Dr. Chi Huang is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment and evidence-based interventions. Her evaluations provide valuable insight into how individuals learn, as well as diagnostic clarification when seeking services and/or accommodations — such as when dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia (math disorder), ADHD, or symptoms following a concussion may be present. Consultations are available for when a child has already been evaluated through their school or other care team members.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Neuropsychological assessment incorporates objective data about brain-based abilities and skills, processing strengths and vulnerabilities. This information is evaluated in the context of developmental history, behavior, as well as social and emotional functioning. The results of testing serve as the foundation for a plan that addresses each client's unique set of needs.  

Comprehensive Evaluations

A comprehensive evaluation can help answer questions about your child's learning, such as whether a specific learning disorder, ADHD, and/or emotional factors are present, even when a child has compensatory strengths. Neuropsychological assessment is also important when a concussion is suspected, whether due to a sports injury or other incident.

Comprehensive evaluations integrate brain-based performance data from neuropsychological testing with social-emotional, developmental, and behavioral information, and they often help parents better understand and support their child as a whole person who brings unique qualities into different environments and relationships. My flexible, discovery-based approach to testing is particularly well-suited for individuals who present with an unusual combination of strengths and challenges. ​

Once an assessment is complete, results and recommendations from testing can be provided to schools to inform support, interventions, and accommodations that make learning more accessible. When interventions are recommended, clients also have the option to return for progress monitoring. ​

ADHD Testing

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)  is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect an individual's ability to learn, complete work, and maintain relationships. It produces diverse symptoms; however, conditions other than ADHD also can cause problems with attention and learning. Additionally, not all individuals with ADHD are overly active but may be impacted by impulsivity and difficulties with developmentally appropriate self-regulation. 

Accurate diagnosis is important for understanding and managing the effects of ADHD, especially if medication is being considered as part of the treatment plan. A comprehensive approach to attentional disorders involves the use of neuropsychological measures in conjunction with other clinical assessments. During testing, objective data on core symptoms is collected, and these results are evaluated with behavioral rating scales and clinical history, which have traditionally been at the cornerstone of diagnosing ADHD. Research suggests that  this combined approach leads to more accurate diagnoses and facilitates appropriately targeted interventions for both children and adults. 

IQ Testing for Private School Admissions

Evaluations for private school admissions, intellectual giftedness (such as IQ testing with the WISC-V and WPPSI-IV) can provide valuable information based on national age norms and include the opportunity to discuss your child's profile, rather than simply receiving a set of scores. Recommendations may include suggestions for talent development, support, and potential areas of exploration and/or enrichment for your child. With a release of information, test scores can be sent directly to schools. 

For private school admissions, parents are encouraged to arrange for testing early in the season. Availability tends to be quite limited from November to January, and it may not feasible to accommodate all of the requests for evaluations. Testing early also provides more availability for consultation sessions and gives schools more time to get to know your family. ​Because tests are normed with narrow developmental age bands, there is generally no advantage to testing later. That is, for four-year-olds applying to kindergarten, older and younger 4's are compared with different norming groups. 

Parent Coaching & Consultations

Having a trusted resource can help you to parent with greater confidence or to work in closer concert with your school. Children's struggles can often affect family life, siblings, and even parent relationships. Together we can work on ways to make daily life more gratifying and to improve family harmony.

Consultation may be also be valuable as a follow-up to a completed assessment (including those done through your child's school), during times of transition, or when weighing the various educational options in our area, which include private schools, public choice/charter schools, and homeschooling. 

Therapy & Coaching

 Evidence-based psychotherapy techniques can be effective for many situations and generally involve weekly or biweekly sessions. Concerns that may be the target of therapy include:
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Anxiety, worry, perfectionism  •  Depression, mood concerns
Social skills  •  Interpersonal stress  •  Peer relationships
Challenging transitions  •  Conflict reduction  •  Parent support, family issues

Coaching is an option for individuals who are not experiencing a high level of distress but are interested in self-exploration and personal growth. ​Please inquire if you'd like to know more.

* I am not currently accepting therapy clients but am available for parent coaching and consultation. *
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