Pediatric Neuropsychology Service

Our Mission

To provide excellence in clinical care, research, and training throughout the western Pennsylvania region to support the functioning and quality of life of children with medical conditions affecting the brain.

Our Vision

• We provide patient-centered assessment and intervention to children and their families using evidenced-based practice in the context of family, community, and culture.
• We conduct and utilize ground-breaking clinical research to improve the lives of children with medical conditions affecting the brain.
• We provide an inspirational environment for training tomorrow’s leaders through our commitment to education.

Our Services

The Pediatric Neuropsychology Service assesses brain-behavior relationships in children and adolescents who have underlying or acquired medical and neurological disorders and whose medical condition or treatment places them at risk for developmental, cognitive, and behavioral problems.

Neuropsychologists may assess a child’s cognition, learning, memory, and processing skills to determine the extent to which the child’s medical condition and/or treatment is impacting the child’s functioning.

The evaluation consists of:

• An interview with the parent/caregiver
• An interview with the child
• Psychological tests.

The tests are given individually to the child in order to answer specific questions about the child’s functioning. Depending upon the child’s level of functioning and his or her age, these tests may take between two and five hours to administer.

The neuropsychologist will provide feedback to the family and relevant medical professionals. An evaluation report will be provided. This report will include the evaluation results and recommendations to guide treatment.

Referral Requirements

Children referred to the Pediatric Neuropsychology Service must currently be obtaining services at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and have an identified medical condition with impact on the central nervous system/brain development. The referral must be made by a UPMC Children’s Hospital specialty physician. Please note that even referrals meeting these criteria do not guarantee a child will be seen in the Pediatric Neuropsychology Service, as each referral is individually reviewed.

Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans may also require pre-authorization from the insurance provider.

Call 412-692-5890 for more information.