Following the assessment the neuropsychologist prepares a report concerning Ray’s presentation and performance.
In terms of Ray’s cognitive functioning it identifies the following strengths and weaknesses. Select the crosses for more information.
| Strengths | Weaknesses | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual memory | the ability to take in and store new information that is presented visually e.g. diagrams, images, faces, etc. | Planning and organisation | the ability to prepare equipment, materials and steps required to do a task, and to maintain order during the task, e.g. following a cooking recipe. |
| Verbal memory | the ability to take in and store new information that is either spoken or presented in a written format, e.g conversations, books, newspapers, etc. | Mild impulsivity | decreased ability to inhibit untimely or inappropriate behaviours, e.g. saying the first thing which comes into your mind. |
| Visuo-spatial skills | the ability to accurately perceive and manipulate the spatial relationships between objects e.g. working from a 2D plan to create a 3D object. | Self monitoring | the ability to keep track of and control own behaviour i.e. maintaining awareness of own behaviours and performance. |
| Sustained attention | the ability to be vigilant and maintain attention over time potentially despite distractions e.g. motorway driving. | Working memory | the ability to retain information for a short period while performing other cognitive functions, e.g. keeping a shopping list in mind while deciding which toothpaste to buy. |
| Selective attention | the ability to direct attention to particular aspects of the environment while ignoring competing stimuli e.g. following a conversation in a noisy room. | Prospective memory | the ability to remember to do an intended action in the future, e.g. keeping an appointment. |
Mark’s weaknesses suggests difficulties with executive functioning. See the Additional Information box below for a definition of executive function and continue to the next page for more detailed information.
