Alice Ruzicka, Ph.D., ABN, FACPN
Licensed Psychologist PSY 13284
ADULT NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Adult students sometimes need accommodations for college or graduate school exams as well as for board exams such as the California bar. A thorough assessment is required before one can be allowed accommodations that might be necessary in order for a student to demonstrate his or her knowledge.
Some adults have questions regarding possible
areas of disability that might limit their
effectiveness at work and want to know how
to “work around” areas of weakness or they
have had brain insults or tumors and want to
know how best to continue to utilize their
strengths while minimizing areas of disability.
Adults who have had strokes or head injuries
often seek an assessment to assist them in
career changes and to help themselves and
their families adjust to the changes that are taking place in their lives. Assessment results can help them understand themselves and assist in helping them choose the best profession that accentuates strengths while minimizing the impact of weaknesses.
Assessments are conducted on older adults who might be having some difficulty with doing tasks that were easier for them to do when they were younger or who might be having problems with memory. There are treatments designed to address cognitive and emotional problems that result from neurological injuries or disorders which utilize techniques to assist with attention, memory strategies, organization and planning, effective coping mechanisms, and activities of daily living. The individual is assisted to develop strategies to help reduce the distress and frustration that often accompanies changes in mental functioning.