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Benson Psychological Services, PC
Dr. Stacey Benson, PsyD, LP
Usha Singh, LMFT, LPCC, LAC
Dr. Eileen Stone, PsyD, LP
Lisa Fry, LICSW
Dr. Jessica Mugge, PhD, LP
Erika Sorenson, MS, LAPC
Dr. Katie Nylander, PsyD, LP
Jamie Barnett, MS, LPCC, LAC
Dr. Justin Boseck, PhD, LP
ABPdN, CBIS, NCSP
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Benson Psychological Services, PC of Fargo, North Dakota
Neuropsychology
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What is Clinical Neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is focused on understanding the link between the brain and behavior.
For example, how changes in the health of the brain may affect the ability to pay attention, remember, or solve problems.
This understanding between how someone thinks and acts and how the brain works is used to diagnosis and treat brain disorders.
What is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist?
Pediatric neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists. They have training in both clinical psychology and neuropsychology.
They have special training in how the brain develops. They use this training to evaluate and help manage children with brain disorders.
Such disorders may involve brain injury, medical disease, or developmental problems.
Pediatric neuropsychologists help parents, teachers, and physicians to:
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Understand how problems with the brain may relate to problems seen at school, home, or with peers
Autism Evaluations and Follow Up
These evaluations include a thorough assessment of the child-focusing on; cognitive issues, social communication (verbal and non-verbal), speech and language (receptive and expressive language skills) using norm referenced measures, observations, and interview of the child. Additionally, collateral interviews with the child’s parents or caregivers focusing on relevant case history such as health and development, social/behavioral concerns, sensory and adaptive behavior, emotion regulation, family medical and mental health history and other relevant data. Collateral interviews with the child’s teacher and input from a full multidisciplinary team is sought out and included whenever possible.
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Understand how a child learns best
ADHD Evaluations: On and Off Medication Trials
These evaluations include a thorough gathering of relevant background information from client and/or collateral sources on topics such as school/work performance general health, sleep and eating habits, family medical and mental health history, drug use, challenges/symptoms, strengths/skills, screening for related and comorbid conditions. Collateral information from parents, teachers, spouse or others will be utilized using interviews, norm referenced questionnaires and / or rating scales. They also include measures of sustained attention and variability using a continuous performance task and other norm referenced psychological testing as appropriate.
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Help a child deal with thinking or behavior problems
Complex Trauma
Clinical Interview with the child and collateral interviews with parents or caregivers, as well as standardized assessment measures and behavioral observations to assess both exposure to, and the potential impact of, trauma across multiple domains of development.
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Identify neurological or psychiatric problems
Diagnostic Clarification
Our team can also help with complex diagnostic issues, such as where multiple co existing psychological disorders are suspected, when there are suspected psychological disorders secondary to medical conditions or substance abuse/dependence, or where other factors have made it difficult to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Psychodiagnostic testing enhances diagnostic accuracy by controlling for subjective opinion, biases and other factors. It uses highly reliable, norm referenced, standardized tests that have been validated in clinical trials.
In addition to diagnostic clarity, such evaluations can grade the severity of the impairment which can lead to using the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment recommendations that have the highest likelihood of success.
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Help match expectations to a child’s specific strengths and weaknesses |
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Work with other doctors and teachers to develop the best treatment and school plan for a child |
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How do I know if my child needs a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation may help if your child has:
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A developmental or school problem such as a learning disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or autism spectrum disorder/pervasive developmental disorder.
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A neurological disorder such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizures), neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, or a brain tumor.
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A brain injury from a trauma to the head, stroke, lack of oxygen, or an infection.
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Other medical problems such as prematurity, diabetes, chronic heart or breathing problems, certain geneticdisorders, or treatment for childhood cancer.
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Been exposed to lead, street drugs, or inhalants (carbon monoxide).
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Been exposed to alcohol, smoking, or certain drugs prior to birth.
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Had an evaluation by a psychologist or the school, but the treatment following that evaluation has not helped.
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Your physician may recommend a neuropsychological assessment to: |
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— Help make or confirm a diagnosis.
— Get a record of your child’s functioning before treatment with medicine or surgery.
— Record a change in your child after a medical treatment (testing can be repeated to see if the treatment changed your child’s functioning).
— Record your child’s development treatments and expectations can be adjusted to your child’s needs.
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| What does a Neuropsychological Evaluation involve?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves examining thinking, behavior, and social-emotional functioning.
The evaluation uses standardized tests and procedures. Examiners work directly with your child. They also talk to you and teachers and other doctors.
Tests may be performed using paper and pencil or on the computer. Your child will be asked many questions and to solve different types of problems.
Neuropsychological evaluations typically include tests that measure the following:
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Intelligence (IQ)
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Problem solving
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Planning and organization
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Attention and memory
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Processing speed
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Language
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Academic skills
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Visual perception
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Control over hand movements
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Depression and anxiety
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Aggression and impulsive behavior
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Social skills
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| The neuropsychologist will also review your child’s medical and school records to help understand how the test results relate to daily life. |
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| How does a Neuropsychological Evaluation differ from a school evaluation?
Pediatric neuropsychologists and school psychologists often use some of the same tests. However, school evaluations focus on deciding if a child has a problem with academic skills such as reading, spelling, or math.
Pediatric neuropsychologists focus on understanding why a child is having problems in school or at home.
This is done by examining academic skills but also examining all of the thinking skills needed to perform well in and outside of school – skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Understanding a child’s specific thinking strengths and weaknesses helps to better focus school plans and medical treatment and understand potential areas of future difficulty.
Because neuropsychologists have training in clinical psychology, they are also able to diagnosis emotional problems like depression and anxiety.
To schedule your appointment with our Pediatric Neuropsychologist, please contact central intake at 701-297-7540. |
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Our Children and Family services are located in
Suite G, with a separate entrance and waiting area
from our Forensic Services.
Call today (701.297.7540)
Dr. Stacey Benson
Benson Psychological Services, PC
1308 23rd Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone 701.297.7540
Fax 701.297.6439 |
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