Dr. Dana David, C.Psych.

Purpose
 

Neuropsychological assessments are used to investigate brain-behaviour relationships. As per the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): These assessments provide specific information about the presence and nature of deficits related to neurological damage or dysfunction and its associated cognitive, behavioral and psychological problems. 

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Pediatric neuropsychologists perform assessments for the following kinds of disorders:
 

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Developmental disorders or significant developmental delays (e.g.: learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorders).

• Cognitive dysfunction following acute brain injury due to accident, infection or disease (e.g. traumatic brain injury/concussion, brain tumors, other forms of cancer, stroke, encephalopathy).

• Cognitive dysfunction resulting from neurotoxin exposure (e.g. carbon monoxide)

• Cognitive dysfunction related to seizure disorders (e.g., Epilepsy).

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Outcomes
 

Outcomes from this assessment may lead to a more solid understanding of one's prognosis, cognitive dysfunction, as well as diagnoses of learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia), attention and behaviour disorders, and/ or mental health disorders. They may also provide recommendations for further expert assessment and/ or intervention with other regulated health professionals in the fields of optometry, audiology, speech and language, occupational therapy, psychiatry, etc.

Recommendations from the assessment are often used to inform Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in school, which help ensure that a student is receiving appropriate accommodations and/ or modifications such that their learning is optimizes to their needs. They also provide parents with suggestions for supports outside of school/ in the home.
 

Dr. David is available to review assessment results and recommendations with a child's school team or other professionals involved in supporting the child. 

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