Anyone regret getting child a neuropsych. eval.?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

100% this + the bolded is the core issue

It kind of feels like you are responding to the statement "a neuropsych eval is the only way to diagnose neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions and learning disabilities, everyone who has concerns about their kid should start there, and all neuropsych evals are the same so it doesn't matter which evaluator you use." But I don't know who said that.

I am not sure what you are trying to imply, but I disagree with that entire statement. Is that a quote from someone in this thread?

Nobody on this thread has said that. But so many posts act like the post they are responding to says what is in the quote even though it doesn't.

You have serious comprehension problems if that’s what you are getting out of the topic of this thread or majority of the responses that indicate any issues they experienced. Why are you triggered so much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

100% this + the bolded is the core issue

It kind of feels like you are responding to the statement "a neuropsych eval is the only way to diagnose neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions and learning disabilities, everyone who has concerns about their kid should start there, and all neuropsych evals are the same so it doesn't matter which evaluator you use." But I don't know who said that.

I am not sure what you are trying to imply, but I disagree with that entire statement. Is that a quote from someone in this thread?

Nobody on this thread has said that. But so many posts act like the post they are responding to says what is in the quote even though it doesn't.

You have serious comprehension problems if that’s what you are getting out of the topic of this thread or majority of the responses that indicate any issues they experienced. Why are you triggered so much?

That's funny because I feel exactly the same way about you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

100% this + the bolded is the core issue

It kind of feels like you are responding to the statement "a neuropsych eval is the only way to diagnose neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions and learning disabilities, everyone who has concerns about their kid should start there, and all neuropsych evals are the same so it doesn't matter which evaluator you use." But I don't know who said that.

I am not sure what you are trying to imply, but I disagree with that entire statement. Is that a quote from someone in this thread?

Nobody on this thread has said that. But so many posts act like the post they are responding to says what is in the quote even though it doesn't.

You have serious comprehension problems if that’s what you are getting out of the topic of this thread or majority of the responses that indicate any issues they experienced. Why are you triggered so much?

That's funny because I feel exactly the same way about you

Obviously you do. If you have something meaningful to say, stay on the topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

100% this + the bolded is the core issue

It kind of feels like you are responding to the statement "a neuropsych eval is the only way to diagnose neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions and learning disabilities, everyone who has concerns about their kid should start there, and all neuropsych evals are the same so it doesn't matter which evaluator you use." But I don't know who said that.

I am not sure what you are trying to imply, but I disagree with that entire statement. Is that a quote from someone in this thread?

Nobody on this thread has said that. But so many posts act like the post they are responding to says what is in the quote even though it doesn't.

You have serious comprehension problems if that’s what you are getting out of the topic of this thread or majority of the responses that indicate any issues they experienced. Why are you triggered so much?

That's funny because I feel exactly the same way about you

Obviously you do. If you have something meaningful to say, stay on the topic.

Sure I will stay on topic just like when you said

You have serious comprehension problems if that’s what you are getting out of the topic of this thread or majority of the responses that indicate any issues they experienced. Why are you triggered so much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

I was responding to the following statement, which is the statement I quoted and which clearly implies neuropsychological testing is not appropriate for kids whose families post on this board - kids with special needs and disabilities. If you also disagree with that statement, feel free to say so.

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

What you aren't understanding is that posts that aren't clear about which kids they are talking about and imply some kind of conspiracy to extract money from special needs families discourage families from getting the care they need. If you want to help people, be clear about what didn't work for your kid and why. Which tests outside of neuropsychological testing would have been better for your kid. What your evaluator did wrong if anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

What you aren't understanding is that posts that aren't clear about which kids they are talking about and imply some kind of conspiracy to extract money from special needs families discourage families from getting the care they need. If you want to help people, be clear about what didn't work for your kid and why. Which tests outside of neuropsychological testing would have been better for your kid. What your evaluator did wrong if anything.

Just because you don’t understand something, it doesn’t mean that other people don’t. If something is not clear to you, ask a question. I find that posters on SN forum are trying to be as senior and as helpful as possible.

