The Testing Psychologist Podcast 505. Beyond Diagnosis, Numbers, and Accommodations w/ Dr. Stephanie Nelson
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Apr 17, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Dr. Stephanie Nelson, a pediatric neuropsychologist and president of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology, advocates for a paradigm shift in psychological assessments. She emphasizes moving beyond mere diagnoses and numbers to a holistic understanding of clients. The conversation critiques traditional methods, highlighting the importance of individual stories and strengths. Dr. Nelson urges listeners to consider contexts and personal experiences, promoting a more meaningful approach to evaluations and recommendations in neuropsychology.
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Air Force Cockpit Story
- The U.S. Air Force designed cockpits based on average pilot dimensions and found no pilot actually fit the "average" cockpit.
- This shows designing for averages can fail to address individual variability and needs.
Limitations of Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is often limited by low reliability, validity, and fails to capture personal complexity.
- People are dynamic, contextual, and idiosyncratic; diagnosis may feel like "diagnosing a sunset."
Limits of Numerical Scores
- Test scores give illusion of stability and importance but often lack consistency over time.
- Numbers alone don't provide context or meaningful insights into a person's lived experience.
