Feb 18 2009
Autism and Neuropsychological Testing
A neuropsychological test could be key in developing new strategies to teaching those on the spectrum.
A neuropsychologist is specially trained to give this type of exam and to evaluate the results.
For me they were key in identifying my strengths and weaknesses.
This type of testing tests cognitive ability, something that I had never gone through before. Until I underwent this testing, which took for me the better part of a day, it was not known that I did not retain what I read.
Normal testing is designed to measure progress and not current ability. It is based on months and years of schooling, cannot easily distinguish cognitive ability, and is geared towards measuring what is retained.
Through much memorization and repetition I was able to gain much of the required knowledge for passing, even if barely, the tests given in a school environment. When I did show a lack of progress, special education classes were called for.
I took pre-algebra from 7th grade through 10th grade. Then I was transferred to general math. It was this 4 years of struggle that lead me to the belief that I cannot learn formulas. I can memorize multiplication, count on my fingers, and manage simple geometry. However, when the mathematical problem requires that I use a formula that does not follow a simple process of memory recall, it becomes nearly impossible for me to navigate.
Hence, my neuropsychological test led to a change in career goals when I started college. Actually, I would change my major 3 times before finding one that met my unique interests, goals, and abilities.
Many on the spectrum learn differently than others. Our brains are wired differently, thus the process of information transfers differently. I adapted in early education to most completely and obsessively memorizing my lessons. This reliance on memorization led to high marks in English, Spelling, Grammar, History, and other similar studies. However, when Mathematics took on a system of formulas, adding unfamiliar letters to numbers, I found myself lost not only in translation, but stuck on the first memorizations of early formulas. Every attempt to memorize more complex math problems only served to confuse me and further thwart my progress.
A neuropsychological test is very important for those on the spectrum prior to entering college. With out one, resources available for our unique needs are unavailable. It is important to keep in mind that if you leave college for a year that you must have a re-evaluation prior to getting the same arrangements.
I can certainly say that it has brought me up to the level of my neurotypical peers. Without the arrangements I have, I would not be able to complete the college level work required to complete my degree.
