Affluent parents in the United States are increasingly turning to costly neuropsychological testing to secure academic advantages for their children. What began as a tool to identify genuine learning characteristics has reportedly morphed into a strategy for gaining extra time on exams, prompting growing concerns that the original purpose of the evaluations is being distorted.
According to a report by the New York Post, these comprehensive evaluations span multiple days and typically cost between $5,000 and $10,000 (approx. 6.61 million to 13.23 million KRW). Diagnoses such as learning disabilities derived from these tests allow students to receive special academic accommodations, most notably extended testing time.
One mother residing in the Bay Area of California had all six of her children, aged 6 to 19, undergo the evaluation. She explained that she wanted to understand how each child’s brain works, including their specific strengths and weaknesses. The evaluations resulted in two children being diagnosed with dyslexia and one with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with all three currently receiving extended exam time.
Clinical neuropsychologist Katie Davis in New York noted that approximately 40 percent of the children she evaluates are completely normal from a neurodevelopmental standpoint. She criticized the trend, stating that the original intent of the tests has been entirely distorted and commodified as middle- and upper-class families spend heavily on private assessments in hopes of gaining a competitive edge. She emphasized, however, that extremely strict legal criteria are applied when recommending disability-related services or accommodations.
Dr. Sanam Hafez, a medical director conducting neuropsychological evaluations in Queens, New York, also observed a significant surge in parent-initiated requests. She suggested that many individuals are influenced by social media content and seek out the tests accordingly, though she acknowledged that understanding a child’s learning style and vulnerable areas remains positive.
Conversely, a mother raising two sons with learning disabilities stressed the importance of focusing strictly on children who genuinely need the assessments. She remarked that the diagnosis is not a badge of honor or equivalent to hiring the best private tutor, but rather a crucial tool designed to support children who genuinely struggle.
Meanwhile, the mother who had all six children tested expressed no regrets, describing the process as a tremendous gift that she could provide to both her children and herself.
