By: Maggie Rodriguez, Psy.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, NESCA
Going through the process of getting a neuropsychological evaluation can be a big investment of time, energy, and money. Once it’s completed, you should have some important information about your child and a detailed report. But now what? What do you do with this information and who do you share it with?
As a parent who has been through the neuropsychological evaluation process with two of my children, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to move from diagnosis to action. The report you receive is often extensive and should be filled with valuable insights and recommendations. But translating those findings into real-world support for your child is the next crucial step. Here are some thoughts and practical tips on what to do next:
1) School: The Starting Point for Support
For many families, the primary motivation for seeking a neuropsychological evaluation is to better understand their child’s learning profile and needs in the school setting. The report can be a powerful tool in advocating for appropriate accommodations, interventions, and support.
- Share the report with your child’s teacher, special education coordinator, and/or school psychologist. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to the school to ask who your contact person should be.
- Use the findings to inform IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan meetings. NESCA neuropsychologists are available to present the findings directly to your child’s team at meetings and can be a valuable resource in this regard.
- Ask for specific classroom strategies or modifications based on the recommendations. You may want to consider collaborating with an educational advocate as well.
2) Treatment Providers: Building a Collaborative Team
Your child may already be working with therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, or other healthcare professionals. Alternatively, you may be working on setting up treatment. Sharing the neuropsychological report with providers can help them tailor their interventions and monitor progress more effectively.
- Consider providing copies or summaries of the report to your child’s treatment team.
- Discuss how the findings might impact therapy goals, medication management, or behavioral strategies.
- Ask for their input on how best to support your child at home and in other settings.
3) Family: Creating Understanding and Empathy
Sometimes, the people closest to us—grandparents, step parents, siblings—may not fully understand the challenges your child faces. Sharing relevant parts of the neuropsychological evaluation can foster empathy and support within your family.
- Choose what information is most helpful for family members to know.
- Have open conversations about your child’s strengths and challenges.
- Ask for support in implementing strategies at home, such as routines or communication techniques.
4) Care Providers: Ensuring Consistency Across Settings
If your child regularly spends time with nannies, babysitters, or other caregivers, it may be important that they understand your child’s needs and the best ways to support them.
- Consider sharing key takeaways and practical recommendations from the report that will help caregivers respond effectively.
- Provide written instructions or checklists if needed.
- Maintain open communication about what works and what doesn’t.
A Few Final Thoughts
Receiving a neuropsychological evaluation report can be both a relief and a challenge. It offers clarity, but also raises new questions about how to move forward. Here are some tips to help you navigate the next steps:
- Take time to review and digest the report. Don’t hesitate to ask the neuropsychologist for clarification or a follow-up meeting.
- Organize the information. Consider making a summary sheet of key findings and recommendations for easy reference.
- Empower your child. Depending on their age and understanding, talk to your child about their strengths and areas for growth in a positive, supportive way.
- Remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and communities available for parents navigating similar journeys.
Ultimately, the goal of a neuropsychological evaluation is to help your child thrive. By sharing the findings thoughtfully with the right people, you can build a team of support around your child and help them reach their fullest potential.
About the Author
Maggie Rodriguez, Psy.D., provides comprehensive evaluation services for children, adolescents, and young adults with often complex presentations. She particularly enjoys working with individuals who have concerns about attention and executive functioning, language-based learning disorders, and those with overlapping cognitive and social/emotional difficulties.
Prior to joining NESCA, Dr. Rodriguez worked in private practice, where she completed assessments with high-functioning students presenting with complex cognitive profiles whose areas of weakness may have gone previously undiagnosed. Dr. Rodriguez’s experience also includes pre- and post-doctoral training in the Learning Disability Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Neurodevelopmental Center at MassGeneral for Children/North Shore Medical Center. Dr. Rodriguez has spent significant time working with students in academic settings, including k-12 public and charter school systems and private academic programs, such as the Threshold Program at Lesley University.
Dr. Rodriguez earned her Psy.D. from William James College in 2012, where her coursework and practicum training focused on clinical work with children and adolescents and on assessment. Her doctoral thesis centered on cultural issues related to evaluation.
Dr. Rodriguez lives north of Boston with her husband and three young children. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and bike riding with her family, practicing yoga, and reading.
To book a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez or one of our many other expert neuropsychologists, complete NESCA’s online intake form.
NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology and related services practice with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Coral Gables, Florida, serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
