Neuropsych Testing and Neurofibromatosis

Neuropsychological testing is an evaluation of a child's mood, behavior, personality, cognitive ability and over-all IQ.  The testing takes 6-8 hours and is performed by a licensed clinical Neuropsychotherapist.  Lucky for us, our doctor also specializes in children with Neurofibromatosis.

The testing includes various aspects of attention, memory, speed of information processing, language, visuospatial ability, sensory processing, motor ability, higher-order executive functioning, and intelligence.


Anyone with a Neurological disorder, or any type of brain injury should have this kind of testing done, not only to provide vital information to care givers and teachers, but also to provide parents with an understanding about how their child learns, so that they can find proper resources, as the child grows.

Common Questions

*Why should my child have a Neuropsych test done?

An accurate, scientifically based evaluation leads to personalized and more effective treatment, rehabilitation and life adjustments.  The test provides vital information about how your child learns...This information can be passed on to educators, who then can make school, a much more positive experience.

*Does Insurance cover this type of testing?

Typically yes.  Depending on your coverage and plan.

*How do I get the results of this test?

A few days after the test is performed, you will meet with the doctor, who will go over the test.  Your child, typically does not need to attend this meeting.  Any questions you have about the test, or specific questions about your child will be answered at this time.  Further testing, and/or treatments may be recommended. You will also receive a printed version of the test, in the mail about a week after your meeting.  Keep this in a safe place and make copies for your child's school.  You can request an IEP meeting, to go over the test with your child's teachers.

The results of this test can be quite overwhelming...So be sure to ask the doctor any questions you may have.  It may also be a good idea to prepare questions ahead of time, and bring a notebook, to jot down the answers to those questions.

Based on the results of our child's testing, here are some of the questions we had, for our doctor:

*What does the "overall IQ score" mean?

*What kind of future can we expect?

*Based on these results, what kind of job skills or training will be needed?

*How can we get the school, to help with the specific way our child learns?

*What types of rehab/therapy are available?

No matter what the results say, remember that, every single child is unique and special.  The results only define the way your child learns and how they process information. Low IQ scores, does not mean your child is "stupid"...It just means your child learns, in a very specific way and the test results will help guide your child to the right kind of therapies and treatment...and is an essential part in finding ways to personalize their education.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me, or just comment below.

Education and Neurofibromatosis

As many as 65% of children living with Neurofibromatosis have some type of learning disability. Preparing your child and the teacher is assential for a successful school year.

Aside from the physcial aspects of Neurofibromatosis, it is up to the parents to advocate for their child, in order for them to get the most out of their education.

Out of my six children, three require special services and an IEP's (Individual Education Plan) It can be quite overwhelming when school time rolls around....The meetings and planning take a lot of time, however they are vital.

The first thing that is important for the child's teacher(s) to understand is what Neurofibromatosis is, and how it affects your child. The child's specific disabilities must be addressed and acknowledged.

For our family, the three children who have been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis have very different disabilities. What works for my 12 yr old son, does not work with my 7 yr old daughter and vice versa. My 14 yr old requires a lot to motivate her, while my 7 yr old is energized and willing to do what is asked of her.

Understanding Neurofibromatosis, can help in a major way in understanding how each child with this disorder learns in the classroom, and how you as a parent play a very important role in their success.

The Children's Tumor Foundation has created a wonderful resource for parents who have children with NF. I have printed out several copies and given this to ALL of my children's teachers. Not only was it appreciated, it has helped the teacher a get much needed understanding of this disorder. Please feel free to take a look, and print this out, for your own records.

Good Luck to ALL the families as their children go back school!