NH Clinical and Operational Director; Pediatric Neuropsychologist; PSYPACT-authorized
Families often come to NESCA after a long journey through previous evaluations, diagnoses, and educational plans, sometimes feeling frustrated or misunderstood. When seeking a new neuropsychological evaluation, it is common for parents to hope for a “clean slate.” Understandably, some request that we not review prior reports, IEPs, or teacher input, worrying that this information will bias our perspective or simply repeat what’s been said before.
This desire for objectivity is completely valid. If you disagreed with a previous diagnosis or felt that earlier testing missed the mark, it’s natural to want the new evaluator to approach your child or teen without any preconceived notions. However, it is important to understand that unbiased does not mean uninformed¸ and, in fact, review of previous documents and school input is a critical component of a fresh perspective and comprehensive evaluation.
Why Background Information Matters
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is much more than a set of test scores – it is a synthesis of data, history, observation, and context. Reviewing previous reports, IEPs, and teacher feedback is not about accepting others’ conclusions at face value. Rather, it allows the evaluator to:
- Understand the full picture: Seeing how strengths and challenges evolve over time helps identify patterns, progress, and trajectories, rather than isolated moments in time.
- Spot gaps and inconsistencies: Previous testing may have missed key areas of possible concern or used measures that just scratch the surface. Knowing what was done helps the evaluator focus on what still needs to be explored.
- Avoid unnecessary repetition: There are many measures that should not be repeated within a given timeframe, so it is important to know what to avoid. Knowing recent scores also allows the evaluator to avoid unnecessary redundancy and dig deeper into other skills.
- Clarify and explain differences: If a previous diagnosis or past recommendations are not supported, the evaluator can integrate previous information into a bigger picture explanation for why a shift in perspective is supported.
- Address discrepancies in presentation across settings: Often times disagreements between families and schools can result from the fact that children and teens may present differently across settings. Integrating teacher input is critical for determining if concerns are consistent across settings or if the client is working hard to compensate and “look good.”
- Support IEP development and special education due process: Evaluations that lack integration of school records and input are much more likely to be rejected by the IEP team, as they do not provide a complete picture of the child’s functioning. They are also more likely to be viewed as lacking in credibility should the family proceed with special education due process.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Our role as neuropsychologists is to provide an assessment that is both thorough and fair. We approach each client with fresh eyes, critically evaluating all available information. Reviewing past reports allows us to be confident in our conclusions and build on what is already known. This allows for greater clarity and better advocacy for the client’s unique needs. By blending past information with new observations and data, we can provide the most accurate, insightful, and actionable recommendations possible.
If you have questions about how background information is used in our evaluations, please reach out. At NESCA, we believe that true objectivity comes from being informed and that every client deserves an evaluation that tells their whole story.
About the Author
To book an evaluation with Dr. Currie or one of our many other expert neuropsychologists, complete NESCA’s online intake form. Indicate whether you are seeking an “evaluation” or “consultation” and your preferred clinician in the referral line.
NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology and related services practice with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; greater Burlington, Vermont, 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.
