How to Prepare for a Neuropsychological Assessment: A Guide
If you have booked in for a neuropsychological assessment, you might be wondering what to expect, or how to prepare. Whether you’re attending for an ADHD or Autism assessment, memory concerns, or cognitive changes related to mental health or neurological illness, the good news is: you don’t need to study or “train” for it.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what the process usually involves, what (if anything) you need to bring, and how to set yourself up for a smooth and comfortable assessment experience.
🧠 What Is a Neuropsychological Assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is a structured process that helps us understand how your brain is functioning in areas like memory, attention, language, planning, and problem-solving. You might be referred by your GP, a specialist like a neurologist or psychiatrist, or you might be seeking answers for yourself.
The assessment typically includes:
• A clinical interview to explore your history, concerns, and goals
• Standardised cognitive testing
• (Sometimes) input from a support person or reports from other providers
• A follow-up feedback session where results and recommendations are shared
Most adult assessments take around three hours in one session, though some people completing dual assessments for ADHD and Autism may need a second shorter session.
✅ What Should I Bring?
To help the process go smoothly, we recommend:
• Wearing glasses or hearing aids if you use them
• Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand if possible
• Eating breakfast or lunch as normal, so you’re comfortable during the session
• Bringing any relevant past reports (e.g. school, psychology, occupational therapy, MRI or medical reports) if available
• Bringing a support person if you’d like – particularly helpful for the interview portion of the assessment. The cognitive testing component is completed one-on-one with your clinician.
There’s no need to prepare or to worry about performing perfectly – neuropsychological assessments are not pass/fail. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and the goal is to understand your unique profile to guide support, diagnosis, or treatment planning.
🤔 What If I Forget Something Important?
It’s common to worry about forgetting details or “not explaining things properly.” You don’t need to have all the answers. If you’re worried about remembering key points, feel free to jot down a few notes ahead of time. Some clients like to bring a short written summary of their concerns, background, or questions – this can be especially helpful if you experience memory difficulties or anxiety.
You’re also welcome to have a partner, friend, or family member offer their observations during the interview or provide written input, especially if you sometimes struggle to explain changes in thinking or functioning.
💬 What Happens After the Assessment?
After your assessment session, you’ll be booked in for a separate feedback session, usually within one to two weeks. In this session, I’ll walk you through the findings, answer your questions, and explain any diagnoses or next steps if relevant. You’ll also receive a written report that outlines your cognitive profile and any recommendations for support, accommodations, or referrals.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Neuropsychological assessments can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. But remember: the purpose is to help you gain insight, make sense of your experiences, and guide practical next steps. You don’t need to prepare in any special way, and you’re not alone in the process.
If you’re attending an assessment with me, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions beforehand. I want you to feel as comfortable, informed, and supported as possible.
You can get in touch with our clinic via our contact form, or via phone on 0493 976 935.