I cannot attest to every single post here, but I haven’t tried to insert myself to question your own experience. However, from your multiple posts, it appears that you feel uncomfortable with a possibility that there are evaluators who don’t do their jobs well and do not use the most ethical practice. Add to that complicated issues that some of our children have, I would prefer to be well informed, as I could have better used $6,000 for my child’s needs.

You asked what our evaluator did wrong. I cannot list everything as it would require revealing too much of a private information. I can say though that they started with a hurried intake of information, made a wrong assumption even before meeting our child, which lead to a poor choice of tests and manner in which those tests were administered. They then cherry picked information provided to try to support their original assumption.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

I was responding to the following statement, which is the statement I quoted and which clearly implies neuropsychological testing is not appropriate for kids whose families post on this board - kids with special needs and disabilities. If you also disagree with that statement, feel free to say so.

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

I agree with the quoted statement

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

, because of the “may not be accurate” part. If the PP said “are never accurate”, I would have to disagree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

What you aren't understanding is that posts that aren't clear about which kids they are talking about and imply some kind of conspiracy to extract money from special needs families discourage families from getting the care they need. If you want to help people, be clear about what didn't work for your kid and why. Which tests outside of neuropsychological testing would have been better for your kid. What your evaluator did wrong if anything.

Just because you don’t understand something, it doesn’t mean that other people don’t. If something is not clear to you, ask a question. I find that posters on SN forum are trying to be as senior and as helpful as possible.

I cannot attest to every single post here, but I haven’t tried to insert myself to question your own experience. However, from your multiple posts, it appears that you feel uncomfortable with a possibility that there are evaluators who don’t do their jobs well and do not use the most ethical practice. Add to that complicated issues that some of our children have, I would prefer to be well informed, as I could have better used $6,000 for my child’s needs.

You asked what our evaluator did wrong. I cannot list everything as it would require revealing too much of a private information. I can say though that they started with a hurried intake of information, made a wrong assumption even before meeting our child, which lead to a poor choice of tests and manner in which those tests were administered. They then cherry picked information provided to try to support their original assumption.

I've literally said multiple times that not all neuropsych evaluations are good. It sounds like you got a bad one, and that must have been really frustrating. Sharing what you just shared about the specific things they did wrong sounds like a helpful way to respond to OP's question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

I was responding to the following statement, which is the statement I quoted and which clearly implies neuropsychological testing is not appropriate for kids whose families post on this board - kids with special needs and disabilities. If you also disagree with that statement, feel free to say so.

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

I agree with the quoted statement

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

, because of the “may not be accurate” part. If the PP said “are never accurate”, I would have to disagree.

My kid is not "the type of kid" for whom a long battery of cognitive tests is more likely than for other kids to be inaccurate. Quite the contrary. Does that mean to you that my kid doesn't have a disability?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

I was responding to the following statement, which is the statement I quoted and which clearly implies neuropsychological testing is not appropriate for kids whose families post on this board - kids with special needs and disabilities. If you also disagree with that statement, feel free to say so.

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

I agree with the quoted statement

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

, because of the “may not be accurate” part. If the PP said “are never accurate”, I would have to disagree.

My kid is not "the type of kid" for whom a long battery of cognitive tests is more likely than for other kids to be inaccurate. Quite the contrary. Does that mean to you that my kid doesn't have a disability?

No. Not all, that would be extremely inappropriate to say.

Also, I did not read “that type of kid” as an insult, more as of a frustrating reality that I can relate to. Maybe PP who posted that comment can clarify. My takeaway from that comment is very different from yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

I was responding to the following statement, which is the statement I quoted and which clearly implies neuropsychological testing is not appropriate for kids whose families post on this board - kids with special needs and disabilities. If you also disagree with that statement, feel free to say so.

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

I agree with the quoted statement

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

, because of the “may not be accurate” part. If the PP said “are never accurate”, I would have to disagree.

My kid is not "the type of kid" for whom a long battery of cognitive tests is more likely than for other kids to be inaccurate. Quite the contrary. Does that mean to you that my kid doesn't have a disability?

