What Can a Neuropsychological Evaluation Tell You That School Testing Can’t?

One of the most common questions parents ask is:

“The school already tested my child. Why would we need a private neuropsychological evaluation?”

It’s an important question—and one that often comes up after a child has been struggling academically, emotionally, or behaviorally despite receiving school-based support.

School evaluations can be extremely valuable and often play an important role in determining eligibility for services. However, school testing and private neuropsychological evaluations are designed for different purposes.

Understanding the difference can help families decide whether additional information may be beneficial for their child.

School Testing vs. Neuropsychological Evaluation: What’s the Difference?

When schools conduct evaluations, their primary goal is often to determine whether a student qualifies for special education services, accommodations, or support within the educational setting.

A private neuropsychological evaluation has a broader purpose.

Rather than focusing solely on eligibility, a neuropsychological evaluation seeks to answer a larger question:

Why is my child struggling, and what can we do to help?

The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how a child thinks, learns, processes information, regulates emotions, and functions in daily life.

A More Complete Picture of Your Child

A neuropsychological evaluation examines multiple areas of functioning that may impact academic and everyday success.

These often include:

• Intellectual functioning
• Attention and concentration
• Executive functioning
• Memory and learning
• Reading, writing, and math skills
• Processing speed
• Language abilities
• Social-emotional functioning
• Anxiety and mood concerns
• Behavioral functioning

By examining how these areas interact, clinicians can identify patterns that may not be apparent through school testing alone.

Diagnostic Clarity

One of the greatest benefits of a neuropsychological evaluation is diagnostic clarity.

Many challenges can look similar on the surface.

For example:

A child may appear inattentive in class because of:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• A learning disability
• Executive functioning challenges
• Processing speed difficulties
• Sleep problems

Without a comprehensive evaluation, it can be difficult to determine the true source of the problem.

A neuropsychological evaluation helps identify the underlying factors contributing to a child’s struggles.

Understanding Strengths, Not Just Challenges

Parents often come to evaluations focused on concerns.

However, identifying strengths is equally important.

A neuropsychological evaluation can highlight:

• Cognitive strengths
• Learning strengths
• Problem-solving abilities
• Areas of resilience
• Academic talents

Understanding what a child does well can help educators and families build more effective support plans.

Detailed Recommendations for Home and School

One of the most valuable outcomes of a neuropsychological evaluation is the individualized recommendations provided after testing.

These recommendations may include:

Academic Supports

• Reading interventions
• Writing support
• Math accommodations
• Executive functioning strategies

Classroom Accommodations

• Extended testing time
• Preferential seating
• Reduced distractions
• Organizational supports

Emotional and Behavioral Support

• Therapy recommendations
• Anxiety management strategies
• Social skills support
• Parent guidance

The goal is not simply to identify a diagnosis but to create a practical roadmap for success.

Support for IEPs and 504 Plans

Many families seek evaluations because they want to better understand what accommodations or services may help their child at school.

A neuropsychological evaluation can provide detailed recommendations that may support conversations regarding:

• IEP eligibility
• 504 Plans
• Academic accommodations
• Educational advocacy
• School-based services

The evaluation often helps parents communicate their child’s needs more clearly during school meetings.

When School Testing May Not Provide All the Answers

Families sometimes pursue private testing when:

• School testing results were inconclusive
• Concerns remain despite previous evaluations
• A child is struggling but not qualifying for services
• Academic performance does not match effort
• Emotional or behavioral concerns persist
• Parents want a more comprehensive understanding

In these situations, additional information can be extremely helpful.

Why Summer Is an Ideal Time for Testing

For many families, summer provides the perfect opportunity to complete a neuropsychological evaluation.

Benefits include:

• Greater scheduling flexibility
• Reduced academic stress
• Time to review results before school starts
• Opportunity to implement recommendations early
• Ability to advocate for supports before September

Rather than waiting until challenges arise again during the school year, summer allows families to take a proactive approach.

Getting Answers Before the School Year Begins

Every child deserves the opportunity to understand their strengths, access appropriate support, and feel confident in their abilities.

While school testing plays an important role, a neuropsychological evaluation often provides a deeper understanding of why a child may be struggling and what steps can help them succeed.

For many families, the greatest benefit is clarity.

When parents understand how their child learns, they can make more informed decisions and advocate more effectively both inside and outside the classroom.

