היחידה לנוירופסיכולוגיה המרכז הרפואי שערי צדק ירושלים

The Neuropsychology Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem

Translated from Hebrew by Claude AI. The original Hebrew text is preserved on the same page.

What is neuropsychology?

Neuropsychology is a unique field within psychology that deals with the connection between the brain and functioning. In fact, nearly every domain of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning is influenced by the processes and structures of the human brain. Each of these domains may change when a change occurs in the brain, and every such change challenges the brain's available resources in its wake.

The neuropsychologist focuses on understanding how brain function affects a person's ability to function at work, at home, and at school.

Going forward, we make a point of following up on the implementation of our recommendations and on the child's progress, and we leave the door open for the family whenever they need us. If the assessment's recommendations include treatment — cognitive, psychological, rehabilitative, or developmental — this service can be obtained at our clinic.

Neuropsychological treatment and parental guidance

The clinic draws on neuropsychological, developmental, and clinical knowledge to treat children with a range of neuropsychological difficulties. We also, of course, view parents as responsible for their child, and we therefore guide them in parallel with the sessions held with the child.

What is unique about the Neuropsychology Clinic at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center?

A systemic approach — We see the child as part of a family and educational system. Meeting with the parents is of the utmost importance, and when needed we are in touch with the school and with other treating professionals — of course, with the parents' coordination and consent.

Confidentiality — Maintaining confidentiality is extremely important and is a legal right within the psychology profession. Test results and everything said in treatment are guarded carefully. Information is shared with other professionals only after written consent (a release of confidentiality) has been given, except in cases required by law.

Rehabilitation plan — Our connection with the people assessed at the clinic does not end with the writing of a neuropsychological report. We make a point of meeting with the parents and the child, explaining the results of the assessment, and recommending a detailed rehabilitation plan.

Who actually needs neuropsychology?

Children are referred to the clinic when there is a suspicion that they are suffering from an organic brain impairment. Such an impairment may show itself in difficulties acquiring spoken or written language, in impairments of visual, auditory, or tactile perception, in attention and concentration difficulties, in hyperactivity, in fine or gross motor difficulties, in behavioral problems, in academic difficulties, or in emotional problems. The building blocks of thought and behavior, which lie in the brain, come together to form a structure whose rooms — and how to reach them — the neuropsychologist seeks to know. Through the results of cognitive, developmental, didactic, and emotional tests, we arrive at a diagnosis of the person assessed — how he or she solves problems, both academic and social.

What is unique about the neuropsychology of children?

Adults too develop and learn, and new experiences leave their mark on every brain. In childhood, however, the brain's development is uniquely remarkable. Layer by layer, specialized functions form in the cells of the child's brain. The child learns to move his limbs at will, later acquires language, learns to perform fine tasks, and learns to regulate his behavior and emotions. This process begins while the fetus is still in the mother's womb and continues throughout the years of childhood. When a brain structure or process is harmed in a child, two important things must be remembered: the first is that a child's brain is far more flexible than an adult's and may find better substitutes for the area that was damaged. The second is that, in a child, certain functions have not yet been acquired and may be missing precisely as higher and more complex functions are being built upon them.

Cost of the assessment

The cost of the assessment at the clinic is set by the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. In many cases, the health funds (kupot cholim) cover a substantial portion of the fee. To receive this coverage, a commitment form from the health fund must be presented. Such a commitment can be obtained through a referral from the treating physician or from the health fund's child development center. In special cases, the payment can be spread out over time.

What is a neuropsychological assessment?

The aim of a neuropsychological assessment is to characterize, in a scientific and professional manner, the strengths and weaknesses of the person being assessed and to provide a cognitive, didactic, behavioral, and emotional profile.

During the assessment, tests are administered that examine a range of motor and grapho-motor (writing) abilities, perceptual capacities, language, memory, attention, and higher-order and emotional functions. The tests are administered in a pleasant, low-pressure atmosphere by skilled assessors. Throughout the assessment, we reflect back to the child his abilities and strengths, so that the assessment itself only reinforces his sense of self-worth.

In general, the assessment includes an introductory meeting, 2–3 testing sessions, and a summary meeting.

How do I contact the clinic?

If you have questions about the services offered at the clinic, or if you would like to discuss a specific case, you are welcome to call the clinic. One of us will be glad to speak with you at 02-6555451. You may also leave a message on the answering machine 24 hours a day.