The Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation explores the process of conducting an independent neuropsychological evaluation (IME) for disability related claims. While neuropsychologists are well trained in the area of clinical assessment, little training, mentoring, or supervision applies these skills to the disability arena, and a lack of literature specific to this rapidly growing area of practice by which to develop expertise encroaches on these needs. Authors Howard J. Oakes, David W. Lovejoy, and Shane S. Bush provide information about how to prepare disability related assessments that are valid, useful, and appropriate. They explain the language and context of "disability," offer relevant ethical and professional considerations, and cover business aspects of IMEs as well as particular neuropsychological related issues. Although the subject matter covered in this book has relevance to neuropsychological IMEs conducted in the context of civil litigation, workers' compensation, fitness for duty, and state- or federally-sponsored disability programs, this book emphasizes IMEs conducted for private disability insurance companies. Practicing neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists who conduct, or are contemplating conducting, independent examinations, as well as providers in neurology and psychiatry who may struggle with some of the same disability-related issues and questions, will find this volume of great practical use.

This essential desk reference will meet the demand for a broad and convenient collection of normative data in child neuropsychology. In a clearly written, well-organized manner, it compiles published and previously unpublished normative data for the neuropsychological tests that are most commonly used with children. Far from being a raw collection, however, it integrates concepts and models central to the neuropsychological assessment of children into the discussions of data. All these discussions have a practical, clinical focus. As background, the author considers the current status of child neuropsychology practice, test models, behavioral assessment techniques, observational data, procedures to optimize child evaluation, communication of results through the interpretive session and report writing, and preliminary assessment methods. Then she reviews the tests and data under the broad domains of intelligence, executive function, attention, language, motor and sensory-perceptual function, visuoperceptual, visuospatial and visuoconstructional function, and learning and memory. Written by a seasoned practitioner, this book will be an extraordinary resource for child and developmental neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, child neurologists, and their students and trainees.

The Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation explores the process of conducting an independent neuropsychological evaluation (IME) for disability related claims. While neuropsychologists are well trained in the area of clinical assessment, little training, mentoring, or supervision applies these skills to the disability arena, and a lack of literature specific to this rapidly growing area of practice by which to develop expertise encroaches on these needs. Authors Howard J. Oakes, David W. Lovejoy, and Shane S. Bush provide information about how to prepare disability related assessments that are valid, useful, and appropriate. They explain the language and context of "disability," offer relevant ethical and professional considerations, and cover business aspects of IMEs as well as particular neuropsychological related issues. Although the subject matter covered in this book has relevance to neuropsychological IMEs conducted in the context of civil litigation, workers' compensation, fitness for duty, and state- or federally-sponsored disability programs, this book emphasizes IMEs conducted for private disability insurance companies. Practicing neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists who conduct, or are contemplating conducting, independent examinations, as well as providers in neurology and psychiatry who may struggle with some of the same disability-related issues and questions, will find this volume of great practical use.

Neuropsychological assessment is a difficult and complicated process. Often, experienced clinicians as well as trainees and students gloss over fundamental problems or fail to consider potential sources of error. Since formal test data on the surface appear unambiguous and objective, they may fall into the habit of overemphasizing tests and their scores and underemphasizing all the factors that affect the validity, reliability, and interpretability of test data. But interpretation is far from straightforward, and a pragmatic application of assessment results requires attention to a multitude of issues. This long-awaited, updated, and greatly expanded second edition of the Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, like the first, focuses on the clinical practice of neuropsychology. Orienting readers to the entire multitude of issues, it guides them step by step through evaluation and helps them avoid common misconceptions, mistakes, and methodological pitfalls. It is divided into three sections: fundamental elements of the assessment process; special issues, settings, and populations; and new approaches and methodologies. The authors, all of whom are actively engaged in the clinical practice of neuropsychological assessment, as well as in teaching and research, do an outstanding job of integrating the academic and the practical. The Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition will be welcomed as a text for graduate courses but also as an invaluable hands-on handbook for interns, postdoctoral fellows, and experienced neuropsychologists alike. No other book offers its combination of breadth across batteries and approaches, depth, and practicality.

The impetus for this volume began with our research in the 1980's involving serial neuropsychological evaluation with various patient populations. At that time, reports on the practice effects associated with routinely utilized clinical neuropsychological instruments were sparse. While test-retest data were available for almost all assessment instruments, this was usually in the form of correlation coefficients and not changes in mean performance between or across assessment periods (see McCaffrey & Westervelt, 1995 for a detailed discussion of these and related issues). Clinical neuropsychological practitioners had few guidelines to assist them in determining if a change in a patient's performance across assessments was due to an intervention, maturation, practice effects, or a combination of factors. This volume represents our efforts at reviewing the literature between 1970 and 1998 and extracting the reported information on practice effects. The tables include the assessment instrument used, information on the subject/patient groups, the sample size (n}, gender, age, intervention, interval between the assessments, scores at both assessment points, and the citation. Those studies that reported data on more than two assessment points are indicated by a notation~ however, any data beyond the second assessment are not reported and the interested reader should refer to the original article. The tables are arranged alphabetically for the most widely used assessment instruments. Those instruments for which there was limited data on practice effects are grouped by "domain" (e. g.

Neuropsychological testing can identify changes in cognition, behavior, and emotion; aid in determining the cause of the change (e.g., neurologic disease, psychiatric disorders, or developmental problems); and assist clinicians in planning treatment and rehabilitation. To use these tests properly, professionals need an authoritative source of advice and guidance on how to administer, score, and interpret them. Written by two leading experts in neuropsychological assessment, Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment is that source. Like all the volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book is designed to help busy mental health professionals quickly acquire the knowledge and skills they need to make optimal use of major psychological assessment instruments. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of Neuropsychological Assessment provides comprehensive instruction on test administration, scoring, and interpretation. The authors also address practical and conceptual issues related to neuropsychological assessment in geriatric, pediatric, forensic, and other specialized settings, as well as the essentials of report writing and common neuropsychological syndromes.

The decision to have your child tested is rarely an easy one. Neuropsychological evaluations cost time and money and can be intimidating, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the process. This book provides an in-depth overview of the entire process with the aim of educating you, the parent, on what you and your child will experience. Dr. Thaler taps into the latest research in pediatric neuropsychology and neuroscience to provide a digestible and straightforward explanation of the field. Vignettes are used to highlight individual experiences that bring life to the assessments. This book will answer your questions, whether you are considering having your child undergo a neuropsychological evaluation or you have just completed one and seek more information about the implications of findings.