Frequently Asked Questions

Neuropsychology is the practice of clinical assessment to diagnose development concerns such as autism, ADHD, and cognitive delays. Our team focuses heavily on research to better understand what causes these delays and enhance our diagnostic program.

Assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions including:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Learning Disorders
Tic Disorders
Epilepsy
Sleep Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury
Psychological Consequences of Various Medical Conditions

What is diagnostic testing?

The purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation is to help identify strengths and challenges with children’s cognitive functioning. The goal of the testing is not only to help determine specific diagnoses that a child might have, but more importantly, to help determine and develop appropriate accommodations and interventions that would make the child’s life easier.

Who can benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation?

In reality, any child could benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation. The main goal is not to diagnosis a child, but more importantly, to help determine how a child learns best and what his/her social/emotional strengths are. Typical diagnostic questions that are presented to a Neuropsychologist include:

Does my child have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Is my child on the Autism Spectrum?
Does my child have a learning disorder?
Does my child have any emotional concerns (anxiety, depression)?
How can I get my child to learn more effectively?

What are the areas of a neuropsychological evaluation?

Testing batteries are individualized to address specific presenting problems. However, a neuropsychological evaluation will always address, in some form, a child’s:

Cognitive ability
Academic achievement in reading, mathematics, and written expression
Visualspatial, visual-motor, and graphomotor integration
Attention
Executive functioning (organization, planning, problem solving)
Memory
Language functioning
Social/emotional/behavioral functioning

What does the evaluation process entail?

The evaluation process is individually based and dependent upon the age of the child. What is included for every child, no matter age or need is:

A parent intake session in which the child’s parents meet with the Neuropsychologist prior to the testing in order to determine the child’s concerns and needs.
Phone or personal contact with the child’s therapists and teachers, if needed.
An age-based comprehensive evaluation
A parent feedback in which the parents meet with the Neuropsychologist in order to go over results from the evaluation, as well as, appropriate recommendations and accommodations.
A child feedback (dependent upon the child’s age) in which the child is presented with important information from the evaluation.

What are the benefits of being tested by a Neuropsychologist?

Many children can receive some form of psychological testing through the school system. The testing that is conducted by the schools is limited. School psychologists are not able to make diagnoses and typically only administer cognitive and academic testing. Even if a child has had a recent school psychological evaluation, it is recommended to have a partial evaluation with a Neuropsychologist.

The Neuropsychologist would be able to add onto the school evaluation and help determine if there are any concerns regarding the child’s social/emotional/behavioral functioning, as well as, various domains not assessed within the school environment (e.g., attention, executive functioning, memory, visualspatial functioning).

When do parents get the report from the evaluation?

Typically, the parent can expect a copy of the report within two weeks following the feedback session (or sooner if needed). The initial report is usually a draft and edits might be done based upon the findings from the feedback session.

What happens after the testing?

The process is by no means over when the testing is completed and the parents have met for a feedback session.

Even if the child does not meet the necessary criteria for a particular diagnosis, the parents do not leave empty handed. The goal of the Neuropsychologist is to help develop appropriate interventions based off the parent’s concerns. Just because a child does not meet criteria for a given diagnosis, there are still issues regarding his or her behavior. The same process applies in that the Neuropsychologist will evaluate results from the assessment in order to determine strengths and weaknesses, and then develop appropriate accommodations for the child.

At what age does testing start?

Typically, a neuropsychological evaluation would be conducted for children 18 months and older.

Through our Early Autism Testing Clinic, children 4-and-under undergo a three-hour, play-based assessment which can be scheduled within two weeks of families reaching out to us.

Meet our Clinical Leaders

Greg Stasi

PhD, Chief of Neuropsychology

Dr. Stasi is a 2005 graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology. Over the years, Dr. Stasi has been published professionally and has given numerous presentations on Neuropsychology. Previously, Dr. Stasi was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and an adjunct professor for The Illinois Institute of Technology.

