What to Expect
Neuropsychological testing can feel unfamiliar, especially if you have never completed this type of evaluation before.
The process is designed to be thorough, but it should also be clear and manageable. Before your appointment, you will receive information about what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect on the day of testing.
The exact structure may vary depending on the reason for referral, but most evaluations follow the same general process.
Step 1 - Before Your Appointment
Forms, records, medication, no need to study
Before the evaluation, you may be asked to complete intake forms and provide relevant background information.
Depending on the reason for referral, it can also be helpful to provide:
A current medication list
Relevant medical or neurological records
Prior psychological or neuropsychological evaluations
Brain imaging reports, if available
School records or report cards for ADHD evaluations, when available
A list of current concerns or questions you would like addressed
You do not need to study for cognitive testing.
The purpose of testing is to understand how you currently think and function, not to see how well you can prepare.
Step 2: Clinical Interview
Concerns, history, symptoms, family input
The evaluation begins with a detailed clinical interview.
We will discuss the concerns that brought you in, when they began, how they affect daily life, and any relevant medical, psychological, developmental, educational, or occupational history.
Depending on the referral question, we may also discuss:
Sleep
Mood and anxiety
Substance use
Medications
Neurological history
Prior injuries or illnesses
Academic or work history
Functional changes
Family observations
For memory evaluations, it can be helpful for a spouse, adult child, or another person who knows you well to participate in part of the interview.
Step 3—Cognitive Testing
Attention, memory, language, executive functioning
After the interview, you will complete a series of standardized cognitive tasks.
Depending on the referral question, testing may assess areas such as:
Attention
Processing speed
Memory
Language
Executive functioning
Visual-spatial abilities
Reasoning
Problem-solving
Some tasks may feel easy, while others may be intentionally difficult.
That is normal.
The goal is not to “pass” or “fail” the tests. Different tasks are designed to measure different cognitive abilities and to identify patterns of relative strengths and weaknesses.
Step 4—Review & Interpretation
Findings scored and integrated after testing
After testing is completed, the results are scored and interpreted alongside the information gathered during the clinical interview.
The goal is not to interpret test scores in isolation.
Instead, the evaluation considers:
The overall pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
Your history
Current symptoms
Functional difficulties
Medical and psychological factors
Possible alternative explanations
This process is what allows the evaluation to move from raw test performance to meaningful clinical conclusions.
Step 5—Feedback Session
Results, diagnosis, questions, recommendations
After the results have been interpreted, we meet for a feedback session, typically scheduled a week or two after the evaluation. This session is included with the original fee.
During this appointment, we review:
The major findings
Whether a diagnosis is supported
Other factors that may be contributing
Cognitive strengths and weaknesses
Recommended next steps
You will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss how the results relate to your day-to-day concerns.
The goal is for the findings to be understandable, not simply technical.
Step 6—Written Report
Comprehensive report, sent to with providers with your authorization
You will receive a written report summarizing the evaluation.
The report typically includes:
Relevant background information
Behavioral observations
Test results
Clinical interpretation
Diagnostic conclusions, when appropriate
Individualized recommendations
With your written authorization, the report can also be shared with physicians or other healthcare providers involved in your care.
What to expect at Red Pine Neuropsychology
Red Pine Neuropsychology is a small, specialized practice.
The evaluation is designed around the specific questions you are trying to answer rather than a one-size-fits-all testing protocol.
You will receive direct involvement from the neuropsychologist throughout the process, from clinical interview and test selection through interpretation, feedback, and report writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. There is nothing you need to memorize or practice in advance.
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Yes. For longer evaluations, you are encouraged to bring water and snacks, and breaks can be taken as needed.
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In most cases, you can follow your normal routine unless you receive specific instructions otherwise.
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Yes. Being reasonably rested can help ensure that testing reflects your typical functioning as accurately as possible.
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Usually not. Test results must be scored, interpreted, and integrated with the clinical history before meaningful conclusions can be discussed.
Findings from the evaluation are discussed during the feedback session, which is typically scheduled a week or two after the initial evaluation.
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Yes. With written authorization the report can also be sent to your primary care provider or referring physician.
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The length of testing depends on the referral question and the complexity of the evaluation.
Some evaluations are relatively focused, while others involve a broader assessment of multiple areas of cognition.
You will receive more specific information about the expected length of your appointment before testing begins; however, most patients should plan to set several hours aside for their appointment.
Breaks can be taken as needed.
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It is generally helpful to bring:
Glasses or contact lenses, if needed
Hearing aids, if used
A current medication list
Relevant medical records
Any paperwork requested before the appointment
Water or snacks, especially for longer evaluations
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In most cases, you should continue taking prescribed medications as directed.
However, there are situations in which medication status can affect the purpose of the evaluation, particularly in ADHD assessment.
If there are any specific instructions regarding medication on the day of testing, those will be discussed with you before the appointment.
Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without guidance from the prescribing clinician.
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For many, it can be.
Some people feel anxious before testing because they are worried about performing poorly.
This is understandable.
The purpose of the evaluation is not to judge intelligence or effort based on one score.
The tests are designed to compare performance across different areas of cognition and to identify patterns that may help explain the concerns you are experiencing.
You are not expected to know the answers to everything, and some tasks are intentionally difficult.
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Yes.
Longer evaluations can be tiring, and breaks can be taken when needed.
You are encouraged to let the examiner know if you are becoming fatigued, uncomfortable, or need a brief pause.
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Yes.
A family member or support person may accompany you to the appointment.
For memory evaluations, it is often helpful for a spouse, adult child, or other informant to participate in part of the clinical interview.
Testing itself is completed individually.
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Service animals are welcome at Red Pine Neuropsychology. To help ensure that testing results are as accurate as possible, the animal should be well controlled, housebroken, and unlikely to disrupt the evaluation through frequent barking, movement, or other behavior.
If needed, we can take a brief break during testing so you can take your service animal outside.
If an animal becomes disruptive during the evaluation and the disruption cannot be resolved, testing may need to be paused or rescheduled.
Emotional support animals may be permitted depending on building policy and the circumstances of the appointment. If you plan to bring an emotional support animal, please contact the practice in advance so arrangements can be confirmed.
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After the feedback session and report are completed, recommendations may include:
Follow-up with a physician or neurologist
Medication consultation
Psychotherapy
ADHD coaching
Workplace or academic strategies
Cognitive compensatory strategies
Additional medical evaluation
Repeat testing in the future
Safety or independence recommendations when relevant
Recommendations are based on the individual findings rather than a generic treatment plan.
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If questions arise after the feedback session, you are welcome contact the practice for clarification about the evaluation or report.
The goal is for you to leave with a clear understanding of the findings and what to do next.
Ready to get started?
If you are considering a neuropsychological evaluation and would like to determine whether testing is appropriate for your concerns, you can begin by contacting Red Pine Neuropsychology.
Existing patient?