Current gender-affirming neuropsychological assessment practices of pediatric neuropsychologists

Author

Genni Newsham, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

12-1-2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Kibby, Michelle

Second Advisor

Chwalicz, Kathie

Abstract

There are currently no practice guidelines for conducting pediatric neuropsychological assessments with gender-diverse youth. There are many challenges to conducting affirming, ethical, and evidence-based neuropsychological assessments for gender-diverse youth. Previous researchers have made several recommendations for affirming neuropsychological assessments in gender-diverse populations. However, these recommendations have been made primarily for adult populations without explicit consideration of the unique difficulties of conducting these assessments in children and adolescents. Further, previous research has not investigated the current practices or attitudes towards suggested practice with neuropsychologists who work with pediatric populations specifically. Hence, this study was conducted in order to understand the current neuropsychological assessment practices of pediatric neuropsychologists, as well as to ascertain the perceived acceptability of proposed practices for pediatric populations. Data were obtained by surveying neuropsychologists who assess pediatric patients on their current practices and attitudes towards proposed affirming care practices. Results indicated that although the majority of the proposed affirming practices are rated as very acceptable by most neuropsychologists, fewer neuropsychologists indicated engaging in affirmative practices currently. Future research should continue to examine how to facilitate and encourage pediatric neuropsychologists and the professional spaces in which they work to implement gender-affirming care practices.