How to prepare for a neuropsychological assessment

Knowing how to prepare for a neuropsychological assessment can make the day feel calmer and help your results reflect what you can really do. You do not need to study or practise. The aim is simply to arrive rested, with the right information, and ready to give each task a genuine try.

This guide covers what to do in the week before, what to bring, how to look after yourself on the day, and how to help a child get ready.

In the week before

A little planning goes a long way. In the days before your appointment:

• Complete any forms you were sent. Questionnaires about your history, mood and daily life save time on the day and help the neuropsychologist plan which tests to use.
• Gather records. Useful documents include brain scan reports, hospital discharge summaries, specialist letters, previous cognitive or psychological assessments, and school reports if learning or attention is a question.
• Write down your concerns. Note specific examples, such as missing appointments, losing your train of thought, or getting lost while driving. Include when you first noticed the changes and whether they are getting worse.
• Ask someone who knows you well. A partner, relative or friend can often describe changes you may not notice yourself. Ask whether they can come along for part of the interview, or be available by phone.
• Plan the day. Arrange transport, parking, child care and time off work. A Queensland public hospital guide suggests allowing at least five hours for a clinical neuropsychological assessment.

If you need an interpreter, have hearing or vision difficulties, use a wheelchair, or tire easily, tell the clinic when you book. Changes can often be made, such as shorter sessions, accessible rooms or an accredited interpreter.

What to bring

該 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital patient guide recommends bringing:

• your glasses and hearing aids, if you use them
• any reports from previous neuropsychological assessments or other tests, such as MRI results or neurology letters
• a current list of your medicines
• drinks and snacks

It also helps to bring photo identification, your referral letter if you have one, and any claim or reference numbers if an insurer, compensation scheme or the NDIS is involved.

Looking after yourself the day before

Thinking is affected by how your body is going. healthdirect lists poor sleep, stress, lack of exercise and poor nutrition among the everyday causes of foggy thinking. You cannot control everything, but you can give yourself a fair go.

• Sleep: aim for a normal night’s sleep. If you have ongoing sleep problems, let the neuropsychologist know rather than worrying about it.
• Food: eat a proper breakfast. It can be a long session.
• Medicines: take your prescribed medicines as usual unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Do not stop a medicine to prepare for testing.
• Alcohol and other drugs: avoid alcohol, cannabis and other recreational drugs the day before and on the day, as they can affect attention and memory.
• Caffeine: keep to your usual amount. A sudden change either way can affect how you feel.

If you are unwell on the day, for example with a fever, a migraine or a flare of pain, call the clinic. Your results may not reflect your usual abilities, and it may be better to reschedule.

What happens on the day

Most assessments start with an interview about your concerns, health, education, work and daily life. Then comes testing, which involves questions, puzzles, pen and paper tasks and working with pictures or blocks.

Some tasks will be easy and some will be very hard. That is normal. The tests are designed so that almost nobody gets everything right, which lets the neuropsychologist see where your strengths and difficulties lie.

You will have breaks. Tell the neuropsychologist if you need extra rest, feel unwell, or need to stretch because of pain. Asking for a break does not count against you.

Why a genuine try matters

The results are only useful if they show what you can really do. International professional guidance, the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology 2021 consensus statement, says all clinical and legal assessments should check how valid the test results are. Neuropsychologists therefore include measures that show whether results are reliable.

You do not need to worry about this if you simply give each task a genuine try. If anxiety, pain or fatigue is affecting you, say so. That information helps the neuropsychologist interpret your results fairly.

Helping a child get ready

Children do better when they know what to expect but are not made anxious. Some tips:

• Explain in simple terms that they will meet someone who wants to learn how they think, remember and solve problems.
• Describe the activities as puzzles, questions and games. Avoid calling it a test they can pass or fail.
• Reassure them that some parts are meant to be hard for everyone.
• Make sure they have slept, eaten and taken any usual medicines, unless the clinician has advised otherwise.
• Pack snacks, water, glasses and any comfort item.
• Bring school reports, earlier assessments and reports from speech pathologists or occupational therapists.

Parents and carers are usually interviewed as well. If possible, arrange for siblings to be looked after elsewhere so you can focus.

評估結束後

It is normal to feel tired afterwards, so plan a quiet evening if you can. Some people feel unsure about how they went. Try not to judge yourself on the hard tasks, since they are meant to be hard.

After you leave, the neuropsychologist scores the tests and compares your results with those of people of a similar age. They then combine the scores with your history, observations and questionnaires. An Australian Government protocol on clinical neuropsychology assessment describes this process of bringing together the interview, records, observations and test results.

You will then have a feedback session. Before it, jot down the questions you want answered, such as:

• What are my main strengths?
• Does the pattern fit a particular condition?
• What can I do at home, work or school to make things easier?
• Who else should I see, and should I be retested in the future?
• Who will receive a copy of the report?

Bringing the same support person to feedback can help, as it is a lot of information to take in.

Invictus Health 能提供哪些協助

We offer neuropsychology assessments for adults 以及 paediatric neuropsychology assessments at clinics across Australia. Our team will explain what to bring when you book, and you can self-refer for most assessments.

Before you book, you can check our clinic locations 以及 fees. This article is general information, so please speak with a qualified professional about your own circumstances.