Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neuropsychology? Neuropsychology is a professional specialty focused on the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior. A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how learning and behavior are associated with the development of brain structures and systems. Formal testing of abilities such as memory and language skills assesses brain functioning. The neuropsychologist conducts the evaluation, interprets the test results, and makes recommendations. A neuropsychologist can also consult with a family over time to adjust recommendations to an individual’s changing needs. Neuropsychologists often work closely with schools to help them provide appropriate educational programs for a child. (Educational pamphlet, Public Interest Advisory Committee, Division 40: Clinical Neuropsychology, APA)
What will the results of an evaluation tell me about my child? By comparing the performance of an individual to that of others the same age, a neuropsychologist can create a profile of strengths and challenges. Understanding this profile can help explain why a child is having difficulty in or outside of school. For example, a child may have difficulty reading because of an attention problem, a language disorder, or a reading disability. An evaluation also guides the neuropsychologist’s design of interventions to draw upon an individual’s strengths. The assessment can help detect the effects of developmental, neurological, and medical problems, such as epilepsy, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or a genetic disorder. Different childhood disorders result in specific patterns of strengths and challenges. These profiles of abilities can help identify a child’s disorder and the brain areas that are involved. For example, testing can help differentiate between an attention deficit and depression or determine whether a language delay is due to a problem in producing speech, understanding or expressing language, social shyness, autism, or cognitive delay. Most importantly, an evaluation provides a better understanding of a child’s behavior and learning in school, at home, and in the community.(Educational pamphlet, Public Interest Advisory Committee, Division 40: Clinical Neuropsychology, APA)
What is the difference between a Psychoeducational Evaluation and a Neuropsychological Evaluation? A psychoeducational evaluation assesses intellectual and academic functioning. While such an evaluation may reveal learning disorders, it sheds little light on the presence of attentional or language disorders. A neuropsychological evaluation assesses language, memory, fine-motor skill, attention, executive skills, and social emotional functioning, in addition to intellectual and academic functioning. Therefore a neuropsychological evaluation is more comprehensive, and can be used to reveal a broader range of diagnoses, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Language Disorders, Nonverbal Learning Disorders, as well as Learning Disabilities.
Will my child be diagnosed through the evaluation process? Diagnoses are made when the unique profile presented by a child is consistent with the criteria of a formal diagnosis. Every individual presents with their own unique profile of strengths and challenges, and not all profiles are consistent with a formal diagnosis. Regardless of whether a diagnosis is made or not, Dr. Hayward will provide extensive recommendations to pave the way for future success.
Do you accept insurance? Dr. Hayward does not accept insurance. As an out-of-network provider, Dr. Hayward can provide you with a statement that you can submit to seek reimbursement from your insurance company for any covered expenses for treatment.
Where are you located? Dr. Hayward’s office is located at 26 Court Street, Suite 1409, Brooklyn, NY 11242, readily accessible by car or subway (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, F, and R lines).