Parental perceptions of the benefits of neuropsychological assessment in a neurodevelopmental outpatient clinic.

The present study examines the utility and value ratings of neuropsychological evaluation by measuring patient (parent) perceptions, as well as determining whether testing led to diagnostic changes of specific recommendations. Sixty-four children ages 4-16 received a neuropsychological examination. A 5-point Likert questionnaire yielded an overall utility mean of 3.89 (SD =.82). The greatest utility mean rating, 4.4, was "understanding of strengths and weaknesses," and the lowest utility, 3.52, was "documenting treatment progress." Parents reported a mean utility of 4.5 for "money spent" and 4.7 for "time spent." Forty-eight percent received a new psychiatric diagnosis, 22% had a psychiatric diagnosis eliminated, and 51% had a psychiatric diagnosis confirmed. Forty-four percent received a new diagnosis of learning disability or other cognitive disorder.