Choosing an evaluation
Psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation: what’s the difference?
Both evaluations look at how your child learns, but they answer different questions. Knowing which question you need answered helps you choose the right next step.
Serving Long Island & Queens, NY
Dr. Courtney Duhning, Psy.D., ABSNP, NCSPPediatric Neuropsychologist · Manhasset, NY
At a glance
How the two evaluations compare
- ✔Main question: Does the child qualify for special education services or a 504 plan?
- ✔Usually covers: Academic skills and cognitive ability (IQ)
- ✔Often done by: The school district
- ✔Diagnosis: Focuses on educational eligibility
- ✔Result: An eligibility decision made with the school team
- ✔Main question: Why is the child struggling, and what will help?
- ✔Usually covers: Academic skills and cognitive ability, plus attention, memory, language, processing speed, executive functioning and emotional functioning
- ✔Often done by: A neuropsychologist, privately
- ✔Diagnosis: Diagnoses when appropriate, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia or ADHD
- ✔Result: A detailed report with individualized recommendations for school and home
School evaluations
When a psychoeducational evaluation is enough
If the main goal is to find out whether your child qualifies for services at school, a school-based evaluation is the starting point, and it is free through your district.
Private evaluations
When a neuropsychological evaluation makes sense
- The school evaluation didn’t explain why your child is struggling
- Your child “tested average” but is clearly working much harder than peers
- You want a clear diagnosis and a plan, not only an eligibility decision
- Several explanations are on the table, such as attention, reading, anxiety or executive functioning, and you need one picture that accounts for all of them
FAQ
Questions parents ask about choosing an evaluation
Can a neuropsychological evaluation be used at school?
Yes. The report can be shared with your child’s school team, and Dr. Duhning is happy to collaborate with them. Eligibility for an IEP or 504 plan is decided by the school team and the parent.
Is a neuropsychological evaluation the same as an IEE?
Not necessarily. An Independent Educational Evaluation is one requested at public expense when you disagree with the district’s evaluation. A neuropsychological evaluation can be used as an IEE when the district agrees.
Do we need both?
Not always. Many families start with the school’s evaluation and add a neuropsychological evaluation when questions remain. A free consultation can help you decide.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth understanding why.