Pediatric neuropsychologists assess and treat children with behavioral, developmental, and emotional issues. They use cognitive and behavioral psychology principles and medical knowledge to interpret imaging results and diagnose disorders. They prescribe medication, schedule psychotherapy sessions, or suggest different arrangements at home and school. To become a pediatric neuropsychologist, one needs a Ph.D. in psychology or doctor of medicine, clinical internship, and licensing exam.
A pediatric neuropsychologist is a licensed professional who helps children and teens overcome behavioral problems, developmental disorders and emotional issues. A professional performs clinical assessments of young patients, reviewing their medical histories and assessing their behaviors and responses to diagnostic questionnaires. The results obtained from the assessments are used to determine whether children might benefit from medication or follow-up counseling. Pediatric neuropsychologists work in many settings, including children’s hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics and private practices.
The practice of neuropsychology is unique in that it combines principles of traditional cognitive and behavioral psychology with empirical medical knowledge of the brain. Most neuropsychologists are qualified to interpret computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to identify areas of potential damage from injury or cognitive deficits. CT and MRI results help them identify the underlying causes of various disorders, including speech difficulties, autism, and different degrees and types of mental retardation.
A pediatric neuropsychologist also relies on their knowledge of brain development to perform assessments and interpret imaging results. A young child’s brain is considerably different from an adult’s brain, in size, shape, and make-up. A pediatric neuropsychologist understands how a developing brain makes new electrical and chemical connections and how different disorders can affect the process.
When meeting with a new patient, a pediatric neuropsychologist will usually run a series of diagnostic tests that may include reading and puzzle-solving exercises to assess their cognitive abilities. The provider may interview the child and parents to learn more about the symptoms and compare findings with information from medical records. Depending on the type and scope of problems the child is facing, the neuropsychologist may prescribe medication, schedule psychotherapy sessions, or suggest different arrangements at home and at school. Some neuropsychologists offer counseling services, but most choose to refer patients to other professionals.
A person who wants to become a pediatric neuropsychologist usually needs to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology or doctor of medicine, participate in a clinical internship and pass a licensing exam. Extensive education and training is required to ensure an individual is fully prepared to handle the responsibilities of the job. Typically, new professionals are required to practice under the supervision of experienced neuropsychologists for up to two years before starting to work independently. With experience in the field, a respected pediatric neuropsychologist may be able to become a senior consultant at a hospital or even open their own clinic.
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