The Use of Serial Testing to Identify Young Children in Need of Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation

This study was designed to use a short, two-phase testing procedure to predict the outcome of a comprehensive neuropsychological examination among young children (aged 5-8 years). Phase 1, requiring less than 10 minutes to administer, predicted Phase 2 results and results of comprehensive testing with acceptable accuracy. Phase 2 testing evaluated both lower-level (sensory-motor) and higher-level functions, required about 45 minutes to administer, and also closely predicted the outcome of comprehensive testing. Cutoff scores for individual tests, areas of function, and the total score for preliminary testing were determined, and accuracy rates were identified. The results suggest that preliminary testing, as described in this article, may serve to identify young children who need a comprehensive neuropsychological examination.