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Psychology 785

PSYC 785: Neuropsychological Assessment

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology and a “B” or better in PSYC 631 or its equivalent and PSYC 628 or its equivalent; or admission to the Psy.D. program; or permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (3)

This course will emphasize the application of neuropsychological theory and principles to selection, administration, and interpretation of neuropsychological assessment batteries and techniques with pediatric, adult, and geriatric clients. Neuropsychological assessment will cover the following domains: language/communication, visual-spatial/perceptual/motor, sensorimotor, attention, learning and memory, and executive function. Associated multicultural (including rural), legal, forensic, and ethical issues will be examined, including practicing within the scope of one’s competency and the interface between counseling/clinical psychology and neuropsychology.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

I. Neuropsychological Assessment
II. Administration of traditional and contemporary neurophysiological batteries, techniques, and process approaches
       a. Language/communication
       b. Visuospatial/perceptual/motor, sensorimotor
       c. Attention
       d. Memory and learning
       e. Executive function
III. Neuropsychological assessment with pediatric, adult, and geriatric diagnostic groups and conditions (e.g., psychiatric disorders, chronic illnesses, ADHD, autism, TBI)
IV. Neuropsychological assessment interpretation, integration, oral feedback, and report writing
V. Multicultural, developmental, and ethical factors in administration and interpretation
VI. Forensic and legal issues in administration, interpretation, and communication of findings
VII. Current issues regarding training, licensure, and certification of clinical neuropsychologists, and counseling psychologists
VIII. Collaboration and consultation with families, school systems, agencies, and community-based health professionals during the neuropsychological evaluation process

Conduct of the Course

The course will involve lecture, lab, and in-class activities for skills practice, student presentations, and discussion of cases and issues. Laboratory or clinical experience includes supervised neuropsychological administration, scoring, interpretation, integration, and report writing.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

After successfully completing this course students will be able to:

1. To build upon understanding of neuroanatomy (structure and function) and links between brain and behavior regarding client’s clinical presentation.
2. To develop entry level skills in administration, scoring, and interpretation with adult and pediatric neuropsychological instruments and techniques.
3. To develop entry level skills in providing relevant and meaningful oral and written reports for families, schools, courts, and agencies.
4. To understand a developmental neuropsychological framework for assessment administration and interpretation with children and adolescents, adults, and older adults.
5. To develop an understanding of neuropsychological functioning of certain geriatric, adult, and pediatric diagnostic groups and conditions (e.g., TBI, seizure, chronic illnesses, ADHD, autism, and psychiatric disorders).
6. To develop and understanding of neuropsychological functioning of older adults, adults, and children who are currently receiving pharmacological treatments.
7. To develop competence in diversity issues by recognizing the manifestation of diverse characteristics as it relates to neuropsychological functioning.
8. To develop knowledge of the role and function of neurologist, neuropsychologist, and physician, and how their evaluations and neurodiagnostic techniques (e.g., neurological exam, MRI) both differ and complement a neuropsychological evaluation.
9. To develop knowledge of current issues regarding training, licensure, certification, and scope of practice of clinical neuropsychologists, pediatric neuropsychologists, school neuropsychologists, school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and counseling psychologists.
10. To develop a knowledge base in facilitating interagency collaboration regarding neuropsychological evaluations.
11. To develop entry level competence in multicultural, ethical, legal, forensic, and best practice considerations for geriatric, adult, and pediatric neuropsychological assessment

Assessment Measures

Students will be assessed using a variety of measures, which may include a written exam, an oral exam, class and lab activities, supervised assessment case practice, case report writing, assessment and intervention presentations, intervention case study, projects, papers, and class participation.

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

December 2007