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16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • February 2016 ask the expert a sk t h e e x p e rt What is neuropsychology? Neuropsychology is a branch of clinical psychology that brings to light the cause of symptoms. Neuropsychologists use their specialized training in brain/ behavior/emotion and cognition in order to integrate information gathered from the evaluation as well as any relevant history. This allows a neuropsy- chologist to diagnose a problem and professionals to direct specific treatments to the problem's cause, and not just treat the symptoms. The goal is to help patients find the roots of a problem in order to best identify a solution. A neuropsychologist is an expert in this field and according to the National Academy of Neuropsychology, they are a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctoral degree including a pre-doctoral internship, and the successful comple- tion of a 2-year formal neuropsychology post-doctoral fellowship. You mentioned a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation. What does it test? A pediatric neuropsychological evaluation is intended to answer whatever your primary question or concern may be in a compre- hensive manner. This includes an in-depth clinical interview with the parents and any other relevant caregivers. Upon the completion of the interview, a test battery is customized in order to obtain the data necessary to get at the pri- mary concern. The assessment will incorporate cognitive, psychologi- cal, social and academic domains. Finally, a report is completed and the findings, as well as the diagno- sis and recommendations for treat- ment, are provided to the family during a feedback session. Do you have concerns about your child's cognitive or psychiatric development? Are you worried your child may be showing signs of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxi- ety, a sleep disorder or a learning disability? Neuropsychology & Complementary Medicine, Inc. (NaCMed) is here to help. Using their unique model and 75 years of combined experience, NaCMed works to assess the comprehensive needs of the patient, not just the presenting problem. INTERVIEWED BY BRENDA SAPANGHILA NaCMed Neuropsychology & Complementary Medicine, Inc.