ADHD, C-PTSD, Depression, Oh my! Should I get a Neuro-Psych Eval?
What is a Neuro-Psych Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation includes an interview with the neuropsychologist and a comprehensive battery of standardized written tests. Testing typically takes four hours and includes assessment of behavior, stress levels, IQ, attention, memory, executive functioning, personality, processing speed, emotional regulation, mood, and overall functioning.
Following testing, the psychologist will take several weeks to review the data, write up a thorough summary, and provide their clinical opinion regarding your diagnoses. They typically also include recommendations and referrals for treatment.
However, like any assessment tool, these evals, and the formal diagnoses that are within, come with their own set of pros and cons, and so I am sharing some considerations here as you consider if Formal Diagnosis will get you what you need.
Should I pursue this Evaluation?
Pros:
Identification of Support Needs: One of the primary benefits of neuro-psychological evaluations is the identification of support needs for individuals with neuro-divergent conditions such as Autism, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, etc. These assessments can help identify specific challenges individuals may face, particularly in settings with neurotypical expectations, allowing for tailored interventions and accommodations to be made that are supportive to functioning, and overall wellness.
Validation and Understanding: For many neuro-divergent individuals, undergoing a neuro-psychological evaluation can provide validation and a deeper understanding of their cognitive and emotional experiences. It can affirm their lived experiences and help them recognize that their struggles are not due to personal failings.
Access to Services and Support: Unfortunately, neuro-psychological evaluations often are placed as a gateway to accessing services and support systems. They can provide documentation necessary for accommodations in educational settings, workplace accommodations, and eligibility for disability services or benefits.
Personal Growth and Development: Through the insights gained from a neuro-psychological evaluation, individuals can develop a greater awareness of their strengths and abilities. This self-awareness can empower them to develop coping strategies, build on their strengths, and advocate for their needs effectively.
Cons:
Pathologization and Stigma: Despite advancements in understanding neuro-diversity, there remains a risk of pathologizing neuro-divergent traits and behaviors within the context of a neuro-psychological evaluation. This can perpetuate stigma and contribute to a deficit-based view of neuro-diversity rather than recognizing it as a natural variation in human experience.
Biases in Assessment Tools: Many traditional assessment tools used in neuro-psychological evaluations may not adequately account for the diverse ways in which neuro-divergent individuals process information and interact with the world. This can lead to biased assessments that fail to capture the full range of an individual's abilities and strengths.
Power Imbalance and Lack of Autonomy: The process of undergoing a neuro-psychological evaluation can be inherently disempowering for individuals, particularly when there is a power imbalance between the evaluator and the individual being evaluated. This lack of autonomy can further marginalize already marginalized populations, particularly those from historically oppressed communities.
Limited Cultural Competency: Assessors may lack cultural competency and awareness of the intersecting identities and experiences that shape an individual's neuro-divergent journey. This can result in assessments that are not culturally responsive or sensitive to the unique needs and perspectives of diverse communities.
What can I do to mitigate these cons if a Formal Diagnosis is important to me?
Prioritize Self-Advocacy: Let them know what diagnoses you are interested in being tested for, which could be everything to ensure the testing is thorough. Advocate for accommodations that align with your individual needs.
Seek Culturally Competent Assessors: Look for professionals who demonstrate understanding of intersectionality and cultural competence, and ask direct questions about their lived experience, and professional training and education.
Engage in Education and Awareness: Increase your own awareness about bias and stigma within assessment practices through education so that you can advocate for yourself from a position of strength and agency.
Foster Supportive Networks: Build a network of peers, mentors, and allies for emotional and practical support throughout the evaluation process.
Where can I go in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to complete a Neuro-psychological evaluation as an adult?
Here are practices that I know provide this service. While these practices are listed, this does not imply endorsement, as the practitioners within them can change. However, I am not listing practices in which a client of mine has expressed unsafe or discriminatory practices occurring.
Ramous Psychology and Associates
Additional reading:
Why Self Diagnosis is Valid by Dr Devon Price
Whatever you choose, this is your path. You can talk with your Therapist and/or Prescriber about these pros and cons, and they also may be able to provide recommendations and referrals for other practices.
My hope is that through collective action and advocacy, we can work towards creating assessment practices that affirm and celebrate the rich diversity of human neurology. Be bold. You know you best.