Schedule a Neuropsychological Evaluation

At Manhattan Psychology Group, our comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations help families gain meaningful insight into learning, attention, executive functioning, emotional well-being, and academic performance. Our goal is to provide clear answers and practical recommendations that support long-term success.

Summer Screen Time: When Should Parents Be Concerned?

For many families, summer brings a familiar challenge: screen time.

Without the structure of school, children often spend more time on phones, tablets, gaming systems, computers, and television. While technology can be entertaining, educational, and even social, many parents wonder when increased screen use becomes something to worry about.

If your child seems glued to a device this summer, you’re not alone. The good news is that screen time itself isn’t necessarily the problem. Instead of focusing solely on the number of hours, experts encourage parents to look at how screens are affecting a child’s overall functioning.

Is Too Much Screen Time Always Bad?

Not necessarily.

Technology plays an important role in many children’s lives. Screens can provide opportunities for learning, creativity, communication, and relaxation.

However, problems may arise when screen use begins interfering with important areas of development, including:

• Sleep
• Physical activity
• Family relationships
• Social interactions
• Emotional regulation
• School readiness
• Daily responsibilities

The question is not simply “How many hours?” but rather, “How is screen use impacting my child?”

Signs Screen Time May Be Becoming a Problem

While occasional gaming marathons or movie days are a normal part of summer, parents may want to pay closer attention if they notice:

Difficulty Stopping

Does your child become extremely upset when asked to put devices away?

Some frustration is normal, but intense emotional reactions may indicate that screen use is becoming difficult to manage.

Loss of Interest in Other Activities

Children should still show interest in:

• Friends
• Outdoor play
• Hobbies
• Family activities
• Sports
• Creative pursuits

When screens become the only preferred activity, it may be worth evaluating the balance.

Sleep Problems

One of the most common consequences of excessive screen use is disrupted sleep.

Research suggests that screen exposure before bedtime can affect:

• Sleep quality
• Sleep duration
• Ability to fall asleep
• Daytime alertness

Poor sleep can also affect attention, mood, learning, and behavior.

Increased Irritability

Many parents notice that children become more emotionally reactive after long periods of screen use.

This may look like:

• Mood swings
• Frustration
• Difficulty transitioning between activities
• Increased arguments
• Emotional outbursts

These reactions can be especially challenging during the less structured summer months.

Screen Time and ADHD

Children with ADHD may be particularly vulnerable to problematic screen use.

Fast-paced games, social media, and digital content provide immediate rewards and constant stimulation, which can be highly appealing to children who struggle with attention and impulse control.

Parents may notice:

• Difficulty disengaging from screens
• Increased distractibility
• Greater challenges with transitions
• Resistance to non-screen activities

It’s important to remember that screen use does not cause ADHD. However, excessive screen time can sometimes make existing attention and executive functioning challenges more noticeable.

The Connection Between Screens and Executive Functioning

Executive functioning refers to skills that help children:

• Plan
• Organize
• Manage time
• Control impulses
• Follow through on tasks

Summer naturally reduces opportunities to practice these skills because school routines are temporarily removed.

When excessive screen use fills much of a child’s day, there may be fewer opportunities to strengthen executive functioning through real-world experiences such as:

• Completing chores
• Managing schedules
• Participating in camps
• Socializing with peers
• Problem-solving independently

Maintaining a balance between screen activities and real-world responsibilities can help support healthy development.

Supporting Healthy Screen Habits During Summer

Rather than eliminating screens completely, many families find success by creating intentional boundaries.

Consider:

Creating Predictable Limits

Establish clear expectations around when and how devices can be used.

Prioritizing Sleep

Keep screens out of bedrooms when possible and encourage device-free time before bed.

Encouraging Variety

Summer should include a mix of:

• Physical activity
• Reading
• Family time
• Outdoor experiences
• Creative activities
• Social interaction

Modeling Healthy Habits

Children often learn more from what they observe than what they are told.

Parents who demonstrate balanced technology use can help reinforce healthy habits.

When Screen Time May Signal Something More

Sometimes excessive screen use is not the primary problem but rather a symptom of another challenge.

Children may turn to screens when they are experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Social difficulties
• ADHD
• Learning challenges
• Low self-esteem
• Emotional stress

If your child struggles significantly with attention, emotional regulation, organization, or daily functioning, it may be helpful to explore whether an underlying issue is contributing to the behavior.

