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Psychoeducational vs. Neuropsychological Evaluations

What's the Difference—And Why It Matters?

The right evaluation at the right time can make a meaningful difference in a child's development. Yet many families and professionals aren't fully aware of how these two types of evaluations differ—or how they can complement each other.

Scope & Purpose

While both evaluations assess learning and cognitive functioning, they differ in focus and depth:

  • Psychoeducational Evaluations focus primarily on academic performance and eligibility for school-based services.
  • Neuropsychological Evaluations explore how a child's brain functions across multiple domains - not just academics—offering a deeper, more comprehensive understanding.
Psychoeducational Evaluations
  • Conducted by school psychologists
  • Designed to determine if a child qualifies for special education services or classroom accommodations (e.g., IEP or 504 Plan)
  • Assesses:
    • IQ
    • Academic skills (reading, writing, math)
    • Occasionally other domains, but mainly in relation to school functioning
  • Do not typically provide formal medical or psychological diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorder)
Neuropsychological Evaluations
  • Conducted by licensed clinical neuropsychologists
  • Designed to understand how a child's brain functions in academic, social, emotional, and daily life settings
  • Assesses:
    • IQ and academic achievement
    • Language and communication
    • Verbal and nonverbal processing
    • Memory (short- and long-term, verbal and visual)
    • executive functioning (planning, organization, attention, flexibility, impulse control)
    • fine motor skills
    • Emotional, behavioral, and social functioning
    • Adaptive/daily living skills
  • Can provide formal diagnoses such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, anxiety, and others
Who Might Refer for Each?
  • Psychoeducational Evaluations often initiated by school staff (teachers, special education teams) when academic concerns arise
  • Neuropsychological Evaluations often initiated by parents or medical/mental health professionals when concerns extend beyond academics
Collaboration Is Key

These evaluations are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often work best together. A school may start with a psychoeducational evaluation to understand learning needs and guide instruction. Later, a family or physician may seek a neuropsychological evaluation for deeper insight into broader developmental or neurological concerns. Together, these tools offer a more complete picture of a child's needs and strengths.

Why This Matters

Understanding the difference helps families and professionals:

  • Make informed decisions
  • Advocate for appropriate services
  • Coordinate care between school and clinical settings
  • Support the whole child—not just their academic performance
Next Steps
  1. 1
    Review this guide — Consider which evaluation type aligns with your child's needs
  2. 2
    Talk to your school — Ask about psychoeducational evaluation options if academic concerns are primary
  3. 3
    Schedule a consultation — Contact us to discuss whether a neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate
  4. 4
    Gather records — Collect any existing evaluations, report cards, or medical records to share