PSYC 785: Neuropsychological Assessment
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology and a 鈥淏鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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