Make an Appointment: [email protected] | 310-935-0032

  • Psychological/Neuropsychological testing (Child & Adolescent)

    Neuropsychological testing is designed to help you understand how your brain works. As part of the evaluation, the neuropsychologist will test many parts of your child’s cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, and speed of processing, as well as executive functioning, which includes your child’s ability to make decisions, problem solve, and multitask. Other parts of the evaluation include testing academic abilities, like math, reading, and writing, as well as overall IQ. The goal is to help understand your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses in order to best assist treatment. Results of the evaluation can provide your child with recommendations to ensure their best academic performance. Listed below are examples of the types of evaluations offered.
    Common Psychological/Neuropsychological Evaluation:
    • ADHD/Attention Problems
    • Learning Difficulty/Dyslexia
    • Social Difficulties
    • Behavioral Problems/Concerns
    • Concerns about Academic Performance
    • Educational/IQ Testing
    • Brain Injury/Concussion

    FAQs

    How can testing or a neurological evaluation help me or my child?

    Testing includes multiple ways of measuring impairments, abilities and/or changes in mood and functioning. The results of the evaluation will provide detailed information specific to you or your child about what the source of the problem is and specific recommendations which allows the client to formulate a treatment plan that is the best suited for them or their child. Your child may qualify for accommodations at school such as a 504 plan, an IEP, extra time for exams, preferred classroom seating, alternative classroom assignments etc. 

    How can I use the results of an evaluation to improve my life?

    There are several ways testing can benefit a client. The results allow for accommodations at school, work or during standardized testing such as taking the BAR exam or the SAT’s. These accommodations are legally protected by law and the testing provides the evidence necessary to be granted accommodations. The testing can allow for standardized testing accommodations such as extra time, taking exams in a distraction free environment, having exam questions read to the examinee and/or extra breaks during standardized testing. Work or school accommodations may include receiving assignments/work duties in writing and verbally, working in less distracting environments, affording flexibility with deadlines and limiting work load during flare up periods.

    What if I have a serious brain injury or concussion, how would that impact the testing process?
    Testing allows the client to learn how their cognitive functioning may have changed after their injury. The results will allow for detailed information about what strengths and weaknesses a client has so their treatment providers can formulate a treatment plan which relies on the client’s strengths to compensate for any possible weaknesses. Testing will afford a client insight into which cognitive abilities are strongest, for example a client may learn that auditory information is not processed as effectively after their injury but they are able to process visual information well. This allows the doctor to strategize how to utilize their visual learning and processing abilities to their fullest and how to alter auditory information so that it can be processed more effectively. These changes can improve functioning at home, work and school. 
    What if myself or my child are struggling and I don't know what is going on?

    Testing is the perfect solution. Client’s have complex concerns and problems which require an in-depth analysis to determine specifically what is impacting the client and then we can formulate treatment options and supports. Maybe you are struggling with attention and focus but you are unsure if it is because you have ADHD, a brain injury or you are under stress. Symptoms can originate from several different conditions, testing would help you understand what is causing the troubling symptoms and better address how to limit their negative impact. ADHD is commonly misunderstood by most and difficulties with attention and concentration may often arise from other conditions such as anxiety, PTSD and/or depression. Clarity of the source of the symptoms will allow for impactful treatment. 

    What if I suspect I know what is troubling me but I need a professional to diagnose me?

    Testing allows for precise answers and diagnostic clarification. This can be a huge relief once you know what is happening then you can focus your efforts into relieving symptoms of distress.  Maybe you have struggled with symptoms since childhood but your parents were not able to or were resistant to getting a proper diagnosis. Testing would allow for a professional diagnosis and making appropriate changes in your life so you can receive proper treatment