A Description of Preschool Neuropsychological Assessment in the P.I.N.T. Clinic after the First 5 Years

Abstract

Assessment of preschool-aged children constitutes a dilemma for many neuropsychologists because of a limited set of standardized measures with normative data as well as inadequate understanding of typical developmental trajectories for neuropsychological functions during the first years of life. However, numerous neurological disorders, medical disorders with central nervous system involvement, and even psychiatric disorders have their onset during this time and subsequently impact cognition by altering functional developmental trajectories. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations can help to delineate this alteration in developmental trajectory and assist in determining need for specific interventions services so that they can be implemented early as possible in hopes of reducing developmental cognitive impairments. In this descriptive report, potential preschool neuropsychological evaluation procedures are described and a discussion of appropriate reasons for referral and pertinent testing considerations is presented. Additionally, the Preschool and Infant Neuropsychology (P.I.N.T.) Clinic is presented to describe a methodology for conducting preschool neuropsychological assessment.

Keywords:

• Assessment
• Childhood
• Preschool.