Online Neuropsychological Assessment: understanding your child’s cognitive functioning

Does your child struggle to concentrate, learn differently from others, or have up-and-down school results despite their efforts? A neuropsychological assessment precisely maps their cognitive functioning: intelligence, memory, attention, executive functions, perception. It is often the missing piece that finally allows you to understand — and to act.

At ORA-VISIO, our qualified neuropsychologists carry out these assessments by video call, using tools validated for remote administration. The result: a complete, legally valid report, delivered within 2 to 3 weeks, usable for an MDPH file, a PAP, exam accommodations — or simply to better support your child day to day.

What is a neuropsychological assessment?

The neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation carried out by a neuropsychologist, a specialist in the relationship between the brain and behaviour. Unlike the speech therapy assessment, which targets language functions (reading, writing, calculation, speech), the neuropsychological assessment measures broader cognitive functions: overall intellectual level (IQ), verbal and visual memory, attentional capacities, information processing speed, executive functions (planning, inhibition, mental flexibility) and visuo-spatial perception.

It is a quantitative and qualitative evaluation: results are expressed as standardised scores, compared against a reference population of the same age. It is therefore not a simple clinical opinion — it is a scientific document that can be used by teachers, doctors and other professionals supporting the child or adult.

Key point: the neuropsychological assessment does not diagnose a condition on its own. It documents a cognitive profile. The medical diagnosis belongs to the child psychiatrist or paediatric neurologist. But the assessment is essential to reach it.

Why get a neuropsychological assessment? Situations that call for one

A neuropsychological assessment is indicated in a wide range of situations. Here are the most common ones encountered by our neuropsychologists on ORA-VISIO.

Suspected ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, with or without hyperactivity) is often suspected by parents or the school, but is hard to confirm without formal assessment. The neuropsychological assessment precisely measures attentional capacities (sustained, selective, divided attention), inhibitory control and working memory — the three pillars of the ADHD profile. It helps distinguish genuine ADHD from anxiety, a sleep disorder, or a difficult family context, which can produce similar symptoms.

The report is then sent to the child psychiatrist so that a medical diagnosis can be made, with medication possibly considered where appropriate. In parallel, online ADHD coaching can be set up as soon as the first conclusions are available.

Suspected Giftedness (High Intellectual Potential)

Giftedness affects around 2% of the population (IQ above 130). But it isn’t simply about “being very intelligent”. A gifted child can struggle at school, suffer from deep boredom, heightened sensitivity, or a large gap between intellectual and emotional maturity. The neuropsychological assessment is the only tool that can objectively confirm giftedness — and identify its specific features (homogeneous or heterogeneous profile, twice-exceptionality).

After the assessment, online giftedness coaching can support the child or adult in understanding how they function and in fulfilling their potential.

Learning disorders (DYS) without an established diagnosis

When a speech therapy assessment reveals dyslexia, dyscalculia or dysphasia, a neuropsychological assessment is often recommended as a complement. This makes it possible to measure overall intellectual level (to ensure the difficulties are not linked to an intellectual disability) and to identify comorbidities — for example ADHD associated with dyslexia, or dyspraxia alongside dysphasia.

This overview is essential for building a coherent care plan involving several professionals: a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a psychopedagogue…

Suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The neuropsychological assessment is part of the multidisciplinary diagnostic process recommended for ASD. It documents the child’s cognitive profile — often very uneven, with islands of excellence alongside significantly deficient areas — and helps guide the most suitable educational and therapeutic strategies. It does not replace the child psychiatric assessment, but is an essential complement to it.

Adult assessment: ADHD, giftedness or DYS discovered later in life

Many adults come to a neuropsychological consultation after years of unexplained struggles: lost jobs, difficult relationships, a constant feeling of being “out of step”. The late discovery of undiagnosed ADHD, giftedness or dyslexia is more common than people think. The assessment finally provides a structured explanation, a language for understanding oneself — and often, deep relief. Psychological support can accompany this process of (re)discovering oneself.

What a neuropsychological assessment measures: the areas evaluated

The precise content of the assessment varies depending on age, the reason for consultation and the tools chosen by the neuropsychologist. Here are the main areas systematically evaluated:

Overall intellectual level (IQ) — measured using standardised scales (WPPSI, WISC-V, WAIS depending on age). IQ is not a single number but a profile made up of 5 to 6 indices: verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed, visuo-spatial index.

Memory — short-term memory, working memory, verbal and visual episodic memory, long-term memory. Specific memory deficits can explain difficulties remembering lessons or following spoken instructions.

Attention and executive functions — sustained, selective and divided attention; inhibition (the ability to stop an automatic response); mental flexibility; planning and organisation. These functions are at the heart of the ADHD profile.

Language — receptive and expressive vocabulary, verbal fluency. These measures complement those of the speech therapy assessment, offering a different perspective on the underlying cognitive processing.

Visuo-spatial perception and motor skills — spatial orientation, shape recognition, visuo-motor coordination. A key area in dyspraxia, often assessed jointly with the occupational therapist.

Processing speed — how quickly the brain processes information. A low score often explains unexplained slowness at school or rapid cognitive fatigue.

How does an online neuropsychological assessment work?

The neuropsychological assessment by video call follows a structured protocol, adapted to the digital format with tools validated for remote administration. Here are the usual steps.

Step 1 — Booking and preparation. After booking your appointment on ORA-VISIO, you should gather as many relevant documents as possible: speech therapy assessments, medical reports, school reports, any current PAP or PPS.

