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What
is Civitan-Sparks Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic?
The Civitan-Sparks Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic serves children
and adolescents aged 2-18 with diverse medical and neurodevelopmental
disorders. Children are
evaluated on a daily basis in the clinic in order to determine their current
strengths and weaknesses, as well as the manner in which they process information.
Evaluation results are used to help families, medical practitioners, school
personnel, and other caregivers understand the child’s current functioning
and abilities, in order to develop the most effective, scientifically based
plan of care.
What
is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist?
Pediatric neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists specializing in the
relationship between the brain and behavior. They are familiar with medical
and neurological issues, as well as developmental, behavioral, and psychological
problems of childhood and adolescence. A pediatric neuropsychologist is educated
in brain development, function, and injury or disease. He or she is capable
of administering and interpreting specific kinds of neurological and psychological
tests that help explain behavior and thought processing.
A neuropsychological evaluation involves testing that is sensitive to problems in brain functioning, behavioral observations, record reviews, and clinical interviews. A neuropsychological examination determines how well the brain is working when it performs certain actions. Neuropsychological tests commonly examine the following areas: attention and memory, reasoning and problem solving, visual-spatial functioning, language, sensory-motor skills, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Most of the tests involve questions and answers or working with materials on a table. The neuropsychologist or staff member will also spend some time talking to the child and parent about medical, personal, and school history. The purpose of neuropsychological testing is to answer particular referral questions and concerns. Some common referral questions involve assisting with medical or psychological diagnosis, obtaining information that will assist in medical, educational, and behavioral planning, collecting baseline data on cognitive and/or behavioral functioning, and/or determining whether the child may qualify for special programs or assistance.
Who
would need a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Our psychologists serve children with varying disabilities or medical needs.
Specific populations whom we serve include children and adolescents with
epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, brain tumor, cancer,
leukemia,
sickle cell disease, neurotoxic exposure, central nervous system infections,
genetic and metabolic disorders, and the full range of neurodevelopmental
disorders including Pervasive Developmental Delays, complicated Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity,
and Learning Disabilities.
Meet
Our Psychologists
Preparing
for a Neuropsychological Evaluation
The
MORE Tutoring Program
Taking
Charge: Youth Education and Epilepsy Group
Trainee
Opportunities
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an appointment or contact us
Local Accommodations
Patient
Intake Information Form (required for an appointment at Sparks
Clinics)