{"id":271,"date":"2025-12-20T20:57:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T01:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/?page_id=271"},"modified":"2026-01-08T23:07:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T04:07:42","slug":"guide-to-neuropsych-evaluations-by-williams-dsu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/resources\/guide-to-neuropsych-evaluations-by-williams-dsu\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Neuropsych Evaluations"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Should I get a neuropsych evaluation?<\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Neuropsych evaluations can provide you with a formal diagnosis of any neurological or mental conditions you\u2019d like to have evaluated. If you\u2019re thinking of pursuing one at Williams, here\u2019s some info you should know:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Pros:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Documentation from doctors can validate your condition, if there are individuals\/entities who refuse to recognize your disability<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Documentation can also officially back up accommodation requests, whether they are academic or housing accommodations (Note: you are able to request provisional accommodations if you don\u2019t get a diagnosis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Financial assistance is available through the College<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Cons:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Your diagnosis may be used against you in these cases<\/span><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">. To keep yourself safe, remember that you are not forced to reveal your diagnosis results to anyone, and have the right to maintain them (or any information about yourself) private.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">If you\u2019re transgender, certain states are advancing transphobic and ableist legislation that prevent you from accessing HRT and gender-affirming care on the basis of autism diagnoses<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Autism\/neurodivergence diagnosis have been used in certain countries (ie. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) to reject immigration\/citizenship applications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Notes:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">We cannot and do not give official medical or legal advice \u2013 only professionals such as doctors, mental health experts, (or those trained in psychology or therapy practices), and lawyers can do that. We write these tips from our experiences and readings as disabled students.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Sources:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">https:\/\/19thnews.org\/2023\/05\/trans-laws-autistic-youth-mental-health\/<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">https:\/\/amnesty.sa.utoronto.ca\/2023\/04\/06\/dehumanization-archaic-immigration-policies-against-individuals-with-disabilities\/<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">How do I get a neuropsych evaluation?<\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">If you\u2019ve decided on getting a neuropsych evaluation, here are some steps on requesting one and going through the evaluation process!<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">1. Meet with a staff member from the Office of Accessible Education (<\/span><a class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none\" href=\"mailto:oaestaff@williams.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oaestaff\u200b@williams\u200b.edu<\/a><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">; in-person or online through Zoom). Let them know why you\u2019re seeking a neuropsych evaluation (such as to diagnose mental health or neurological conditions you believe you have, receive support for accommodations, etc).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">2. You may first be referred to IWS for an evaluation and then to a psychologist\u2019s office to schedule your neuropsych evaluation. Details for psychologists in the area can be found <\/span><a class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-underline text-strikethrough-none\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/10HMVQ0TJxHPS5bTVo9NtXkx_cbVZS6wd3i3RZWew-7o\/edit?tab=t.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">. [Link address: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/williamsneuropsych\">https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/williamsneuropsych<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">3. A neuropsych assessment typically consists of three components:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">An interview (can be conducted over Zoom)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">A paperwork and questionnaire response section (can be done digitally and on your own)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">An in-person testing session at the office.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">You\u2019ll need to schedule a day and time for the interview and for the testing session.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Note: If you\u2019re struggling to fill out all the forms, let your psychologist know. They will inform you which forms are the most important for you to complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">3. Await your psychologist\u2019s response to schedule a time to review your results. Evaluation of your testing takes about two months, but if they haven\u2019t contacted you by then, send them an email.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Extra tips to make the process easier<\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">A neuropsych evaluation can be intimidating if you don\u2019t know what to expect. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind as you begin the process and after you receive your report.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Getting started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">You can begin this process over the summer! This helps save time and place you in line for testing, as there can be a long waiting list. If you are a senior, emphasize your year so you\u2019re able to receive the evaluation before you graduate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">It can be helpful to write up a list of things you want to say to your psychologist beforehand and either bring it with you to your appointment or send it to them beforehand and ask them to read it before or during your appointment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">After you receive your report:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Give yourself some time to process. Consider talking it through with someone you trust.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Imposter syndrome is real and does not make your diagnosis\/es any less valid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Read up on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to get a better sense of your rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">If applicable, apply for accommodations through the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) at Williams.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Consider signing up for DSU\u2019s mentoring program, where we will match you with a peer who has a disability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Think about how and to whom you plan to disclose your disability(ies). It may be tempting to tell everyone you know, but this is generally not a good idea. Remember that even during accommodations meetings with professors, disclosure is strictly optional.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Should I get a neuropsych evaluation? Neuropsych evaluations can provide you with a formal diagnosis of any neurological or mental conditions you\u2019d like to have evaluated. If you\u2019re thinking of pursuing one at Williams, here\u2019s some info you should know: &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/resources\/guide-to-neuropsych-evaluations-by-williams-dsu\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2952,"featured_media":0,"parent":34,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width-page.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-271","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/271","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2952"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=271"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/271\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":331,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/271\/revisions\/331"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/williams-dream\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}