[Neuropsychological assessment in children].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the methods used for neuropsychological assessment in children, emphasizing aspects of interest to pediatricians, psychologists and neurologists.


METHODS
Review of the published literature concerning neuropsychological assessment, including textbooks and reference manuals. The experience of the Neuropsychology Unit at Hospital São Lucas, Brazil, is described.


RESULTS
Neuropsychological assessment should not be limited to the application of psychometric and neuropsychological tests; it should also correlate test findings with the neurological/behavioral disorder and establish which part of the brain is likely to be involved. In addition, the careful interpretation of result must be associated with an evaluation of the individual's current status and of the context in which s/he lives.


CONCLUSIONS
The final result of neuropsychological assessment should be a neuropsychological profile of the patient, which, in combination with the evaluation of neurological/clinical, psychological and social aspects will contribute to diagnosis and provide elements to guide the patient in terms of maximizing his/her potential.
Costa
Danielle I
DI
Programas de Neurologia Infantil e Unidade de Neuropsicologia, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre.
Azambuja
Luciana S
LS
Portuguez
Mirna W
MW
Costa
Jaderson C
JC
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D002666:Psychology, Child