Episode Details

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephanie Ruth Young from Northwestern University about the NIH Toolbox family of assessments: powerful, research-backed instruments that many clinicians still overlook. We explore how these tablet-based and mobile tools can bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, reduce examiner error, and simplify workflow without sacrificing rigor. Stephanie also walks us through the new Baby Toolbox for infants and toddlers and the Mobile Toolbox for remote data collection, sharing how these innovations may shape the future of neuropsychological and developmental testing.

Main Topics Covered

• 00:01 – Introduction: Stephanie’s background and motivation for bridging research and practice.
• 02:38 – Overview of the NIH Toolbox: Purpose, development, and structure.
• 05:06 – The Suite of Tools: NIH Toolbox, Baby Toolbox, and Mobile Toolbox.
• 06:35 – Barriers to Adoption: Why clinicians haven’t heard more about these tools.
• 09:47 – Misconceptions: Addressing misconceptions about “brief” measures and the value of integrated domain coverage.
• 13:34 – Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT): How it works and why it matters.
• 17:52 – Deep Dive into the Baby Toolbox: Tasks, materials, and examiner advantages.
• 24:46 – Clinical Utility: Validation, norming, and clinical utility across the NIH Toolbox family.
• 31:46 – Mobile Toolbox Use Cases: Research and clinical potential for the Mobile Toolbox.
• 33:36 – Validation vs. Norming: What clinicians need to know.
• 39:15 – Assessment Advantages: Common examiner errors and benefits of computerized assessment.
• 45:11 – Future of Testing Technology: AI, automation, and cognitive load reduction.
• 51:09 – The Human Role: The irreplaceable human role in psychological interpretation.
• 53:03 – Getting Started: How to access, pilot, and collaborate on Toolbox projects.

Cool Things Mentioned

• The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
• Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists
• NIH Toolbox official site: www.nihtoolbox.com
• Contact for access/support: help@nihtoolbox.com
• REDCap research data-capture platform: www.project-redcap.org

Featured Resources

I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!

PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!

I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit

Listen Now