Back to Basics: What Is a Neuropsychological Assessment?

Back to Basics: What Is a Neuropsychological Assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment is a detailed evaluation of how the brain functions in relation to thinking, behaviour, and emotions. It helps identify strengths and difficulties in areas such as memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. These assessments are carried out by a trained clinical psychologist or educational psychologist specialising in neuropsychology, and they play a crucial role in understanding how different conditions—both neurological and psychological—affect everyday life.

Why Might Someone Need a Neuropsychological Assessment?

People are referred for a neuropsychological assessment for many reasons. Some have experienced a brain injury, stroke, or neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy. Others might be struggling with difficulties linked to ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or psychosis.

While these conditions differ, they can all affect how a person thinks, remembers, and processes information. A neuropsychological assessment helps to clarify the nature and cause of these difficulties, guide diagnosis, and inform treatment or rehabilitation planning.

For example:

• An adult with ADHD may undergo testing to understand attention, working memory, and executive functioning challenges that affect work or study.
• Someone with depression or bipolar disorder may have cognitive assessments to explore how mood episodes impact memory and concentration.
• In autism, assessments can highlight cognitive profiles, such as strengths in visual reasoning or difficulties with flexibility and social understanding.
• A person recovering from brain injury may be assessed to measure recovery, plan rehabilitation, or determine readiness to return to work.

What Does the Assessment Involve?

A neuropsychological assessment usually includes a detailed interview and a series of structured tasks and questionnaires. These tests are designed to measure different areas of cognitive functioning—such as speed of thinking, language, spatial awareness, and emotional processing. The process is tailored to each person’s individual needs and age, ranging from children to older adults.

The results are interpreted within the context of medical history, education, and daily functioning. The outcome is a comprehensive report outlining cognitive strengths and weaknesses, practical recommendations, and, when relevant, strategies for rehabilitation or support.

Clinical vs Educational Psychologists: Who Should Carry Out the Assessment?

A clinical psychologist specialising in neuropsychology typically carries out neuropsychological assessments for individuals with neurological conditions, brain injuries, or mental health disorders. Their focus is on understanding how brain functioning affects cognition, behaviour, and emotion, often within healthcare or medico-legal contexts.

An educational psychologist, on the other hand, is usually involved when the primary concern relates to learning, education, or development—particularly in children and young people. For example, if a child is struggling at school and there are questions about learning differences, memory, or attention, an educational psychologist’s assessment may be more appropriate.

Both professionals can use neuropsychological testing, but their expertise and settings differ: a clinical psychologist focuses on brain–behaviour relationships in health and illness, while an educational psychologist focuses on learning, development, and educational outcomes.

At The London Neurocognitive Clinic, our psychology experts (be it a clinical psychologist or educational psychologist) carry out detailed neuropsychological assessments for people of all ages, helping to clarify diagnoses, guide rehabilitation, and support wellbeing. Whether working with individuals affected by neurological conditions, mental health difficulties, or developmental disorders, our goal is to provide clear, evidence-based insights that improve understanding and enhance quality of life.