Neuropsychology
Pediatric Neuropsychologists are psychologists that have specialized training in understanding relationships between children’s behavior, brain structures and brain systems. They are knowledgeable in brain organization, brain development, and the effects of acquired and developmental brain-based disorders on child and adolescent development.
Neuropsychologists in the outpatient neuropsychology service at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh conduct individual neuropsychological evaluations to help physicians, parents, caregivers, and therapists understand a child’s thinking, learning and behavior in the context of their medical condition. Strengths and weaknesses are identified and recommendations for supporting and/or improving a child’s functioning and independence across settings including home, school, and community are provided. This is typically a full day evaluation, depending on the child’s age and endurance, as determined by the neuropsychologist. All evaluations are completed at the Squirrel Hill location.
Areas of brain function that may be tested include:
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Intellectual Functioning
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Processing Speed
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Attention
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Memory
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Executive Functions
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Language
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Reasoning
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Visual-spatial skills
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Sensorimotor Functioning
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Adaptive Functioning
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Behavioral and Emotional Adjustment
The outpatient neuropsychology service specifically serves children birth to 21 with medically documented brain-based disorders including but not limited to the following:
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Brain Injury/Concussion
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Seizures/Epilepsy
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Cerebral Palsy
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Brain Tumors
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Spina Bifida/Myelomeningocele
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Muscular Dystrophies
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Anoxic Brain Injury
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Cerebral Vascular Accident/Stroke
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Neurofibromatosis
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Late effects of brain surgery or oncology treatments
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Hydrocephalus
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Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Conditions
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Genetic Conditions
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Other Neurological Disorders
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If you are a physician and would like to make a referral, call 412.420.2254 of fax this form (Click to download referral form) to 412.420.2510
If you are a parent/caregiver and would like more information or would like to know how to initiate a referral, please call the neuropsychology department at 412.420.2254 or call the central referral line at 412.420.2362.
Neuropsychological evaluations are covered by many major insurance providers as a medical benefit, if it is deemed medically necessary. Once a referral is made, we will work with you to determine if this is a covered benefit in your insurance plan.
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