As parents, it’s hard to see your child struggle in school—especially when you know they have the potential to do so much more. Whether your child is struggling to stay focused, having trouble retaining information, or facing difficulties with behaviour and social interactions, these issues can impact not only their academic performance but also their overall well-being.
Fortunately, the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment Second Edition (NEPSY-II) offers a comprehensive and neuropsychological approach to understanding possible causes of your child's challenges—both learning and behavioural.
What is the NEPSY-II?
The NEPSY-II is a specialized neuropsychological assessment designed to evaluate the brain’s development in children aged 3 to 16. It examines the complex relationship between your child’s brain function and their learning, behaviour, and social-emotional skills. With the NEPSY, we are able to delve into neuropsychological causes as to why your child might be facing challenges academically, behaviourally and socially.
How the NEPSY-II Supports Both Learning and Behaviour
The NEPSY-II assesses six critical areas that contribute to a child’s cognitive and behavioural development:
- Attention and Executive Function: This domain helps identify whether your child has challenges with focus, self-control, and problem-solving. Children who struggle in this area may find it hard to sit still, following instructions, or manage time, which can affect both learning and classroom behaviour. Executive function challenges can also look like anxiety, as it impacts the brain's ability to process information and make decisions.
- Language and Communication: Communication is essential to academic success, social relationships and even in developing a sense of self. The NEPSY-II evaluates your child’s areas of strength and challenges in understanding and using language. Challenges in this area can lead to frustration in both the classroom and at home, potentially leading to misunderstanding others, missing out on skill development and distress due to miscommunication.
- Sensorimotor Function: Fine motor skills, such as writing or cutting, and overall coordination can impact a child’s ability to engage in classroom activities. Children with sensorimotor challenges may experience frustration when performing everyday tasks, which can sometimes result in avoidance, frustration and behavioural challenges.
- Visuospatial Processing: This area focuses on how well your child processes and interprets visual information. Troubles with visuospatial skills can make activities like reading, writing, or solving puzzles more challenging, affecting their confidence in class.
- Learning and Memory: If your child struggles to remember instructions or retain information, they may fall behind academically, despite their best efforts. The NEPSY-II can identify whether memory challenges are impacting their learning. It can also identify areas of strengths to find which ways your child learns best so that schools, teachers and parents can adjust their approaches if needed.
- Social Perception: This is crucial for understanding how your child recognizes emotions in themselves and others. Challenges in this area can lead to challenges in making friends or understanding social cues, which may manifest as withdrawal, anxiety and behavioural issues in school settings.
Connecting Learning and Behaviour for Better Outcomes
One of the unique strengths of the NEPSY-II is its ability to connect both learning and behavioural outcomes. For instance, a child who struggles with attention and executive functioning may not only have challenges completing homework but may also become easily frustrated or act out when tasks seem too difficult. Similarly, a child with language processing concerns might withdraw from social situations, leading to behaviour that could be misunderstood as shyness.
With the results from the NEPSY-II, we can identify the areas where your child needs support, providing practical insights that help us address both their academic challenges and any related behavioural concerns. This holistic view allows for more targeted interventions that can make a lasting difference in your child’s life.
Why Early Identification Matters
Identifying learning and behavioural challenges early on is crucial for long-term success. The sooner we can understand your child’s unique needs, the sooner we can put in place the right supports—both at school and at home. Even if your child already has a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD, the NEPSY-II can provide insights into their specific cognitive and behavioural strengths and challenges. The NEPSY-II provides a roadmap to understanding how your child’s brain works, which can lead to more effective interventions that help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Let us support you and your child deepen their understanding of the challenges that may be holding them back, while also identifying their strengths, so they can thrive.