Neuropsychologist and Cognitive Assessment: Evaluating the Abilities of an Autistic Child
Understanding the neuropsychological assessment, the tests used, and how to interpret the results to better support
The neuropsychological assessment is a valuable tool for understanding the cognitive functioning of an autistic child. Conducted by a neuropsychologist, it evaluates various brain functions (attention, memory, executive functions, etc.) and highlights the child's strengths and difficulties. This information guides support and educational adaptations. This guide helps parents understand what a neuropsychological assessment is and how to use its results.
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
The neuropsychological assessment is a thorough evaluation of cognitive functions: the mental processes that allow perception, learning, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. In autistic children, this assessment helps distinguish what pertains to autism itself and what pertains to specific cognitive strengths or difficulties. It establishes a valuable individual profile for support.
average duration of a complete assessment
major cognitive functions assessed
recommended between two assessments
Cognitive functions assessed
Intellectual efficiency (IQ)
IQ tests (WISC, WPPSI depending on age) assess verbal and non-verbal reasoning, processing speed, working memory. In autistic children, the profile is often heterogeneous with significant gaps between subtests. The overall IQ is therefore less informative than the analysis of strengths and weaknesses.
Attention
Ability to concentrate, maintain attention, ignore distractions, share attention between multiple tasks. Attention difficulties are common in autism and can be confused with ADHD, hence the importance of a fine evaluation.
Executive functions
Planning, organization, mental flexibility, inhibition, working memory. These "orchestrating" functions are often affected in autism, explaining difficulties in organization, adapting to change, or time management.
Memory
Short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory (personal memories), semantic memory (knowledge). The memory profile of autistic children is often atypical with strengths (fact memory) and weaknesses (working memory).
Why do an assessment?
The neuropsychological assessment helps understand why the child encounters certain difficulties (attention problem? planning problem? memory problem?), identify their strengths to build upon, guide rehabilitation, request relevant educational accommodations, and track progress over time.
COCO: Training Cognitive Functions
Following the assessment, the COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE program from DYNSEO allows training of the cognitive functions identified as needing reinforcement: attention, memory, logic. The games target specific functions, and the different levels allow for adapted progression. The dashboard tracks progress, in line with the neuropsychologist's recommendations.
Discover COCOInterpreting and using the results
The assessment report is technical, but the neuropsychologist should explain it in an accessible way during the feedback session. Parents can ask for clarifications and a translation into concrete recommendations. The report can be shared with the school (for accommodations), other professionals (to coordinate care), and serve as a reference to measure progress.
"The neuropsychological assessment of our son was revealing. We understood why he struggled so much to organize himself despite his intelligence: his executive functions were well below his reasoning abilities. This allowed us to request the right accommodations at school and target rehabilitation. It's an investment that is truly worth it."
DYNSEO Training to Understand Cognitive Functions
The training "Supporting a Child with Autism: Keys and Solutions for Daily Life" helps parents understand their child's cognitive functioning and implement appropriate strategies in daily life, in line with the assessment recommendations.
Discover the training- Choose a neuropsychologist trained in autism
- Prepare the child for the appointment (location, duration, type of activities)
- Bring existing assessments and reports
- Request a clear feedback and concrete recommendations
- Share the report with the educational team
- Integrate the recommendations into the personalized project
- Plan for a re-evaluation after 2-3 years
Conclusion: A Tool for Support
The neuropsychological assessment is not an end in itself but a tool to better understand and support your child. By precisely identifying their cognitive strengths and difficulties, it allows for targeted interventions and obtaining necessary accommodations. Tools like the COCO program can then train the functions to be reinforced in a fun and adapted way.
To deepen your understanding of autism, consult the guide to supporting autistic children and the guide to supporting autistic adults.
