Pediatric Neuropsychologists - Dallas, TX

What is Pediatric Neuropsychology?

Pediatric neuropsychology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This specialty also provides psychological care for cognitive learning disorders, as well as childhood neurological and medical conditions. Pediatric neuropsychology acknowledges that the brain influences cognition, which impacts functioning and behavior. Pediatric neuropsychologists use this connection between the brain and behavior to better understand the behavioral or intellectual implications of certain conditions. Pediatric neuropsychologists are not medical doctors, but possess a doctorate in the relevant neurology or psychology fields and additional training in pediatrics. The following conditions may be evaluated and treated by neuropsychologists:

Demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
Preterm birth, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction from lack of oxygen, usually occurring during childbirth)
Developmental disorders or disabilities, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, among many others
Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
Acquired brain dysfunction, such as stroke or epilepsy

Pediatric neuropsychologists use a variety of diagnostic procedures to assess children's mental health and functioning. A neuropsychology diagnosis may consist of a four-part evaluation that begins with an interview with a child's caregivers and family members. Neuropsychologists host this interview to gain a greater understanding of the child's developmental background and capabilities. Next, neuropsychologists may review the child's medical history records, school reports, and prior evaluations. Third, neuropsychologists administer several tests to assess children's cognitive abilities; these tests measure language, learning and memory, perceptual skills, concentration, social relations, and abstract thinking. Finally, neuropsychologists lead a discussion with the child's family where they can share their analysis and interpret test results.

Following neuropsychological evaluations, neuropsychologists provide reports with advice and detailed treatment recommendations. Neuropsychologists may additionally perform the following services:

Individualized education plan (IEP) assessments, which are written reports that may make children eligible for certain accommodations in public schools
Interventional support and specialist referrals
Full neuropsychological evaluation prior to a child's medical treatment or new prescription

Pediatric neuropsychologists may collaborate with pediatric neurologists, pediatric psychologists or psychiatrists, forensic psychiatrists, speech language pathologists, as well as social service, school, and juvenile justice professionals.