Role of Neurospychologist
Referrals to this Neuropsychology Service are made by a Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon within the hospital. As part of our outpatient service, we provide specialist neuropsychological assessment and treatment where there is a concern that a child’s neurological / neurosurgical history has impacted on their developmental trajectory or neurocognitive profile. A limited inpatient service is also available, to provide acute neuropsychological support to children who have undergone neurosurgical intervention. Given the high volume of children and teens attending the national Children’s Neurosurgical Centre in CHI Temple Street and the shortage of paediatric neuropsychologists in practice, the neuropsychology service must employ referral criteria and an outpatient waiting list. The service therefore cannot provide outpatient therapeutic support or long-term behavioural management to the children referred.
Meet the Neurospychologists (photos to follow)
Dr. Gina MacDonnell, Senior Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychologist.
Dr. MacDonnell completed her studies in University College Dublin (B.Sc.), Trinity College Dublin (D.Clin.Psych.) and University College London (post-doctoral diploma in Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology). Prior to her present post, Dr. MacDonnell worked as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in a variety of specialist paediatric settings, including paediatric oncology / haematology and neuro-disability. In February 2016, Dr. MacDonnell joined the neurosurgery team in CHI-Temple Street, to provide a paediatric neuropsychology service to children from 2 to 16 years, who have experienced a neurosurgical intervention. Her specialist interests include; developmental cognitive neuroscience and the neurocognitive sequelae of neuro-oncology / neuro-vascular events.
Dr Amy Cadden, Senior Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr Cadden obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Trinity College Dublin and completed further study in the field of neuropsychology at University College London and The University of Edinburgh. She previously worked within the neuropsychology team at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, providing specialist assessment and support to children with neurological conditions and their families. In her current role, Dr Cadden carries out neuropsychological assessments with children and young people presenting with cognitive, behavioural or educational change in the context of neurological illness requiring neurosurgical intervention. She also provides inpatient support to these children who may experience emotional distress, behavioural dysregulation or difficulties adjusting to a new diagnosis whilst in hospital. Dr Cadden has a specialist interest in the cognitive trajectories of paediatric neurosurgical patients and the long-term impact of neurological illness or injury on day-to-day functioning and quality of life.