Looking Ahead to the School Year

As summer progresses, parents can use this time to observe patterns that may have been hidden during the school year.

Questions to consider include:

• Does my child have difficulty managing responsibilities without constant reminders?
• Are transitions unusually challenging?
• Does screen time seem to impact mood or sleep?
• Are attention difficulties affecting daily functioning?

Understanding the answers to these questions can help families determine whether additional support may be beneficial before the new school year begins.

Supporting Healthy Development This Summer

Technology is likely here to stay, and screens can be a valuable part of childhood when used thoughtfully.

The goal is not perfection. Instead, focus on helping children develop healthy habits, maintain balance, and build skills that support long-term success both on and off screens.

If concerns about attention, executive functioning, learning, or emotional regulation persist, summer can be an excellent time to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s needs before school starts again.

Schedule a Neuropsychological Evaluation

At Manhattan Psychology Group, our team provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to help families better understand attention, executive functioning, learning, and emotional challenges so children can enter the school year with confidence.

Is Summer Learning Loss Real? What NYC Parents Need to Know

As summer vacation begins, many parents worry about the so-called “summer slide”—the idea that children lose academic skills during the months they’re out of school. Headlines and social media posts often make it sound as though every child is destined to fall behind over the summer, but the reality is much more nuanced.

So, is summer learning loss real?

The answer is yes—but not in the way many parents think.

Understanding which children may be most affected and how to support learning without turning summer into another school year can help families strike the right balance between growth, rest, and fun.

What Is Summer Learning Loss?

Summer learning loss refers to the decline in certain academic skills that can occur when children are not regularly practicing them during school breaks.

Research suggests that some children may experience setbacks in areas such as:

• Reading fluency
• Reading comprehension
• Math skills
• Writing skills
• Executive functioning routines

However, not every child experiences learning loss, and the impact can vary significantly depending on age, learning profile, access to enrichment opportunities, and individual needs.

The Good News: Most Children Don’t Forget Everything

One of the biggest misconceptions about summer learning loss is that children lose an entire year’s worth of progress.

In reality, many children maintain the majority of their academic skills over the summer, especially when they continue engaging in activities such as:

• Reading for pleasure
• Visiting museums
• Participating in camps
• Exploring hobbies
• Playing educational games
• Practicing real-world problem-solving

Learning happens in many forms, not just through worksheets and classroom instruction.

Summer can actually provide opportunities for children to build creativity, independence, social skills, and confidence.

Which Children May Be More Vulnerable?

While summer can be beneficial for many children, some students may need additional support to maintain progress.

Children who may be more susceptible to summer learning loss include those with:

ADHD

Children with ADHD often benefit from consistent routines and structure. Long breaks without predictable schedules can sometimes make it more difficult to maintain academic habits and executive functioning skills.

Learning Disabilities

Students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or other learning differences may require continued practice to retain certain academic skills.

Executive Functioning Challenges

Difficulties with organization, planning, working memory, and self-monitoring can become more noticeable when school routines disappear.

Anxiety or School Avoidance

Children who experienced significant academic stress during the school year may benefit from summer support to help build confidence before returning to school.

How Parents Can Prevent Summer Learning Loss

The goal is not to recreate school at home.

Instead, focus on small, meaningful opportunities to engage learning naturally throughout the summer.

Encourage Daily Reading

Even 15–20 minutes of reading each day can help maintain literacy skills.

Let your child choose books that genuinely interest them, whether that’s graphic novels, mysteries, sports stories, or nonfiction topics they enjoy.

Incorporate Learning Into Everyday Activities

Learning can happen during:

• Cooking and baking
• Grocery shopping
• Family travel
• Museums
• Nature walks
• Board games

These activities build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Maintain Some Routine

Children generally benefit from predictable schedules.

Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, reading time, and structured activities can help ease the transition back to school in the fall.

Focus on Strengths

Summer is an excellent time for children to explore interests and develop confidence in areas they enjoy.

Whether it’s art, sports, music, technology, or creative projects, positive experiences can support overall development.

When Summer Struggles May Signal Something More

Sometimes summer reveals challenges that were hidden during the school year.

