A neuropsychological assessment usually involves a clinical interview, about 3–4 hours of standardised tests of memory, attention, language, processing speed, visual-spatial and executive skills (with breaks), and questionnaires about mood and daily life. Your results are compared with people of a similar age, integrated with your history and medical information, and explained in a written report and feedback session with practical recommendations.
Before the assessment
Most assessments start with a referral question — what do you, your family or your doctor want to know? Common questions include whether memory changes reflect normal ageing or something more, how a stroke or brain injury has affected thinking, or what supports would help with return to work or study.
- Send your referral letter and any relevant records — neuroimaging, specialist reports and discharge summaries
- List your current medications
- Think about the questions you’d most like answered
- Ask a family member or close friend if they can attend the interview
The clinical interview
Your clinician will ask about your concerns, medical and developmental history, education and work, mood, sleep and daily functioning. A family member or close friend can add valuable information about changes they’ve noticed. They’re welcome for the interview, but will usually wait outside during testing so conditions stay standardised.
The tests
Testing typically takes around 3–4 hours including breaks. Tasks are mostly pen-and-paper or on a tablet, and might include:
| Skill | Example tasks |
|---|---|
| Memory | Remembering a story or list of words, then recalling it later |
| Attention | Repeating sequences of numbers; responding to targets |
| Processing speed | Timed symbol or matching tasks |
| Language | Naming pictures; generating words that start with a letter |
| Visual-spatial | Copying a design; arranging blocks to match a pattern |
| Executive function | Problem solving, planning and switching between rules |
| Mood & daily life | Questionnaires about mood, behaviour and everyday functioning |
Some tasks are designed to be challenging, so it’s normal to find parts difficult. Simply do your best — consistent effort is what makes the results meaningful.
After testing: scoring and interpretation
Your results are scored and compared with large groups of people of a similar age (and sometimes education). Your clinician then integrates the scores with your history, mood, medical information and imaging to form a clear picture of how your brain is functioning — and what might explain any difficulties.
Your report and feedback
You’ll receive a written report that explains your results in plain language, describes your strengths and weaknesses, gives diagnostic impressions where appropriate, and sets out practical recommendations — such as memory strategies, workplace or study adjustments, rehabilitation, or onward referrals. At Adelaide Hills Neuropsychology we aim to complete reports within 1–2 weeks of testing and book a feedback session the following week. With your consent, the report is shared with your referring doctor.
How to prepare on the day
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat a balanced meal beforehand
- Take your usual medications
- Bring glasses, hearing aids and any adaptive devices
- Wear comfortable clothes and bring water and a non-messy snack
- Allow plenty of time to arrive without rushing — fatigue and stress affect performance
What happens next?
Depending on the findings, next steps might include cognitive rehabilitation (such as the MEMORehab program), psychological therapy to support adjustment, occupational therapy, input from your GP or specialist, or a repeat assessment in the future to track change.
Frequently asked questions
Can you “fail” a neuropsychological assessment?
No. There’s no pass or fail. Everyone finds some tasks easy and others hard — the aim is to understand your pattern of strengths and weaknesses.
Will it be tiring?
It can be. Several hours of focused thinking is demanding, which is why we schedule breaks. Let your clinician know if you need extra breaks.
Do I need to stop my medication?
No — continue your usual medications unless your doctor or clinician has told you otherwise. Bring a list of what you take.
What if I’m anxious about it?
That’s very common. Your clinician will explain each task, there are no trick questions, and you can ask questions at any time. Mood and anxiety are considered when interpreting results.
This guide is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice. Funding rules and rebates change — figures are current as at 2 October 2026.