When a child with cancer is struggling cognitively (to focus on the right information or is falling behind academically), a neuropsychological evaluation may be ordered by a physician.
Performed by clinical psychologist Ryan Kaner, the evaluation often entails an interview with the parents, behavioral observation and an interview with the child, and testing. Testing can include hands-on activities, answering questions, paper and pencil activities, and using a computer. Parents and teachers also fill out questionnaires about the child.
The time it takes to do the evaluation varies depending on the child’s age, abilities and difficulty of the task. (Cultural considerations and disabilities are taken into account.) Recommendations from the neuropsychological examination may include specific professional interventions that can be incorporated into a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).