Parents may notice:

• Difficulty following multi-step directions
• Ongoing attention problems
• Significant frustration with reading or writing
• Emotional outbursts related to academic tasks
• Trouble retaining previously learned information
• Difficulty managing age-appropriate responsibilities

When concerns persist despite support, it may be worth exploring whether an underlying learning, attention, or executive functioning difficulty is contributing to the problem.

Summer Can Be the Perfect Time to Get Answers

If your child struggled academically during the school year, summer provides an opportunity to better understand why.

A neuropsychological evaluation can help identify:

• ADHD
• Learning disabilities
• Executive functioning challenges
• Anxiety
• Processing differences
• Academic strengths and weaknesses

Most importantly, families can receive recommendations and develop a plan before the new school year begins.

Rather than waiting for difficulties to reappear in September, summer allows parents to take a proactive approach.

Supporting Success Beyond the Summer

Summer should not be about pressure or perfection.

For most children, a healthy balance of rest, fun, exploration, and learning opportunities is enough to support continued growth.

If concerns remain about your child’s academic performance, attention, or learning, seeking professional guidance can provide valuable insight and help ensure they start the next school year with confidence.

Schedule a Neuropsychological Evaluation

At Manhattan Psychology Group, our team provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations designed to help families better understand their child’s strengths, challenges, and educational needs before the school year begins.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Schedule a Neuropsychological Evaluation 

As the school year comes to a close, many parents find themselves reflecting on the challenges their child faced throughout the year. Perhaps homework consistently took longer than expected, teachers raised concerns about attention or learning, or your child seemed increasingly frustrated by academic demands. While it may be tempting to put these concerns aside until September, summer is often the best time to seek answers.

A neuropsychological evaluation can provide valuable insight into how your child learns, processes information, manages attention, and regulates emotions. Completing testing during the summer allows families to begin the new school year with clarity, recommendations, and a plan for success.

Why Summer Is the Ideal Time for Testing

During the school year, families are juggling homework, extracurricular activities, sports, therapies, and busy schedules. Finding time for a comprehensive evaluation can be difficult.

Summer offers several advantages:

• Greater scheduling flexibility
• Reduced academic stress for children
• Time to review results before school starts
• Opportunity to implement recommendations before September
• Ability to advocate for school supports early

Rather than waiting until your child struggles again in the fall, summer allows families to take a proactive approach.

What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that helps identify a child’s cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional strengths and challenges.

The evaluation may assess:

• Attention and concentration
• Executive functioning
• Learning and memory
• Reading, writing, and math skills
• Language abilities
• Processing speed
• Social-emotional functioning
• Anxiety and mood concerns

The goal is not simply to identify challenges but to better understand how a child learns and what supports will help them succeed.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Testing

Many parents wonder whether their child’s struggles are simply part of growing up or signs of something more significant.

Consider seeking an evaluation if your child:

• Consistently struggles with homework
• Has difficulty paying attention
• Appears disorganized or forgetful
• Experiences significant school-related anxiety
• Has trouble reading, writing, or math
• Receives frequent teacher concerns
• Is not making expected academic progress
• Has difficulty with executive functioning skills

Even children who earn good grades may benefit from testing if they are working significantly harder than their peers or experiencing emotional distress related to school.

Why Early Answers Matter

When challenges go unidentified, children often experience increasing frustration, declining confidence, and mounting academic stress.

A neuropsychological evaluation can help answer important questions such as:

• Does my child have ADHD?
• Is there an underlying learning disability?
• Why does homework take so long?
• Why is my child struggling despite trying hard?
• What accommodations or supports may help?

Receiving answers before the school year begins allows families, educators, and providers to work together more effectively.

Preparing for the New School Year

One of the greatest benefits of summer testing is the ability to enter September with a roadmap.

Recommendations may include:

• Classroom accommodations
• Executive functioning support
• Academic interventions
• Therapy services
• Behavioral supports
• School-based services
• IEP or 504 Plan recommendations

Instead of spending months trying to understand what is happening, families can begin the school year with actionable strategies already in place.

Take the First Step This Summer

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, attention, behavior, or emotional well-being, summer can be the perfect time to gain clarity.

A neuropsychological evaluation can help identify your child’s unique strengths and challenges while providing the guidance needed to support long-term success at school and beyond.

Schedule a Neuropsychological Evaluation

The team at Manhattan Psychology Group provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. Our goal is to help families better understand their child’s needs and develop a clear path forward before the next school year begins.