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• Interpreter-mediated neuropsychological assessment: Clinical considerations and recommendations from the European Consortium on Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology (ECCroN)

  • When
    19 May 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Remote

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  Presenters: Luisa F. Hernandez Medellin, Psy.D., PMH-C and Isabella Sacchi, M.S.

  1 CE Available

  Article Link

  Abstract:

  Objective: With increasing international migration, societies have become increasingly diverse worldwide. Although neuropsychological assessment is influenced by several diversity characteristics, language barriers have repeatedly been identified as one of the main challenges to cross-cultural neuropsychological assessment in migrant populations. Importantly, neuropsychologists are often required to conduct interpreter-mediated neuropsychological assessments without any graduate training or continuing education on the topic. To address this gap, the objective of this paper is to provide guidelines for interpreter-mediated neuropsychological assessment. Method: A European Consortium on Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology (ECCroN) task force conducted a conceptual literature review and provided recommendations for good practice and working principles to inform the preparation and administration of interpreter-mediated assessments. Results: ECCroN takes the position that it is the responsibility of neuropsychologists, as well as the institutions or organizations that employ them, to ensure effective communication between themselves and their patients. This may be accomplished by preparing for an interpreter-mediated assessment by engaging an appropriate interpreter, which in most circumstances will be a professional in-person interpreter speaking the same language(s) or dialect(s) as the patient, and considering practical, language, and cross-cultural issues. During the assessment, reasonable steps should be taken to proactively manage the proceedings and adopt a communication style that facilitates effective patient-directed communication, and interpreting test data and determining formulations and diagnoses, the limitations of interpreter-mediated assessment should be carefully considered. Conclusion: Adhering to the provided recommendations and working principles may help neuropsychologists provide interpreter-mediated neuropsychological assessments to linguistically diverse patients.
  

  Level of Activity: Intermediate

  Objectives:

  1) Describe key ethical, professional, and procedural considerations relevant to interpreter‑mediated neuropsychological assessment, including appropriate interpreter selection and preparation, consistent with APA ethical standards.

  2) Apply practical communication strategies during interpreter‑mediated assessments that support patient understanding, cultural responsiveness, and the validity of neuropsychological test administration.

  3) Recognize and account for limitations of interpreter‑mediated assessments when interpreting results, formulating diagnoses, and developing clinical impressions and recommendations.

  Luisa F. Hernandez Medellin, Psy.D., PMH-C: 
  

  As a bilingual pediatric neuropsychologist, Dr. Hernandez Medellin conducts comprehensive and culturally sensitive neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological assessments, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, and effective care plans, providing appropriate recommendations for the client’s school, home, and the community. She specializes in the identification and assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, developmental and learning disorders, and their co-occurrence with anxiety and mood disorders. She also works with children and young adults with acquired brain injuries, epilepsy, brain tumors, strokes, general medical conditions, and genetic disorders affecting the nervous system. She is a native Spanish-speaker, passionate about serving the eclectic and vibrant South Florida community, as well as international patients looking for high-quality and compassionate care.

  Isabella Sacchi, M.S.:

  Isabella is a third-year doctoral student pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Carlos Albizu University, with a specialization in neuropsychology. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, where she completed a double major in Psychology and Family and Child Sciences. Following graduation, Isabella gained clinical experience as a psychometrician and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), which helped solidify her interest in pediatric populations. She is currently completing externship training in pediatric neuropsychology at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital while also working as a psychometrician and testing assistant at NESCA. Her clinical and research interests center on bilingual pediatric neuropsychology, with a focus on culturally responsive assessment and care.

  
  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  
  

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