What is Neurocognitive Testing?

Neurocognitive testing is a way to measure brain function and health. The testing process consists of tests and tasks to assess important aspects of cognition, including attention, memory, language, reaction time, motor function, problem-solving, decision-making, perception, and ability to learn. These tests allow for comparison of a person’s functioning capabilities to others, or against themselves at a previous time. 

What Can Be Detected?

Neurocognitive testing can help detect problems within the brain early on. Because most cognitive issues are accompanied by subtle changes in attention, language, perception, and motor function, such as hand-eye skills, early detection is possible. Below are cognitive problems that can be detected by neurocognitive testing:

• • Social Strains – Neurocognitive testing could help parents and teachers understand how problems with a child’s brain may relate to problems seen at school, home, or with peers.
  • Learning Disabilities – Neurocognitive testing can identify the best learning techniques and methods for a child. It may also help identify a child’s specific strengths and weaknesses. 
  • Disease – Neurocognitive testing could detect the early stages of cognitive disease, such as dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
  • Brain Injury – Neurocognitive testing is capable of detecting brain injuries, such as a concussion.
  • Emotional Disorders – Neurocognitive testing can detect various psychological and emotional disorders, such as depression or anxiety. This may also explain behavioral issues.
  • Brain Changes – Neurocognitive testing can help detect normal brain changes in individuals that are related to getting older. 

Neurocognitive Testing for Children in The Woodlands

Pediatric neurocognitive testing helps parents and teachers understand various cognitive disorders in children, such as developmental problems. Rather than focusing on if there is an issue, it is important to understand why the problem persists; therefore, assessment is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment.  

Geo-Anna Q. Hirshenbaum PhD, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, provides extensive neurocognitive testing in The Woodlands, Texas for children. Through careful analysis, Dr. Hirshenbaum’s assessment process allows for diagnostic clarity and individualized recommendations to move forward in pinpointing issues of distress, planning effective treatment, and reaching personal goals.

Neurocognitive Testing for Adults in The Woodlands

Just like children, adults can benefit from undergoing neurocognitive testing, too. Through proper assessment, adults can indicate and identify potential underlying learning disabilities, emotional disorders, brain changes, or disease. 

Dr. Hirshenbaum provides extensive neurocognitive testing in The Woodlands, Texas for adults. Along with the psychological evaluation, she offers extensive recommendations and referrals for continuing treatment to reach one’s ultimate success.