The Importance of Performance Validity Assessment in Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluations

The two cases presented highlight the importance of performance validity measures as a component of pediatric neuropsychological practice. While such measures are commonly used in forensic situations, there is a need for a greater acceptance and utilization of performance validity measures in routine clinical pediatric neuropsychological evaluations, as well as other assessment situations involving children (e.g., psychoeducational evaluations). The statement by an examiner that the data from an evaluation are valid and reliable based upon their subjective impressions is no longer sufficient in any pediatric evaluation, be it for clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, educational purposes, or forensic opinions.