Building Pathways for Positive Change
HOW CAN NEUROPSYCHOLOGY HELP MY CHILD? 
Pediatric neuropsychology focuses on understanding how brain functions and systems affect learning and behavior specific to child development. Pediatric neuropsychological evaluation is conducted in a child-friendly environment where children are given appropriately normed and standardized instruments. These may include written and verbal tasks, computer exercises, puzzles, and play activities. A pediatric neuropsychological evaluation can answer these important questions:
- Why does my child excel in some areas and struggle in others?
- Does my child have a learning disability?
- Does my child have an attention disorder, such as ADD or ADHD? What does this mean and what treatment options exist?
- Is my child in the right school and/or classroom setting to provide the best possible opportunities for learning?
- Does my child require a special curriculum or accommodations at school?
Is my child ready to start school?
- What is my child’s IQ?
- Is my child gifted?
- What are the effects of any medical illnesses on my child’s cognitive functioning?
- Does my child have Autism, Asperger's, or another developmental disorder?
In order to answer these questions, Dr. Felsenthal will:
- Review medical and academic records
- Interview both the parents and the child
- Observe and interact with the child
- Consult with professionals familiar with the child (teachers, doctors, therapists, etc)
- Administer a full range of standardized tests
- Interpret and summarize the data.
HOW DOES A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION DIFFER FROM A SCHOOL EVALUATION?
Assessments conducted within your child’s school typically focus on the current level of achievement and the skills needed for your child to perform academically. These assessments are used to determine if a child qualifies for special programs or therapies offered by the school.
In contrast, a neuropsychologist has specialized training and a unique capacity to assess all the factors important to a child’s academic and social success. A neuropsychological evaluation will give you a comprehensive understanding of your child’s neuro-cognitive, social, emotional and scholastic functioning. The result can lead to substantial positive changes in treatment plans, educational techniques and parenting strategies necessary to provide your child with the best possible opportunities for growth and development.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN MY CHILD’S NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
As with adult evaluation, the ultimate goal of a pediatric neuro-psychological report is diagnostic clarity and a treatment plan specific to your child’s needs.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
The interview process is the first step in neuropsychological evaluation. Parents meet with the Dr. Felsenthal to answer questions about their child’s developmental and medical history, behavior, socialization, as well as any current concerns they may have.
SPECIALIZED TESTING
During the testing process, validated instruments (i.e. standardized procedural tests) are used and behavioral observations are interpreted in order to assess a broad range of areas, including:
- General intellectual ability
- Academic achievement
- Social and emotional adjustment
- Personality and mood
- Learning and memory
- Speech, language and auditory processing skills
- Visual-spatial relations
- Gross and fine motor coordination
- Attentional processes
- Executive functions, such as planning,
cognitive flexibility, inhibition and ability to follow instructions
A normal pediatric evaluation involves two days (5-10 hours) of focused, one-on-one testing, but this may vary depending upon the child’s specific needs.
CONSULTATION
With parental permission, Dr. Felsenthal will consult other professionals familiar with the child in order to gain the best possible understanding of his or her particular case, as well as his or her specific needs.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Once Dr. Felsenthal has compiled test results and integrated the raw data with applicable outside consultation, the child’s results are compared to test results of other children of similar age and educational level, and measured against his or her own aptitudes in other areas.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents meet with the Dr. Felsenthal and are presented with detailed reporting, as well as action-oriented recommendations for their child. Detailed study results and overall summaries serve as informative, useful tools for parents and outside professionals alike, and provide guidelines for future action.
Dr. Felsenthal will then tailor a treatment plan to the child’s needs. The plan is based upon methods and routines that have proven effective for similar children. It includes clear, specific steps and resources needed for successful integration and progress measurement. Neurodirectives will also provide a list of helpful resources, such as books, articles and websites, which pertain to your child’s developmental profile.
REFERRALS TO OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Finally, and when necessary, Dr. Felsenthal will refer the child to other specialists who will gather additional information or provide treatment when applicable. Most specific to pediatric neuropsychology, a learning specialist may also be recommended.
Is my child ready to start school?
Assessments conducted within your child’s school typically focus on the current level of achievement and the skills needed for your child to perform academically. These assessments are used to determine if a child qualifies for special programs or therapies offered by the school.
In contrast, a neuropsychologist has specialized training and a unique capacity to assess all the factors important to a child’s academic and social success. A neuropsychological evaluation will give you a comprehensive understanding of your child’s neuro-cognitive, social, emotional and scholastic functioning. The result can lead to substantial positive changes in treatment plans, educational techniques and parenting strategies necessary to provide your child with the best possible opportunities for growth and development.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN MY CHILD’S NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
As with adult evaluation, the ultimate goal of a pediatric neuro-psychological report is diagnostic clarity and a treatment plan specific to your child’s needs.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
The interview process is the first step in neuropsychological evaluation. Parents meet with the Dr. Felsenthal to answer questions about their child’s developmental and medical history, behavior, socialization, as well as any current concerns they may have.
SPECIALIZED TESTING
During the testing process, validated instruments (i.e. standardized procedural tests) are used and behavioral observations are interpreted in order to assess a broad range of areas, including:
cognitive flexibility, inhibition and ability to follow instructions
CONSULTATION
With parental permission, Dr. Felsenthal will consult other professionals familiar with the child in order to gain the best possible understanding of his or her particular case, as well as his or her specific needs.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Once Dr. Felsenthal has compiled test results and integrated the raw data with applicable outside consultation, the child’s results are compared to test results of other children of similar age and educational level, and measured against his or her own aptitudes in other areas.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents meet with the Dr. Felsenthal and are presented with detailed reporting, as well as action-oriented recommendations for their child. Detailed study results and overall summaries serve as informative, useful tools for parents and outside professionals alike, and provide guidelines for future action.
Dr. Felsenthal will then tailor a treatment plan to the child’s needs. The plan is based upon methods and routines that have proven effective for similar children. It includes clear, specific steps and resources needed for successful integration and progress measurement. Neurodirectives will also provide a list of helpful resources, such as books, articles and websites, which pertain to your child’s developmental profile.
REFERRALS TO OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Finally, and when necessary, Dr. Felsenthal will refer the child to other specialists who will gather additional information or provide treatment when applicable. Most specific to pediatric neuropsychology, a learning specialist may also be recommended.
2001 South Barrington Avenue, Suite 214, Los Angeles, California 90025 (310) 995-9432
info@neurodirectives.com
