About School Neuropsychology

"School neuropsychology requires the integration of neuropsychological and educational principles to the assessment and intervention processes with infants, children, and adolescents to facilitate learning and behavior within the school and family systems. School neuropsychologists also play an important role in curriculum development, classroom design, and the integration of differentiated instruction that is based on brain-behavior principles in order to provide an optimal learning environment for every child"

(Miller, 2007, 2013; Miller & Maricle, 2019).

“School neuropsychology requires the integration of neuropsychological and educational principles...”. The blend between educational and neuropsychological foundations is an essential knowledge base for school neuropsychologists.

“...to the assessment and intervention processes with infants, children, and adolescents.” School neuropsychology is not limited to assessment and diagnosis. Linking assessment with evidenced-based interventions is an important focus for school neuropsychologists. Also, school neuropsychologists are trained to work with infants and school-aged children.

“...to facilitate learning and behavior within the school and family systems.” School neuropsychologists are trained to work with children and adolescents within the context of their school and home environments. Learning and behavioral problems do not stop at the end of the school day. Family involvement is crucial in affecting positive behavioral and academic change in a child.

"School neuropsychologists also play an important role in curriculum development, classroom design, and the integration of differentiated instruction that is based on brain-behavior principles in order to provide an optimal learning environment for every child. School neuropsychologists are trained as consultants to the learning environment, linking instructional design, curriculum development, and differential assessment to research-based interventions. School neuropsychologists are uniquely trained to apply brain-based research principles to enhance the educational environment."

  • Miller, D. C., & Maricle, D. E. (2019). Essentials of school neuropsychological assessment Third Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons.
  • Miller, D. C. (2013). Essentials of school neuropsychological assessment Second Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons.
  • Miller, D. C. (2007). Essentials of school neuropsychological assessment. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons.
  • Miller, D. C. (2004). Neuropsychological assessment in the schools. In. C. Spielberger (Ed.), Encyclopedia of applied psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 657-664). San Diego, CA: Academic Press

Roles and Functions of a School Neuropsychologist

  • Provide neuropsychological assessment and interpretation services to schools for children with known or suspected neurological conditions.
  • Assist in the interpretation of neuropsychological findings from outside consultants or medical records.
  • Seek to integrate current brain research into educational practice.
  • Provide educational interventions that have a basis in the neuropsychological or educational literature.

  • Act as a liaison between the school and the medical community for transitional planning for TBI and other health impaired children and adolescents.
  • Consult with curriculum specialists in designing approaches to instruction that more adequately reflect what is known about brain-behavior relationships.
  • Conduct inservice training for educators and parents about the neuropsychological factors that relate to common childhood disorders.
  • Engage in evidenced-based research to test for the efficacy of neuropsychologically- based interventions (Miller & Maricle, 2019).