Among the goals of neuropsychological assessment are to detect the presence of brain damage, localize which areas of the brain may be dysfunctional, and describe subsequent functional impairments. The sensitivity of neuropsychological instruments in carrying out these functions has long been a question of debate. The purpose of the present study was to determine the utility of various performance level indictors and lateralizing indicators from the McCarron-Dial System Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (MDS) in ascertaining the presence or absence of brain damage as well as location of lesion. Models used in the present study appear to provide increased classification accuracy compared to other studies utilizing the MDS. The MDS was also shown to be comparable to other well-known neuropsychological batteries, including the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery (HRB) and the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) with regard to distinguishing between those with brain damage and normal controls, and also localizing brain lesion. The results of this study offer clinicians parsimonious models to evaluate for presence of lesion and its location so this information may be used to make accurate, thorough diagnoses and appropriate treatment and rehabilitation recommendations.

During the last 20 years a new category of schools, schools for children with special needs, has settled to be a growing part of the Swedish school system. This is despite the political aim in Sweden to achieve an educational inclusion. The aim of this study is to compare the school situation for children with special needs in regular schools with the situation in schools for children with special needs. To investigate the routines associated with the change of school and the role of a neuropsychological diagnosis in the process. The main research questions were if the school is adapted to the needs of the child from a neuro-didactic point of view, whether the special school provides something the public school doesn’t and if the diagnosis helps to take pedagogical measures. The method used in this study is semi-structured interviews. The theory of inclusion and the neurological function constitute the theoretical frame. The result of the study shows that the special schools which provide a supportive social and educational environment are better adapted to the children with special needs. However, the difficulties associated with changing school are huge. A neuropsychological diagnosis might be helpful when the decisions about special assistance are made, but the choice of particular assistance is made on other premises. The conclusion is that as long as the regular schools aren’t adapted for all children and the neurological knowledge isn’t taken into account, it will be crucial for a number of pupils to be taught in special schools.