05
DEC 25

Understanding the Three Types of Evaluations Offered by Minder Memory Center

Written by:

Lindy Fields, PhD, ABPP-CN

Clinical Neuropsychologist at Minder Memory Center
Across healthcare, employers, and community organizations, timely access to high-quality cognitive and psychological evaluations is still limited. Waitlists stretch 6–12 months in many states, and early identification is critical:
1 in 36 U.S. children is diagnosed with autism (CDC)
1 in 8 adults over 60 is living with cognitive impairment (WHO)
Nearly 1 in 5 adults is experiencing a mental health disorder (NIMH)
Up to 50% of concussions go undiagnosed (Brain Injury Association)
At Minder Memory Center, we provide fast, virtual access to specialized evaluations nationwide. Our clinicians conduct three distinct types of assessments — each designed to answer different diagnostic questions and give patients, families, and providers the clarity they need to move forward.
Developmental Neuropsychological Evaluation
Developmental Neuropsychological Evaluation

For conditions that begin in childhood

Developmental neuropsychological evaluations assess how the brain learns, processes information, and regulates behavior. These evaluations are ideal for children, teens, and adults who may have long-standing developmental or cognitive differences.

Typical age-related changes:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADHD / attention difficulties
Learning disorders (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
Intellectual disability
Social or communication challenges
Behavioral concerns affecting school, work, or relationships

What this evaluation measures

Cognitive skills (memory, attention, language, processing
speed)
Executive functioning (organization, planning,
problem-solving)
Academic performance
Social-emotional functioning
Behavioral and adaptive skills

Why it matters

37% of children with developmental conditions wait more than 1 year for testing
Early diagnosis results in 2–3x higher treatment success rates
Adults with undiagnosed developmental conditions experience higher rates of burnout, depression, and work impairment
A developmental evaluation provides a roadmap — diagnosis, practical recommendations, school/work accommodations, and long-term strategies for support.
Acquired Neuropsychological
Evaluation

For conditions that develop in adulthood

Acquired neuropsychological evaluations focus on changes in cognitive functioning due to injury, illness, or aging. These evaluations help diagnose the cause, severity, and best course of action.

Common reasons for referral

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion
Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Seizure disorders
Long-COVID “brain fog”
Chemotherapy-related cognitive changes
Cognitive decline affecting work or daily life

What this evaluation measures

Memory and learning
Attention and processing speed
Executive functioning
Language and visuospatial skills
Mood and psychological functioning

Why it matters

40–50% of people with mild cognitive impairment progress without intervention
Patients who receive evaluation within 6 months of symptom onset show better outcomes
Neuropsychological testing increases diagnostic accuracy for dementia by up to 90%
An acquired evaluation identifies what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what can be done — from medical treatment to cognitive rehabilitation to lifestyle adaptations.
Acquired Neuropsychological Evaluation
 Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation

For mood, emotional, and behavioral concerns

A psychological evaluation will soon be available through Minder and focuses on mental health conditions that may be impacting daily functioning.

Common reasons for referral

Anxiety or panic symptoms
Depression or mood changes
Trauma/PTSD
Behavioral issues
Diagnostic clarification (e.g., ADHD vs anxiety; personality features)

What this evaluation measures

Emotional functioning
Personality traits
Behavioral patterns
Coping style and stress response
Symptom severity and diagnosis

Why it matters

60% of adults with a mental health condition never receive a formal evaluation
Psychological disorders frequently co-occur with cognitive symptoms, making diagnostic clarity critical
Evidence-based treatment improves outcomes by 50–80%, depending on condition
Psychological evaluations lead to accurate diagnosis and evidence-based recommendations for therapy, medication, or specialty care.

Why Partners Choose Minder

Nationwide
access
Virtual evaluations available in all eligible states
Faster
scheduling
Most patients seen in days to weeks, not months
Clinical
accuracy
Licensed neuropsychologis
ts and psychologists
Comprehensive reports
Clear, actionable recommendations
Support for diverse populations
rural, underserved, pediatric, adult, and aging communities
High-volume capacity
Scalable to partner demand
Minder eliminates long waitlists and expands access to high-quality cognitive and mental health diagnostics — helping patients get the right care at the right time.
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