follow-up testing can show how a student is developing and whether current supports are effective.

  • Support transitions: Whether moving from elementary to middle school, high school to college, or entering vocational programs, a neuropsych evaluation can help determine what supports or accommodations may be needed next.

In school settings, these assessments offer a deeper understanding of how a student learns, helping ensure they receive the most effective support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.