In 2009, Dr. Stasi started the Neuropsychology and Testing Center for North Shore Pediatric Therapy. In his tenure, he has helped thousands of kids reach their fullest potential.

Rhiannon Law

PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Rhiannon Law, Ph.D. is a graduate of Indiana University - Bloomington. Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning. Dr. Law specializes in testing related to ADHD, autism, learning, and complex medical conditions (epileptic syndromes, genetic/metabolic disorders). Past research has focused on joint attention in autistic toddlers, pediatric performance validity testing, executive functioning following traumatic brain injuries, and trauma-informed systems in schools. Dr. Law has worked with families in a variety of settings, including pediatric hospitals, academic medical centers, schools, DCFS/juvenile justice, and residential treatment centers.

Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning.

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Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-speaking and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Our infant daughter was in physical therapy with Anna Zahn for about five months. Anna was consistent, patient, and wonderful with our daughter. Anna was also clear in her communications with us as parents which helped us understand our daughter's progress and needs, as well as how we could help our daughter at home. While we are proud that our daughter graduated PT, we will miss Anna's warmth and kindness.

Emily

I love this place! Chista is an amazing person, so sweet and kind and very professional in her work. All staff are very kind with children. I feel happy to find this place for my daughter. Thank you!!!

Maria Di Rita

I cannot say enough nice things about the staff! My son worked with Khadija as his ABA therapist and is finishing up this week with his OT, Sabrina. They were really instrumental in helping us navigate a new diagnosis. Both were so easy to approach with questions. From Leeann at the front desk to the RBTs (Alex, Rabbia, Molly, and many others), we always felt so welcomed. It seems like the staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, consistently offering feedback and suggestions on how to help my son.

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We have been working with the amazing team at NSPT for many years. They have been essential in understanding and supporting our child. I recommend their services to anyone looking for their specific type of support.Posted to

Monica Terése Carranza

They are so sweet and kinds persons with professionalism and really worried about the kids and how help they to get new skills and moving forward with knowledge.

Alejandra M.

NSPT is fantastic! All of the staff are wonderful, accomodating, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. Alan is fantastic - he has helped our family tremendously and has such patience and purpose in everything he does.

Alex Ehrhardt

North Shore Pediatric Therapy has been amazing. They have done a great job adjusting to the specific needs of my autistic child.

Matt Nakanishi

My 12 yr old son has a lovely support team in Robert (Social Work) and Lindsay (OT)! He gains so much from his sessions & I gain so much from the communication and brainstorming! Thanks!

Jennie Meyer

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Our commitment to you and your child:

‍For our clients, treatment hours are determined on an individualized basis, without predefined blocks.
Our BCBAs weigh the priorities of the family, the availability of the child given other therapeutic services they may be receiving, and the level of support needed to facilitate the best outcomes.
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Neuropsychology Testing and Assessments for Chicagoland Families

Insurance accepted

Areas of Testing

What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions including:

What is diagnostic testing?

Who can benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation?

What are the areas of a neuropsychological evaluation?

What does the evaluation process entail?

What are the benefits of being tested by a Neuropsychologist?

When do parents get the report from the evaluation?

What happens after the testing?

At what age does testing start?

Greg Stasi

Rhiannon Law

Getting to our Des Plaines, IL Center

Continue Reading

Here’s What You Can Expect from a Neuropsychological Evaluation

What Should I Tell My Child About Neuropsychological Testing?

Reasons to Seek a Neuropsychological Evaluation for Your Child

Neuropsychological testing for kids at NSPT

A Guide To Understanding Neuropsychological Test Results

Neuropsychological Evaluation in Chicago and Illinois

Our Locations

Arlington Heights

Bucktown

Deerfield

Des Plaines

Elmhurst

Evanston

Glenview

Lake Bluff

Lincolnwood

Naperville

Vernon Hills

Neuropsychology Center

Testimonials

Contact us to get started

Submit an inquiry form

We'll reach out to you!

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