“Specificity of assessment leads to specificity of intervention.”

— Dr. Steven Feifer

I offer evaluation for children, adolescents, adults in college, or adults who may have trouble performing an element of their schooling or job due to a possible cognitive deficit or learning issue.

My speciality falls within the realm of learning disorders including dyslexia (reading disorders), dyscalculia (math disorders), and dysgraphia (written language disorders). I also assess and identify other clinical disorders that may affect the learning process including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, mood and behavior disorders.

There may be times when a school neuropsychological evaluation, or neurocognitive evaluation is appropriate. This type of assessment is very involved and may be applicable for children or adolescents...

with very complex learning problems as a result of past or recent head injuries, acquired or congenital brain damage, neuromuscular diseases, brain tumors, and/or central nervous system infection.

If parents disagree with the results of an assessment conducted by their school district, they have the right to ask for and obtain an independent educational evaluation (IEE) for their child from a qualified professional...

at public expense. The school district may decide their assessment is appropriate and request due process; however, many times the school district will honor a request for an IEE. I encourage parents and school districts to work together in reaching mutual agreement regarding assessment results; though, I recognize this may not always be possible. I am currently on the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) approved list of independent evaluators should the need arise for an IEE.

Evaluation