Children and Teens: When to Consult in Neuropsychology?
The essentials: a neuropsychological assessment draws a picture of a child’s cognitive functioning: attention, memory, language, executive functions and learning. It is mainly considered when difficulties persist, show up in more than one setting and do not improve despite the usual support. Its conclusions can guide parents and the school, particularly for the intervention plan.
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
According to the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ), a neuropsychological assessment seeks to establish the link between brain functioning and behaviour: it looks at cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes related to higher mental functions. For children and teens, it relies on age-appropriate standardized tests and on information provided by the family and the school.
When does it make sense to consult?
There is no checklist of symptoms. What deserves attention is the combination of three elements:
- Duration: the difficulties have been present for several months, not only during a period of transition;
- Scope: they show up in more than one setting, for example at school and at home;
- Impact: they interfere with learning, independence or relationships, despite the help already offered.
The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that, for ADHD, symptoms must appear before age 12, last at least 6 months and show up in more than one setting.
Important: these guideposts do not replace a professional’s opinion. School difficulties can have many explanations, and only an assessment process can clarify them.
What the assessment can help clarify
ADHD and learning disorders
ADHD and learning disorders (dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia) are neurodevelopmental disorders. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, 5 to 10% of school-age children in Canada meet the criteria for a learning disorder, and about one in three children with ADHD also has a learning disorder.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
In Quebec, an ASD diagnosis can be made by a physician or a psychologist. An assessment of cognitive functioning can complement that picture.
Giftedness
Quebec’s Ministère de l’Éducation specifies that giftedness should not be considered a diagnosis. Its assessment relies mainly on intelligence tests, complemented by other information.
Who can make a diagnosis in Quebec?
The Professional Code governs these activities. Psychologists may diagnose mental disorders, which include ADHD and learning disorders. Diagnosing neuropsychological disorders is reserved to psychologists who hold a training certificate issued by the OPQ, and only they may use the title of neuropsychologist.
And at school?
Quebec’s Education Act provides that the school principal establishes an intervention plan for a student with a handicap or with adjustment or learning difficulties, together with the parents, the staff and the student. The Ministère de l’Éducation specifies that a plan can be established even without a diagnosis: services are based on the student’s needs. An assessment report can nonetheless help the school team better understand those needs and choose appropriate measures.
To know which professional to see depending on the situation, read our article Neuropsychologist, psychologist or social worker: who should you see?
At Clinique Octobre
Clinique Octobre offers neuropsychological assessments for children and teens aged 0 to 17, in French and English, in person in Laval or by teleconsultation anywhere in Quebec. The report presents the strengths and difficulties observed along with concrete recommendations for home and school.
FAQ
When should I consult for my child?
When attention, memory or learning difficulties have lasted several months, show up in more than one setting and interfere with daily life despite the help already offered. These guideposts do not replace a professional's opinion.
Can a neuropsychological assessment clarify ADHD?
Yes. The assessment looks at attention, memory and executive functions, and can help clarify ADHD or a learning disorder. In Quebec, psychologists may diagnose these disorders.
Is a diagnosis needed for a school intervention plan?
No. According to the Ministère de l'Éducation, an intervention plan can be established based on the student's needs, even without a diagnosis. An assessment report can still help the school team.
Is giftedness a diagnosis?
No. Quebec's Ministère de l'Éducation specifies that giftedness should not be considered a diagnosis. Its assessment relies mainly on intelligence tests.
Do you offer assessments for children?
Yes. Clinique Octobre offers neuropsychological assessments for children and teens aged 0 to 17, in French and English, in Laval or by teleconsultation anywhere in Quebec.
An assessment for your child
A clear picture of how your child functions and concrete recommendations for home and school, in French and English.
Discover the child and teen assessmentSources: Ordre des psychologues du Québec, Activities a psychologist can perform · Canadian Paediatric Society, Learning disorder · Government of Québec, Students with handicaps or learning difficulties. This article is informational and does not replace a health professional’s advice.
