The Role of Neuropsychological Assessment in the Evaluation and Treatment of ADHD

The Role of Neuropsychological Assessment in the Evaluation and Treatment of ADHD

(Click at the end of this page to listen to the audio presentation and see the accompanying visuals)

Presented by: Richard Gallagher, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Pooja Vekaria, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Neuropsychology Fellow
NYU Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center

The latest thinking about ADHD indicates that the condition by itself is a form of learning difficulty that makes it hard for persons to gain information and knowledge, learn academic procedures , and develop methods for organizing actions to meet situational demands. By itself, the condition can hinder school achievement and productivity. However, the presence of ADHD is often complicated by other learning disorders. In fact, co-morbid learning disabilities run as high as 30% in school-age children and young adults. A full neuropsychological assessment is one way to understand someone’s skills and challenges. Such assessments can determine if a student is struggling in school because of ADHD alone or because of further complications. This presentation talks about the careful use of neuropsychological assessment to pinpoint learning challenges, to determine educational strategies to overcome the challenges, and to create plans for school and treatment. As this information is provided, the key components of a neuropsychological assessment will be discussed.  The presentation also reviews when neuropsychological assessment may not be necessary. These evaluations are costly, so careful thought should be used before expending resources of time and money. For example, the presenters tell why neuropsychological assessment should not be used as the means to make the diagnosis of ADHD.

You will learn how a neuropsychological assessment may help, when you should consider a neuropsychological assessment, how to get the most from a neuropsychological assessment, and when a neuropsychological assessment might not be necessary.

Microsoft PowerPoint: CHADD Presentation 2-2013

Click below for the audio presentation: