I’m Dr. Nikki Wallace, a board certified neuropsychologist specializing in pediatrics. My practice is in Castle Rock, Colorado. Families usually come to me when something about their child’s learning, attention, or behavior isn’t adding up and they want a clear picture of what’s going on. My job is to provide that picture and turn it into a plan you can actually use.

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a detailed assessment of how your child thinks, learns, and manages emotions. It looks at skills like attention, memory, language, reasoning, and processing speed, and considers how those skills play out at school and at home. Testing happens through structured activities at a desk, and many of the tasks feel like puzzles or games to younger children. There are no needles, scans, or medical procedures involved.

Why parents seek an evaluation

Some families are looking for answers about ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another learning difference. Others have a child with a medical condition, such as epilepsy or a head injury, and want to understand how it affects learning. And sometimes there is no diagnosis in question at all, just a sense that school is harder for your child than it should be. All of these are good reasons to reach out.

What to expect

We start with an interview where I get to know your child’s history and your concerns, and I review records from your child’s school and doctors. Because no one sees the whole child from a single vantage point, I also interview teachers, therapists, and other important people in your child’s life, and I collect information through evidence-based behavioral questionnaires. Testing itself usually takes place over one or two visits. Most children find the one-on-one format easier and more enjoyable than they expected.

When testing is finished, we meet to go over the results in plain language. You receive a written report that explains your child’s strengths and challenges and lays out specific recommendations, including supports you can request from your child’s school, such as an IEP or 504 plan. If your child would benefit from services like therapy or tutoring, I’ll point you toward a sensible next step.

If you’re wondering whether an evaluation makes sense for your child, reach out through the contact page. I’m happy to talk it through with you.