ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology study plan
ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology (brain-behavior relationships, neuroanatomy, neuropathology)
Diagram the major cortical and subcortical structures and their vascular territories from memory
Explain the pathophysiology of common neuropathologies (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, stroke, TBI) in terms of brain-behavior relationships
Differentiate between focal and diffuse injury patterns and their neuropsychological signatures
Summarize key neurotransmitter systems and their relevance to cognition and behavior
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page schematic linking brain regions, vascular supply, and associated cognitive/behavioral functions, with a brief written explanation.
Assessment and Diagnosis (test selection, administration, interpretation, differential diagnosis)
Select appropriate neuropsychological tests for given referral questions, justifying choices based on psychometric properties
Administer and score at least two tests under supervision, documenting adherence to standardized procedures
Interpret test scores using normative data, considering base rates and demographic adjustments
Formulate a differential diagnosis for a case vignette, integrating test data and clinical history
Your checkpoint
Write a mock neuropsychological report for a case vignette, including test selection rationale, score interpretation, and differential diagnosis.
Neuropsychological Domains (attention, memory, language, visuospatial, executive, motor, academic skills)
Compare and contrast models of attention (e.g., Posner & Petersen) and their assessment
Describe the neuroanatomical substrates of memory and differentiate memory systems (e.g., declarative vs. nondeclarative)
Identify key language disorders (aphasias) and their lesion correlates
Explain executive function components and typical assessment measures
Outline visuospatial, motor, and academic skill domains and common assessment tools
Your checkpoint
Create a table summarizing each cognitive domain, its neural basis, and at least two assessment instruments.
Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology (brain-behavior relationships, neuroanatomy, neuropathology) & Assessment and Diagnosis (test selection, administration, interpretation, differential diagnosis)
Integrate neuroanatomical knowledge with assessment findings to localize lesions in case examples
Review and interpret neuroimaging (CT/MRI) and electrophysiological (EEG) findings in relation to neuropsychological data
Evaluate the impact of common medical conditions (e.g., stroke, dementia, TBI) on test performance
Refine differential diagnostic reasoning by comparing and contrasting similar presentations (e.g., depression vs. dementia)
Your checkpoint
Complete a case-based integration exercise: given neuroimaging and test data, write a concise diagnostic formulation.
Neuroimaging and Other Diagnostic Methods & Intervention and Rehabilitation (cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial)
Explain the principles and limitations of neuroimaging techniques (CT, MRI, fMRI, PET, SPECT) and their clinical utility
Design a cognitive rehabilitation plan for a patient with executive dysfunction, incorporating evidence-based strategies
Describe behavioral and psychosocial interventions for common neuropsychological sequelae (e.g., memory impairment, emotional dysregulation)
Evaluate the efficacy of compensatory strategies and environmental modifications
Your checkpoint
Develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for a hypothetical patient, including cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial components with supporting evidence.
Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues (informed consent, confidentiality, competence, forensic roles)
Apply informed consent and confidentiality principles to neuropsychological practice, including exceptions
Analyze ethical dilemmas in forensic neuropsychology (e.g., dual roles, malingering assessment)
Identify legal standards and guidelines affecting neuropsychological practice (e.g., HIPAA, APA Ethics Code)
Demonstrate decision-making in competence and supervision contexts
Your checkpoint
Write a critical analysis of an ethical vignette, referencing relevant ethical codes and legal statutes, and propose a resolution.
Research Methods, Statistics, and Evidence-Based Practice & Cultural, Diversity, and Lifespan Considerations
Critique research designs commonly used in neuropsychology (e.g., case-control, longitudinal) for threats to validity
Interpret statistical concepts (e.g., sensitivity/specificity, reliable change indices) in test interpretation
Adapt assessment and intervention approaches for culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Explain the impact of lifespan factors (e.g., development, aging) on neuropsychological assessment
Your checkpoint
Create a brief evidence-based practice guideline for assessing a diverse older adult population, addressing cultural and statistical considerations.
Consultation, Supervision, and Interprofessional Practice & Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology (brain-behavior relationships, neuroanatomy, neuropathology) & Assessment and Diagnosis (test selection, administration, interpretation, differential diagnosis)
Develop a consultation plan for an interdisciplinary team, communicating neuropsychological findings effectively
Demonstrate supervision skills by providing feedback on a mock case report
Synthesize knowledge across domains by completing a comprehensive practice exam
Review and remediate weak areas identified in practice exam performance
Your checkpoint
Complete a full-length mock board exam (e.g., 100 multiple-choice questions) and write a reflection on performance, including a remediation plan.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made quiz covering neuroanatomy and test selection principles.
Week 4: Successfully integrate neuroimaging and test data in a case formulation, as evaluated by a supervisor or peer.
Week 6: Pass an ethics quiz with a score of 90% or higher.
Week 8: Achieve a score of 75% or higher on the mock board exam.