No. Not all, that would be extremely inappropriate to say.

Also, I did not read “that type of kid” as an insult, more as of a frustrating reality that I can relate to. Maybe PP who posted that comment can clarify. My takeaway from that comment is very different from yours.

That's because the comment reflected your experience and that's fine, but the problem is it described that experience as something generally applicable to all kids with special needs and disabilities. There is no "type" that applies to all of "our kids".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do any neuropsych evals ever come back and say the child is neurotypical? Has anyone here actually had that outcome for their own child?

Me, so I've debated answering the OP that yes, I regret getting it (though I really don't).

I wanted my 13yo screened for inattentive ADHD largely for my own sanity, not for any academic accommodations. Child does well in school, but hyperfocuses on a few interests, is emotionally reactive and really struggles with following instructions (acknowledges them, but immediately spaces and forgets nine times out of ten). Executive function almost nonexistent. I was hoping to confirm that these tendencies were outside the realm of normal (I have other kids for whom all of these traits apply occasionally, but not this consistently) and hopefully get guidance/strategies in place before the higher demands of high school.

Neuropsych concluded bright kid, no ADHD. Which still, honestly, makes no sense to me.

What actual tests did they do? Saying it was a “neuropsych” doesn’t provide any information.

DP
It would be nonsensical for neuropsych examinations to do the exact same battery of tests for people of all ages, concerns and cognitive abilities.

True. Going back to my post earlier in this thread: and there the subjective nature of the testing begins.

But, that is actually not the worst part. Wait until they try to explain to you your own words. When they are incapable of understanding the concerns to begin with, it indeed becomes nonsensical.

Literature comparing neuropsych tests to medical tests suggests that neuropsychological assessments have effect sizes and accuracy rates similar to many medical tests, not worse.

Errors usually come from:

-Poor test administration or scorer error.
- Using tests that are outdated, mis‑matched to the person’s language or culture, or applied without good clinical context.
- Cases where the patient puts in inconsistent or minimal effort (that’s why validity tests are built‑in).

Accuracy for what though?

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

And of course the lack of “good clinical context” is another issue.

I mean when you say "our kids" do you mean your kids specifically or in general kids with special needs and disabilities? If it is the latter why do you think you can speak for so many families?

My kid actually loved the testing because she does great with structure. Our evaluator was also pretty cognizant of structuring the testing to meet my specific kid's needs (e.g. doing multiple sessions instead of one long one). Neuropsychological testing is usually for people with neurological conditions so it's literally the evaluator's job to figure out how to deal with the issues you described. And before you come at me, I am not saying it is the right choice for every kid, or that every evaluator is the same. But to suggest that neuropsychs are somehow generally inappropriate for kids with special needs or disabilities is simply incorrect.

The bolder part of your own response is what you are not understanding. I think you might be getting confused because of the multiple posters who are talking about their own negative experiences. I did not imply it any of my posts. I actually mentioned that it can be life changing for some families and children. Being aware that you might be paying a lot of money for testing that might not provide any helpful information is important to know beforehand.

You should absolutely share your own good outcome as it is encouraging for all of us who still don’t have answers for our own children. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have done full neuropsychological evaluation for my child. All that I and many other posters are saying is that given the high cost and time investment that comes with it, parents need to be careful when to do it and when it might be better to try something else first.

I was responding to the following statement, which is the statement I quoted and which clearly implies neuropsychological testing is not appropriate for kids whose families post on this board - kids with special needs and disabilities. If you also disagree with that statement, feel free to say so.

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

I agree with the quoted statement

And our kids are the types of kids for whom a long battery of cognitive tests may not be accurate - they get oppositional, distracted, don’t care, have poor fine motor skills that interfere with tests that don’t test motor skills, etc.

, because of the “may not be accurate” part. If the PP said “are never accurate”, I would have to disagree.

My kid is not "the type of kid" for whom a long battery of cognitive tests is more likely than for other kids to be inaccurate. Quite the contrary. Does that mean to you that my kid doesn't have a disability?

Maybe.