Clinical Area: Traumatic Brain Injury
Clinical Area: Traumatic Brain Injury
Neuropsychological Assessment After Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury can affect the way the brain processes information, but the impact can look very different from person to person. Some individuals experience changes that are subtle and difficult to identify, while others experience more noticeable effects on thinking, learning, emotions, or daily functioning. The way a person is affected depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, developmental stage, prior functioning, and the specific systems of the brain involved.
At Coherence, neuropsychological evaluation for traumatic brain injury is provided by Jennifer Linton Reesman, PhD, ABPP, who evaluates children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of injury presentations. The purpose of evaluation is to understand how the injury has affected the person’s actual functioning and what supports may be most helpful.
After a TBI, one of the most important questions is often not simply whether an injury occurred, but how it is affecting the person now. Imaging studies can provide important information about brain structure, but they do not always capture changes in everyday cognitive functioning, particularly after milder injuries. Neuropsychological evaluation provides a detailed look at areas such as attention, memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and other cognitive skills that influence daily life.
By comparing current functioning with expected abilities based on age, history, and background, evaluation can help clarify strengths, identify areas of difficulty, and guide recommendations for recovery, accommodations, treatment, and return to school or work.
How we work
TBI evaluation at Coherence is guided by the individual’s situation, the timing of the injury, and the specific questions that need to be answered. The purpose of evaluation may look different depending on where someone is in the recovery process.
Soon after an injury, evaluation may focus on understanding current functioning and helping guide decisions about returning to school, work, activities, or other daily demands. When symptoms continue over time, neuropsychological evaluation can provide a more complete picture of how the injury may be affecting thinking, learning, memory, emotional functioning, and everyday independence.
For children and adolescents, follow-up evaluation may be especially important because the brain is still developing. Some effects of a TBI may become more noticeable later, when a child reaches a developmental stage that requires more advanced attention, organization, learning, or problem-solving skills. Ongoing monitoring can help identify changes over time and ensure that recommendations continue to match the child’s current needs.
Jennifer Linton Reesman, PhD, ABPP considers recovery as an evolving process. Evaluation findings are used to understand the individual’s current strengths and challenges, track progress, and guide practical supports across home, school, and other environments.
Our Process
Supporting Return to School and Work
For students returning to school after a traumatic brain injury, neuropsychological evaluation at Coherence can provide important information to guide academic planning and support. School requires many complex cognitive skills, including sustained attention, reading, written work, memory, organization, and managing multiple demands at the same time. These areas may be affected after a TBI, even when a student appears to be recovering well in other settings.
A thoughtful return-to-school plan considers the student’s current abilities, the demands of the academic environment, and the supports needed to make a successful transition. Some students may benefit from temporary accommodations, adjusted expectations, or specific strategies while recovery continues.
Jennifer Linton Reesman, PhD, ABPP’s evaluation findings help families and schools understand the student’s current cognitive profile and identify recommendations that support learning while promoting appropriate recovery. The goal is to create a plan that reflects the student’s actual needs and provides the right level of support as they return to academic demands.
Please note that contacting this practice does not establish a patient provider relationship.
Our Values
Consultation as a Starting Point
For some families and professionals, neuropsychological consultation is the appropriate first step before deciding whether a full evaluation is needed. A consultation can help clarify the main questions, review available information, and determine whether additional assessment would provide meaningful answers.
Families sometimes reach out unsure of what type of support they need or whether a previous evaluation fully addressed their concerns. A consultation can help organize those questions and provide direction. Referring professionals may also find consultation helpful when they want clinical perspective on a complex situation before moving forward with a more extensive evaluation.
At Coherence, neuropsychological consultation provides an opportunity to thoughtfully consider the right next step. Sometimes existing records and information are enough to answer the question. In other situations, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may be recommended to better understand an individual’s cognitive profile, learning needs, or functional concerns.
Beginning with consultation allows families and professionals to approach the process with a clearer understanding of what information is needed and why. When there is uncertainty about whether a full evaluation is the right fit, consultation can help provide guidance and direction.
Inquire About Consultation
Email is the preferred first contact. Jennifer Linton Reesman, PhD, ABPP will review the referral question and identify the most appropriate service format.