What a neuropsychological assessment looks at
A neuropsychological assessment measures cognition, the thinking skills that let you plan a day, remember appointments, follow a conversation, manage money and stay safe. It is often recommended after an acquired brain injury or stroke, and for conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, dementia or a suspected intellectual disability.
The assessment usually covers:
- Attention and concentration
- Learning and memory
- Processing speed
- Language and communication
- Visual and spatial skills
- Executive functions: planning, organising, problem solving, flexible thinking and self monitoring
- Mood, behaviour and insight, because these affect how thinking difficulties show up in daily life
What happens in the assessment
It usually starts with a long interview with you and, ideally, someone who knows you well. Then there are pen and paper or computer based tests, often over several hours and sometimes across more than one session, with breaks.
The neuropsychologist compares your results with people of a similar age and background, and with what is known about your history. The report explains your strengths and difficulties and gives practical recommendations, such as strategies, supervision levels, rehabilitation or support at home, work or study.
Who can do it
Neuropsychological assessments are done by clinical neuropsychologists. These are psychologists with further training in brain and behaviour, and many hold an area of practice endorsement in clinical neuropsychology with the Psychology Board of Australia. Ask whether the neuropsychologist has experience with your condition and age group.
When the NDIS will and will not pay
Under the NDIS supports rules, diagnostic assessments and screening, and treatment of health conditions, are the responsibility of the health system. So the NDIS does not pay for a neuropsychological assessment to diagnose a condition or to support an application to join the scheme.
Therapeutic supports, which the NDIS can fund, include assessment by allied health professionals for support planning and review. If you are a participant and an assessment would help work out or review the support you need, for example how much supervision is safe or which strategies your support workers should use, it may be funded from your Capacity Building budget. Psychologists, including neuropsychologists, have a 2026/27 price limit of $252.99 an hour in most of Australia.
Since 1 October 2026 the improved daily living skills budget is reduced by 10% when your plan is created, reassessed or renewed, so check what you have before booking a long assessment.
Other ways to get one
- Hospital or rehabilitation services, especially after a brain injury or stroke
- Public neuropsychology clinics, which often have waiting lists
- Compensation schemes, such as motor vehicle accident or workers compensation insurers, which may fund assessments for people they cover
- Private practice, where Medicare rebates are limited and the full cost can be significant, so ask for a quote
How the report helps with the NDIS
A neuropsychological report is strong evidence of how a brain injury or neurological condition affects your functional capacity, especially self management, learning and safety. For acquired brain injury the NDIA's preferred functional evidence for adults is the Care and Needs Scale (CANS), then the WHODAS 2.0, so it helps if your reports include those as well, or if the neuropsychologist's findings are linked to them.
After you join, a recent report can explain the hours of support, supervision or skill building you need, which is useful for home and living requests and plan reassessments.