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" />Taruna Ahluvalia, PhD, LLC
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Licensed Psychologist
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
In a neuropsychological evaluation, I provide an assessment of an individual’s cognitive abilities in the following areas:
I also have extensive specialized training and over 10 years of experience in the assessment of high-functioning autism-spectrum disorders (including Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified). As such, I can also conduct specialized assessment of social cognition, social skills, and emotional / behavioral functioning. I can then provide detailed recommendations for facilitating the child’s social/emotional development, in a manner that is sensitive to the developmental needs of children on the autism spectrum.
In addition, I have specialized expertise in the assessment of children and adolescents with primary psychiatric / emotional disorders, including projective testing.
Based on the comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, I can provide detailed information regarding the child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, learning style, and intervention needs. I can also offer diagnostic clarification based on this information, for example to identify an Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder; specific learning disabilities in reading, writing, and/or math; language disorder; Nonverbal Learning Disability; autism-spectrum disorder; primary emotional disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression), etc.
Based on this extensive understanding of the child’s cognitive and social/emotional functioning, I am able to generate detailed recommendations for interventions. Intervention recommendations may include, for example, school-based placement and programming needs; accommodations for standardized testing; speech/language or occupational therapy; tutoring; psychotherapy; consideration of medical interventions; etc.
I personally administer all of the tests and write extensive jargon-free reports that provide a “blueprint” of recommendations for the child’s treatment needs. I am also available to provide parent / school consultations or attend school meetings.
What are Dr. Ahluvalia’s areas of expertise?
Dr. Ahluvalia has expertise in neuropsychological evaluations of children and adolescents (preschool through early college years), and for the following types of issues:
What does the neuropsychological evaluation process entail?
The neuropsychological evaluation typically involves 4 appointments. The first appointment is for interviewing the parent / primary caregiver about the child’s history and current functioning. I will also review background records in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the child’s functioning, including previous evaluations, IEPs, relevant medical records, report cards / school records, etc.
The second and third appointments are for testing the child. Dr. Ahluvalia personally conducts all of the testing herself. The fourth and final appointment is a two-hour parent feedback session, in which the results and recommendations are discussed with parents / primary caregivers. A detailed written report of the results and recommendations will usually be completed within one to two weeks after the feedback session.
Taruna Ahluvalia, PhD, LLC does not participate as an in-network provider for any insurance companies. Payment by cash, check, or credit card is accepted at the first appointment. Dr. Ahluvalia will provide an itemized statement that includes the procedure and diagnostic codes that would be necessary to seek reimbursement, if your insurance allows out-of-network benefits.