When a child’s problematic behavior interferes with school, friends or family life, a traditional evaluation from a school counselor or child psychologist may not be enough to determine the right course of action.

According to Judy Wiener, an Agoura Hills-based psychologist, when problems with children become more pervasive or persist over a long period of time, a neuropsychological evaluation may be necessary.

Dr. Mary Large, a licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist in Westlake Village, will provide information on when a more comprehensive evaluation is warranted and what such assessments entail at the next Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association lunchtime talk on Fri., Dec. 4 in Agoura Hills.

Neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive way of assessing brain-behavior relationships, Wiener said. The procedure allows the psychologist to systematically gather information about key aspects of functioning in order to provide a more detailed and accurate diagnosis of the child. As a result, doctors, teachers and families can develop an intervention plan that is most responsive to the child’s specific needs.

The evaluation, Large said, considers all cognitive abilities, including attention span, language development and memory; execution of tasks; and the demands of a student within a classroom or at home.

Generally children are referred to a neuropsychologist after other diagnostic tests have not provided enough information to solve the problem, Large said.

Large said she primarily works with children who have developmental problems, including children with autism. Sometimes she works with children who have had head injuries or children who have undergone chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the most “notorious example of treatment that can affect brain functioning,” she said.

The lunchtime meeting will be at the offices of the Teen Scene Outpatient Program, 30343 Canwood St., Ste. 208A, in Agoura Hills. Guests are welcome to eat their lunch during the presentation.

The Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association sponsors the free programs generally on the first Friday of each month as a public service and a networking opportunity for mental health professionals. There is no charge to attend, and no RSVP is necessary.

For more information, call Wiener at (818) 706-0140 or email j-wiener@sbcglobal.net.