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Who can benefit from an evaluation? 
A neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate for individuals who are not meeting developmental milestones, struggle academically, have behavioral difficulties, or demonstrate social problems. Evaluations are helpful to those who have a history (or suspected history) of conditions/individual differences such as:
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Developmental Delay
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Developmental Dyslexia
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Dyscalculia (Math Disability)
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Epilepsy
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Giftedness
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Language-Based Learning Disorder
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Mental Retardation
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Mood and Anxiety Disorders
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Nonverbal Learning Disorder
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Social Skills Deficits
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Tic Disorder
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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Evaluations of young children are appropriate to determine eligibility for early intervention services. Similarly, as young children transition from early intervention programs to school, an evaluation is critical to assess skills and determine the need for intervention. Dr. Scalzo also evaluates young adults as they transition to college and provides appropriate recommendations needed to obtain services.
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What is a neuropsychological evaluation? 
The purpose of the neuropsychological evaluation is to assess the brain-behavior relationships that impact children’s functioning in school and in their personal lives.
The process is a detailed procedure that aims to understand the whole child, with a focus on accurate and comprehensive data. The process typically unfolds as follows:
1. Meeting the parent(s). Following the initial phone consultation, an initial interview is conducted in the office with the parent(s) of the child.
2. Comprehensive assessment of abilities. Testing usually involves 8-10 hours of direct assessment with the child. Areas assessed typically include:
- Intelligence
- Academic Achievement
- Memory and Learning
- Language
- Attention and Executive Functions
- Visual Spatial Skills
- Motor Functions
- Emotional and Behavioral Functions
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School observation and communication with teachers and other relevant professionals, is available and utilized where warranted and desired.
3. Putting the pieces together. Based on the detailed information gathered, a profile of the child’s strengths and weaknesses is created. From this information, accurate diagnoses can also be made where applicable.
4. Gaining insight. A detailed and clear feedback session is designed to inform and educate the parents about the child’s cognitive profile and how their brain functioning impacts their behavior and school performance. Children who are developmentally ready also receive a child-centered feedback session to help highlight their strengths and to explain the “game-plan” to them in language that they understand, so that they can advocate for themselves.
5. Action plan. The data and new understanding is used to set a course of action that is tailored to children’s needs. Collaboration with and referrals to other professionals is an integral part of the process. From the feedback session forward, Dr. Scalzo guides the family to the most appropriate professionals and other services that can best meet their child’s needs.
Dr. Scalzo is always available to help advocate for the child at school.
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How are the results from the evaluation used? 
The results of the evaluation explain how the child thinks and what his/her cognitive strengths and weaknesses are: especially how they relate to his/her functioning in school and other applied settings (e.g., making friends, following through on household tasks).
While many times the child has a pattern of strengths and weaknesses that is unique to them but does not meet a pattern that is associated with a specific diagnosis, other times a specific diagnosis is warranted. Accurate diagnosis helps guide appropriate intervention. People are sometimes concerned that a diagnosis will limit a child. For this reason, Dr. Scalzo helps parents to use diagnoses respectfully, to facilitate the best possible treatment, and to aid understanding.
The comprehensive nature of the assessment allows for differential diagnosis, for example, whether a child is distracted in class because he/she has attention problems versus a learning disability or area of relative cognitive weakness.
Because the assessment is comprehensive, it helps the family to gain an understanding of the “whole child.” Frequently, young children are referred for speech-language therapy or occupational therapy, but a broader understanding of what is driving those needs and of the child in a broader context of learning and understanding is not provided. Dr. Scalzo’s goal is to make this detailed information meaningful to the parents and child.
With a better understanding of how the child thinks, recommendations are made for bolstering weak skills and enhancing areas of strength. Oftentimes children can use their strengths to help compensate for their areas of weakness.
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What is unique about Dr. Scalzo’s approach? 
Dr. Scalzo’s training in neuropsychology is specialized and her practice is solely devoted to neuropsychological assessment. Dr. Scalzo believes that the level of specificity provided by the detailed assessment and the accuracy of diagnosis is crucial, especially for children who present with subtle concerns that are often over-looked with other types of more cursory assessment.
Dr. Scalzo’s manner is playful, warm and kind. Children and young adults respond well to her style, which facilitates accurate results. Even children who are initially reluctant to engage with unfamiliar adults are universally at ease with Dr. Scalzo. Dr. Scalzo’s nature is also professional and reassuring to parents, who are encouraged to use Dr. Scalzo as a resource and advocate.
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Payment for Services
Payment in full is due at the time of intake.
Due to the intensive nature of this process and the opportunity to have Dr. Scalzo work with you and your child personally at all stages of the assessment, insurance is not accepted by our office. However, Dr. Scalzo can assist the family with the process of submitting claims to insurance, and most insurance companies provide partial coverage for the assessment. Families can also use their FSA accounts to cover the assessment.
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