Forensic Neuropsychology

There are a range of factors that can impair an individual’s judgment at the time of offending. Recent estimates suggest that prevalence rates of acquired brain injury in the prison population could be as high as 50 percent. 

There are a range of factors that can influence an individual’s brain function and behaviour therefore may warrant a forensic neuropsychological evaluation when being involved in a legal matters:

• Acquired Brain Injury (whether traumatic i.e. assault or non-traumatic i.e. secondary to a brain disorder, drug use or a range of other medical conditions).
• Intellectual Impairment 
• Memory Impairment
• Executive Impairment 
• Attention/Concentration Impairment
• History of Learning Difficulties
• Mental Health History current level of emotional distress
• History of trauma and abuse

At The Brain Place we have extensive experience in conducting assessments for criminal matters. We can provide objective evidence of an individual’s cognitive function and the impact of cognition on their current legal situation. The focus of the assessment is to address the legal question at hand to help the courts make appropriate decisions using empirically based research, empirically validated instruments and objective psychological tests. We can assist at various stages of proceedings from pre-trial to sentencing in matters including whether this person has a cognitive disability that reduces their culpability, mitigates their sentencing or influences their eligibility for a diversion program. In addition, recommendations can be made around the support and services required to reduce the chance of recidivism. These reports are also used in applications for support through agencies such as the NDIS.