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Understanding Forensic Neuropsychology
 

What is Forensic Neuropsychology? 

Forensic neuropsychology is a branch of clinical neuropsychology. The assessments, findings of facts, and conclusions of a forensic neuropsychological evaluation are usually intended to be used in a forensic, that is, legal, setting.

What Does a Forensic Neuropsychologist Do? 

A forensic neuropsychologist provides information based on scientifically validated neuropsychological principles and clinical treatment as it relates to critical legal questions. In forensic neuropsychology, specialists are not just concerned with whether the patient has a dysfunction, but whether the dysfunction resulted from an issue under consideration in a legal matter such as a criminal proceeding or an employment dispute.

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Forensic neuropsychologists may be called upon to deliver expert testimony in court or to consult with legal teams or law enforcement.

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Forensic neuropsychologists have undergone advanced training and accrued extensive experience to qualify to give legally admissible assessments. They may also work in clinical settings, and they must specialize in the forensic/legal application of their clinical knowledge and skills.

 

Neuropsychological testimony is well-accepted in the courts throughout the United States. In fact, our Florida neuropsychologists are well versed in the Daubert Expert Standard and have, on many occasions, offered expert testimony in the court of law.

What Does a Forensic Neuropsychologist Diagnose? 

Forensic neuropsychologists look for similar conditions as clinical neuropsychologists. They often provide expert testimony to a court that a given condition does or does not exist. Common conditions of interest include:

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  • Mood disorders and Depression

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Chronic pain

  • Symptom validity

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders, including Intellectual Disability (formerly known as mental retardation), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and learning disorders

  • Psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, mood disorders, and personality disorders

What is Neuropsychological Testing? 

Neuropsychological testing in a forensic setting aims to establish the existence or non-existence of a psychological condition stemming from a disease, injury, or disorder of the brain or nervous system for legal purposes. Neuropsychological test findings have good prognostic value related to projections regarding long-term functioning.

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These are simple tests that are administered using a paper-and-pencil or on a computer (digital). These tests generally involve answering questions.

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Examination techniques use industry-standard equipment, which are considered common and gold standard measures for the field and rely on psychometric data and professional judgement to generate diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations. 

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  • General Intellect (IQ)

  • Academic Achievement and Learning Problems

  • Executive Skills, such as organization, planning, inhibition, and mental flexibility

  • Attention & Concentration

  • Learning and Memory

  • Language and Verbal Skills

  • Visual–spatial Skills

  • Motor coordination & Sensory Functioning

  • Psychological, Behavioral and Emotional Functioning

  • Social Skills

  • Performance/Symptom Validity

Special Areas of Expertise: 
Children/Adolescents & Adults
Bilingual Spanish Speaking Individuals

  • Psychological Testing and Assessment

  • Neuropsychological Testing and Assessment

  • Personal Injury

  • Neurodevelopmental Assessment

  • Birth Injury/Birth Trauma

  • Fitness for Duty

  • Impaired Professionals

  • Worker's Compensation

  • Disability Insurance or Social Security Disability Determinations

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • Chronic Pain Disorders

  • Head Injury / Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Post-Concussion Syndrome

  • Acquired Brain Disorders

  • Neurotoxic Syndromes

  • Case Reviews

  • Private Consultations

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Neuropsychological Testing with Pediatric Patients or College Students at this time includes comprehensive recommendations regarding returning to School Campus and/or Online/Virtual learning as well as consultation with Teachers and School Staff.

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