Dr. Sengstock is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist who provides assessment and diagnosis of various developmental, congenital, and acquired neurologic conditions in children and adolescents ages 3-18. She has worked extensively in highly-respected medical centers in Southeastern Wisconsin and has been in private practice since 2008. In addition to neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis of children and adolescents, Dr. Sengstock provides consultation services to schools, physicians, therapists, and other professionals. Furthermore, she provides follow-up treatment and case management services to her patients so that they receive effective and appropriate intervention and ongoing care, and she works closely with your child's treatment and educational professionals. Should you have questions regarding the nature of a neuropsychological evaluation for your child, Dr. Sengstock is happy to speak with you prior to scheduling an appointment.
WHAT IS PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Pediatric Neuropsychology is a unique specialty that focuses on the cognitive and behavioral implications of brain functioning and brain development in children and adolescents.
WHO MIGHT USE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
Referrals for a neuropsychological evaluation generally come from pediatricians, neurologists, family physicians, mental health professionals, teachers, rehabilitation specialists, attorneys, and parents when the services are thought to be helpful to the care and treatment of the child. A child may be referred for testing due to a suspected developmental disorder (e.g., learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, communication disorder, etc.) or to help detect the effects of acquired or congenital neurological problems (e.g., epilepsy, head injury, ADHD, genetic or metabolic disorders, brain tumor, hydrocephalous, etc.).
OBJECTIVES OF A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
- To measure the presence and degree of behavioral or cognitive impairment due to organic disease of the brain, acquired insult to the brain, or problems in brain development.
- To describe the essential nature of the impairment (e.g., determine whether dysfunction is primarily related to verbal or nonverbal skills, memory, attention, abstract reasoning and problem solving, learning, or specific sensory or motor skills, etc.).
- To aid in diagnostic clarification.
- To appropriately guide treatment and provide resources to parents and professionals that directly target the areas of weakness identified.
The types of tests used depend on the client's age and the nature of the problem. Testing can include measures of general intelligence, language, attention, memory, academic achievement and learning, emotional functioning, executive skills such as organization and planning, social skills, visual-perceptual functions, and fine motor skills. The amount of time required for an evaluation depends on the nature of the problem and the client's condition. The total direct and indirect time spent per evaluation typically varies between 4-8 hours. The evaluation typically includes an interview with parent(s) or guardians about the child's history, observation of and interview with the child, testing, and feedback regarding the results. Testing involves paper and pencil tasks and hands-on activities, answering questions, and computerized assessment. Parents will be asked to fill out questionnaires about their child's development and behavior, and teachers may be asked to complete questionnaires about the child's functioning in the classroom. Classroom observations may also be utilized, as well as gathering information from other professionals involved in the child's care. Following completion of testing, there is a final appointment to review testing results and provide feedback and recommendations. A written report is also provided to the child's parents/guardians with the evaluation results.