About Neuropsychological and Educational Testing
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is designed to uncover an individual's unique strengths and challenges, providing the foundation for a truly personalized educational and treatment plan. Evaluations are often sought when there are questions about developmental delays, learning difficulties, attention, behavior, socialization, or emotional well-being. They are also recommended following medical events such as a chronic illness, genetic diagnosis, or acquired brain injury (including concussions).
These evaluations typically assess cognitive abilities, academic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics), attention, executive functioning, language, memory and learning, and fine motor skills. Social, emotional, and behavioral functioning are also evaluated to ensure a complete picture. In some cases, a classroom observation may be arranged. This type of assessment can be conducted from the preschool years through graduate school, and results are integrated across all measures to support accurate diagnoses and meaningful recommendations.
Our Approach to Educational Testing
Every evaluation begins with a genuine commitment to understanding the whole child, teen, or young adult, taking into account family, school, culture, medical history, therapeutic background, and individual strengths. This comprehensive perspective helps us build a thoughtful, actionable plan tailored to each person's learning profile.
The evaluation process unfolds across 8 to 10 sessions (approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours each), beginning with an initial conference to review background history and answer any questions families may have. In urgent or other situations (families coming from a long distance or internationally), a condensed format of 2 to 3 longer appointments can be arranged. At the conclusion of testing, a thorough feedback conference reviews all findings and recommendations, and we provide a comprehensive written report. Most children, teens, and young adults are also offered a personal debrief session: a dedicated time to explore their own strengths and differences in an age-appropriate, strengths-based, and encouraging way.
Throughout the process, we take a thoughtful, sensitive approach to help each person feel at ease. We guide younger children carefully so testing feels comfortable and even fun. For teens and young adults, meaningful conversations about results and what they mean are welcomed and treated as an integral part of the process. When anxiety arises, addressing it is always a priority so the children/teens and young adults can approach testing with confidence.
In addition to Dr. Robokos, Katherine Kar, Ed.M., and Alex Kelly, Ed.M., NCSP, are certified to conduct testing under Dr. Robokos' supervision. Katherine and Alex hold a Master's degree in Education/School Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Learn more about Katherine's and Alex’s background and experience on their profile page.
What Questions Can Testing Answer?
-
Does my child, or do I, have a learning disability in reading, writing, or mathematics?
-
Is ADHD a factor?
-
Is my child gifted?
-
Are there concerns related to memory or language?
-
Could emotional or personality factors be affecting performance at school, work, or home?
-
What are my child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and what does their overall learning profile look like?
-
Might accommodations be appropriate, and what kind?
-
What type of school placement or educational setting would be the best fit?
-
What strategies can support success at school and at home?
-
My child is in high school or college and we're only now looking for answers. Is it too late? (It's not.)
What is Assessed?
A typical evaluation may include:
- Intelligence/cognitive functioning
- Academic achievement
- Memory and learning
- Language functioning – receptive, expressive and social/pragmatic communication
- Attention and executive functioning
- Visual-spatial skills
- Motor coordination
- Emotional, behavioral, and social functioning
How Will the Testing Help?
The evaluation report and feedback session will:
- Describe areas of strength and areas of difficulty clearly and specifically
- Explain the underlying reasons for academic or personal challenges
- Provide a concrete plan for support, both academically and behaviorally
- Offer recommendations for educational placements and accommodations when appropriate
Crucially, neuropsychological testing goes beyond identifying that a problem exists; it helps explain why. For example, rather than simply identifying a reading disability, testing can determine whether the difficulty stems from processing the sounds of words or from visually processing letters. That distinction directly shapes the most effective path forward.
Dr. Robokos is available to communicate findings directly with schools and other providers, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, tutors, and therapists, when families choose. We can also provide referrals to learning specialists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and other medical and educational providers as needed.
Can Testing Help College Students and Adults?
Absolutely. Many colleges require documented testing to grant accommodations such as extended time or access to notes. Testing can also help adults better understand their own profiles and develop strategies to thrive at work and at home.
