​Many children and adolescents struggle in school not because they lack ability, motivation, or intelligence, but because their learning style and brain-based differences have not yet been fully understood. Neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges can impact attention, organization, academic performance, emotional regulation, and confidence. At CARE-LA, our neuropsychological evaluations help children, adolescents, and young adults better understand how they learn, identify their unique strengths and challenges, and develop a personalized roadmap for success at school, home, and beyond.

 

Our comprehensive neuropsychological testing services in West Los Angeles are designed to provide families with meaningful answers—not just a diagnosis. Through a detailed assessment of cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning, our clinicians identify the factors contributing to a child’s challenges while highlighting strengths that can be used to support growth. Each evaluation includes practical recommendations that help parents, schools, and treatment providers create targeted strategies to improve learning, emotional well-being, and overall functioning.

 

What is neuropsychological testing?

Neuropsychological testing is a specialized evaluation that examines how different areas of brain functioning influence learning, attention, memory, problem-solving, behavior, and emotional regulation. Using research-based assessment tools, our clinicians develop a comprehensive profile of how an individual processes information, approaches challenges, learns new skills, and manages daily demands.

 

Unlike a single test or screening, a neuropsychological evaluation looks at the interaction between multiple areas of functioning, helping explain not only what challenges exist, but why they occur and what supports are most likely to help.

 

Who can benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation?

CARE-LA provides neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults who may be experiencing:

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• Attention and focus difficulties

• ADHD symptoms

• Executive functioning challenges (organization, planning, time management, task completion)

• Learning differences or suspected learning disabilities

• Reading, writing, or math difficulties

• Autism spectrum concerns

• Anxiety that impacts school or daily functioning

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Giftedness or twice-exceptionality (2e) concerns

• Academic struggles despite strong effort or ability

• Difficulty understanding personal strengths and learning style

 

A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify whether challenges are related to attention, learning, emotional functioning, developmental differences, or a combination of factors.

 

What can a CARE-LA neuropsychological evaluation help identify?

​A neuropsychological evaluation may help:

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• Clarify diagnoses such as ADHD, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, and executive functioning difficulties

• Understand why a student may be struggling despite working hard

• Identify cognitive, academic, and emotional strengths

• Develop individualized recommendations for school success

• Support requests for IEPs, 504 Plans, and educational accommodations

• Guide treatment recommendations, including therapy, educational therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other interventions

• Improve self-awareness, confidence, and self-advocacy skills

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What areas are assessed during neuropsychological testing?

Depending on the individual's needs, CARE-LA evaluations may assess:

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• Intellectual abilities and cognitive functioning

• Academic achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics

• Attention and executive functioning skills

• Learning and memory

• Processing speed

• Language abilities

• Visual-spatial skills

• Motor functioning

• Emotional functioning, personality, and coping strategies

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What is educational consultation?

Educational consultation helps families understand how a child's learning profile impacts school performance and how to create appropriate supports. Following an evaluation, CARE-LA can provide guidance regarding school accommodations, educational planning, communication with schools, and strategies to help students succeed academically and emotionally.

Our recommendations are designed to be practical and individualized, helping families and educators understand the child’s needs and create an environment where the student can thrive.

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Why choose CARE-LA for neuropsychological testing?

At CARE-LA, we believe an evaluation should provide more than a diagnosis—it should provide understanding, direction, and hope. Our strength-based approach helps children and young adults recognize that their challenges do not define them. When students understand how their brains work and receive the right supports, they often experience increased confidence, reduced frustration, improved motivation, and greater ability to advocate for themselves.

 

A CARE-LA neuropsychological evaluation is not simply an assessment—it is a roadmap for helping each child reach their full potential.

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FAQs: Neuropsychological Testing at CARE-LA

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What is the purpose of neuropsychological testing for children?

Neuropsychological testing helps identify how a child thinks, learns, processes information, manages emotions, and approaches challenges. The goal is to understand both strengths and areas of difficulty so families can develop effective strategies and supports.

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How do I know if my child needs a neuropsychological evaluation?

An evaluation may be helpful if a child is struggling academically, having difficulty focusing, experiencing emotional challenges, showing signs of ADHD, struggling with organization, falling behind despite effort, or if parents and schools need a clearer understanding of the child’s learning profile.

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What disorders can neuropsychological testing diagnose?

Neuropsychological evaluations may help identify or clarify conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, executive functioning difficulties, and other developmental or emotional concerns. Testing results are interpreted within the context of the child’s overall functioning.

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Is neuropsychological testing only for children who are struggling in school?

No. Evaluations can also benefit students who are performing well but experiencing stress, perfectionism, difficulty managing increasing demands, or questions about giftedness, twice-exceptionality, or learning style.

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How long does a neuropsychological evaluation take?

The evaluation process varies depending on the individual and the complexity of the referral question. It typically includes testing sessions, clinical review, interpretation of results, and a feedback meeting to discuss findings and recommendations.

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Will my child receive accommodations after testing?

A neuropsychological evaluation can provide recommendations that may support requests for school accommodations, including IEPs, 504 Plans, classroom strategies, and educational supports. Final decisions regarding accommodations are made by schools based on their evaluation processes.

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How is CARE-LA’s approach different from other testing centers?

CARE-LA combines neuropsychological expertise with a comprehensive mental health treatment model. Our evaluations consider the whole child, including cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, anxiety, relationships, and daily life experiences. When appropriate, recommendations can be integrated with therapy, psychiatry, parent support, student advocacy, and other CARE-LA services.

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Can neuropsychological testing help with anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety can significantly affect attention, memory, academic performance, and emotional regulation. Testing can help determine whether difficulties are related to anxiety, learning differences, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, or a combination of factors.

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Does CARE-LA provide educational recommendations after testing?

Yes. CARE-LA provides individualized recommendations designed to help families and schools support the student’s learning, emotional well-being, and academic success.

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Can neuropsychological testing be combined with therapy or other CARE-LA services?

Yes. Many families benefit from combining evaluation services with therapy, psychiatry, parent training, student advocacy, tutoring, executive functioning support, or other specialized services offered at CARE-LA.

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What is the benefit of understanding my child’s learning profile?

Understanding how a child learns helps reduce frustration, improve confidence, and create strategies that match their unique needs. When children understand their strengths and challenges, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves and reach their potential.

 

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​​​Dr. Gaye Pettibone performs all Neuropsychological testing and educational consultations at CARE-LA.

 

Gaye Pettibone, PsyD, is both a Board-Certified Educational Therapist and postdoctoral registered psychologist who has worked with children, ages 3 to 18 years. Dr. Gaye Pettibone completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her focus was in

neuropsychological and educational testing. She also holds a post-graduate certification in educational therapy from the University of California, Riverside, and a Masters in Special Education. She studied at UCLA and received her undergraduate degree in child development.

 

With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has made learning possible for hundreds of

neurodiverse children in the Los Angeles area. Gaye is a firm believer in empowering children to learn about themselves as learners. Because of her extensive experience in education, she is able to address the social, emotional and academic aspects that impact student learning. Her teaching career has included regular and special education instruction in elementary &middle school levels. Gaye is certified in the Orton Gillingham and Wilson Reading Programs.

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