1 What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is a specialist branch of clinical psychology at the intersection of neuroscience, psychometrics and cognitive psychology. Neuropsychologists examine how brain function is expressed in our intellectual abilities, behaviour, emotions and everyday learning. They work both with children whose cognitive development raises questions and with adults or older people experiencing a decline in intellectual efficiency.
2 Neuropsychological assessment: a standardised scientific approach
Comprehensive cognitive assessment lies at the heart of the neuropsychologist's work. Conducted over one or more sessions lasting two to three hours, it draws on rigorously standardised psychometric test batteries, such as the WISC-V for children, the WAIS-IV for adults, the TEA-Ch for attention or the Rey Complex Figure Test. The practitioner systematically assesses overall IQ, working memory, inhibition, mental flexibility, learned motor skills and visuospatial functions. Quantitative results are considered alongside detailed qualitative observations of the person's response to effort and failure.
3 Clinical applications and discussion of results
Neuropsychological assessment is essential for objectively establishing attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity, identifying high intellectual potential, characterising specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, or quantifying the cognitive effects of a head injury, stroke or neurodegenerative disease. The written report details cognitive strengths and weaknesses, recommends individual educational or workplace adjustments and directs the person towards appropriate rehabilitation professionals.
4 Clinical feedback, the written report and links with school or employer
Once testing is complete, the neuropsychologist devotes an entire session to discussing the conclusions with the patient and their family. A comprehensive written report in accessible language sets out the pattern of strengths and weaknesses and offers practical educational recommendations, such as one-third additional time or computer use, recognised by educational and medical panels.