Neuropsychological assessment is a standard and empirically-based evaluation of cognitive skills using performance-based tests. The assessment is typically carried out using a battery approach, which includes multiple tests corresponding to different cognitive ability areas, such as attention, memory, processing speed, reasoning, problem-solving, spatial, and language functions. These assessments are commonly used to evaluate academic achievement and cognitive potential, and are often performed in tandem with other assessments.1 Neuropsychological testing is not only limited to individuals with brain injuries, but can be performed on anyone with neuropsychiatric conditions. 23
Neuropsychological tests are designed as performance-based assessments, wherein individuals are required to perform specific tasks while being observed by an examiner. Self-reports of functioning are taken into account during testing as well as observations of behavior. However, the value of self-reports of functioning is limited due to their potential inconsistency with normative standards. It is crucial to compare an individual’s performance on these tests with their age, sex, race and educational attainment to establish the normative reference group. These references allow for an accurate interpretation of an individual’s performance. Interpretations can be made based on differences in performance compared to their lifetime levels of achievement and educational attainment.45