Step 2 — Clinical interview. The session begins with an interview with the child and at least one parent, to understand the reason for consultation, observe behaviour and refine the choice of tests.

Step 3 — Test administration. The neuropsychologist administers the standardised tests on screen, via secure video conferencing software. Some tests require printed sheets sent beforehand by email. Breaks are scheduled, if needed, to maintain the child’s concentration.

Step 4 — Feedback interview. After the tests, the neuropsychologist presents the main outline of the results to the parents. This is the time to ask all your questions.

Step 5 — Written report (delivered within a few days). The final document details the numerical results for each area, the overall cognitive profile, the conclusions and recommendations. It can be used for an MDPH file, a PAP, exam accommodations (brevet, baccalauréat, BTS, competitive exams), and for all professionals supporting the child.

Neuropsychological assessment or speech therapy assessment: which one to choose?

This is one of the most common questions. The answer depends on the main reason for consultation.

Choose the speech therapy assessment as a priority if the difficulties directly concern language: slow reading, chaotic spelling, speech that is hard to understand, oral language delay, stuttering, difficulties with calculation. The speech therapy assessment is often the first assessment carried out and is enough to set up a PAP or start speech therapy.

Choose the neuropsychological assessment as a priority if the central question concerns overall cognitive functioning: suspected ADHD, giftedness, ASD, or if the difficulties are not explained by a specific language disorder. It is also recommended when a first speech therapy assessment has identified disorders but comorbidities are suspected.

In many cases, the two assessments are complementary and can be carried out at the same time. On ORA-VISIO, you can consult both specialists on the same platform, which makes coordinating and ensuring consistency of care easier.

After the assessment: complementary support

The neuropsychological assessment is not an end in itself — it is the starting point for tailored support. Depending on the profile identified, here are the specialties our neuropsychologists direct families towards on ORA-VISIO:

Language disorders (DYS) → Online speech therapy — individual remote sessions, with no waiting list.

ADHD → Online ADHD coaching — organisational tools, attention management, routines, autonomy.

Dyspraxia / dysgraphia → Online occupational therapy — motor skills rehabilitation, everyday adjustments. And remote handwriting therapy for handwriting rehabilitation.

Giftedness → Online giftedness coaching — support with self-knowledge, managing heightened sensitivity, and life planning.

Profile-related school difficulties → Remote academic support and academic coaching — tailored to neurodivergent profiles.

Anxiety, self-esteem, emotional experience → Online psychology — individual therapeutic support for children, teenagers or adults.

Learning methods → Online psychopedagogy — finding strategies suited to the cognitive profile identified in the assessment.

Support for parents → Online parental guidance — supporting your neurodivergent child day to day without burning out. Also worth reading: Parental burnout and neurodevelopmental disorders.

School and career guidance → Online school and career guidance — building a plan consistent with the child’s or teenager’s neuropsychological profile.

Neuropsychological assessment rates with ORA-VISIO

All ORA-VISIO professionals apply the same rates, transparent and with no hidden fees.

  • Complete neuropsychological assessment: Test administration + written report
  • Psychological follow-up session: Individual 45-minute session

The assessment is paid for directly online. Depending on your country and your health cover, your insurance may reimburse part of it: a detailed invoice is provided after each session.

Frequently asked questions about the neuropsychological assessment

What is the difference between a psychologist and a neuropsychologist? A psychologist supports emotional experiences and relational or psychological difficulties (anxiety, depression, trauma). A neuropsychologist specialises in assessing cognitive functions: they use standardised measurement tools to map how the brain functions. Some professionals perform both roles, depending on their additional training. On ORA-VISIO, you can consult both types of specialist — see our remote psychology page.

Is the online neuropsychological assessment officially recognised? Yes. The report written by a qualified neuropsychologist (Master’s degree in neuropsychology) has the same administrative value as a report produced in person. It is accepted for PAP, PPS and MDPH file requests, and exam accommodations. All our neuropsychologists hold the title of psychologist (ADELI registration) and a specialised Master’s degree.

At what age can a neuropsychological assessment be carried out? Assessments can be carried out from 2 and a half / 3 years old for early developmental evaluations (developmental delay, suspected ASD), right through to adulthood, at any age. The tools used are adapted to the age group: WPPSI-IV (2.6 to 7 years), WISC-V (6 to 16 years), WAIS-IV (16 years and over).

How long does a neuropsychological assessment take? Between 3 and 5 hours in total, generally spread over several sessions. This structure prevents the child from becoming tired towards the end of a session, which ensures the reliability of the results.

My child already has a speech therapy assessment. Do they also need a neuropsychological assessment? Not systematically. If the speech therapy assessment confirmed a specific language disorder and care is well under way, a neuropsychological assessment is not always necessary. It becomes recommended if: the difficulties persist despite therapy, ADHD or giftedness is suspected alongside it, or a complete MDPH file needs to be put together.

Can the assessment be carried out for an adult? Yes. Adult assessments make up a growing share of consultations on ORA-VISIO, particularly for late discoveries of ADHD, giftedness or dyslexia. The process is identical to a child’s assessment, adapted to adult tools (WAIS-IV). Psychological support can accompany the process if needed.

Get a neuropsychological assessment quickly, with no waiting list Our qualified neuropsychologists (Master’s degree) carry out complete assessments by video call — recognised for the PAP, the MDPH and exam accommodations. Results delivered within 2 to 3 weeks. → Book a neuropsychological assessment