In recent years, an increasing number of affluent parents have sought comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for their children, even when the youngsters do not display significant learning challenges. Traditionally, such assessments have been used to diagnose conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental issues. Now, however, well-off families are turning to these extensive tests—often costing around $8,000 and lasting nine hours—to better understand their children’s learning styles or to potentially secure academic accommodations such as extended test time.
Jessica, a mother of six from California’s Bay Area, exemplifies this trend. Though hesitant to share her surname, she described having all of her children undergo the evaluations as her most “controversial” parenting choice. For Jessica, a self-described “data person,” the tests offered detailed insights into her children’s cognitive profiles, including identifying one child as an auditory learner with a verbal processing style, and another with facial blindness—a condition affecting her ability to read emotions from facial expressions. These findings led to tailored approaches both at home and in school.
The rising interest in neuropsychological evaluations coincides with increasing diagnoses of ASD and ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD more than doubled between 1997 and 2024, while autism prevalence rose from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 31 in 2022.
Clinical neuropsychologists have noted a shift in the populations seeking assessments. Katie Davis, a New York City-based clinician, stated that a decade ago she rarely tested children without clear indications of developmental issues, but now around 40% of her cases involve children with no discernible neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Davis said middle- and upper-class families often pursue these evaluations to gain advantages such as extended exam time, particularly for competitive school admissions, a development she described as “twisted and bastardized.” Despite this, Davis maintains strict criteria aligned with legal standards when recommending accommodations, underscoring the importance of an accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, clinical director of Comprehend The Mind in Queens, has observed a similar influx of self-referred cases. She attributes part of the demand to social media influence, with parents seeking evaluations after learning about them online. Hafeez sees value in understanding children’s learning styles, comparing brain evaluations to routine health screenings, and does not view the practice as inherently problematic.
However, some parents of children with genuine learning disabilities express concern about the trend. One mother, whose two sons have diagnosed learning challenges, criticized unnecessary testing in children without issues, emphasizing that evaluations are serious tools designed for those with actual difficulties, not an academic advantage.
Jessica, for her part, stands by her decision, viewing the evaluations as a beneficial investment in her children’s development. “It’s really a gift we can give our children and ourselves,” she said, highlighting the personalized insights it provided her family.