Oakland Neuropsychology Blog

Oakland Neuropsychology Center is delighted to announce a new reading specialist who has joined our team of experts. Introducing Anna Hage West, Ph.D., who has over fifteen years of experience helping students with learning differences improve their reading, comprehension, math, writing, and executive functioning skills. She is a lifetime lover of the written word, and … Read more

Have you ever thought about obtaining a baseline of your thinking and cognitive skills? Many people are becoming increasingly aware of how immensely helpful this information about their health is and now is a good time to seriously consider it. Obtaining a cognitive baseline provides you with an objective point against which future cognitive changes … Read more

Do you ever struggle to find the right words in conversation? It’s like the word is on the tip of your tongue but you can’t find it?  You’re not alone.  Self-reported word–finding difficulties are among the most frequent complaints in cognitively normal older adults. Although people of all ages will experience word finding problems at times, this … Read more

It’s natural for children to test boundaries, push back, and express frustration. But when defiant behavior becomes a daily struggle—filled with frequent arguments, anger, and refusal to follow rules—it might signal something more serious. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a real and recognized mental health condition that affects a child’s ability to regulate emotions and … Read more

It seems that in recent years, there has been an increase in diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While this may seem alarming, the rise often reflects improvements in awareness, diagnostic criteria, and access to services. Here are some reasons why more people are being diagnosed: Early diagnosis of ASD and … Read more

After a neuropsychological evaluation, many parents feel relief—finally, there’s a clearer understanding of why their child may be struggling. But one of the most important steps comes right after: meeting with school staff to discuss the results and how to use them to support your child. These school meetings are essential for translating information we … Read more

If you are asking yourself this question, you are not alone! As parents, it’s our natural inclination to worry about our kids’ cognitive, social, and emotional development. For many children, learning difficulties are temporary and might improve after a few months. If these concerns persist, however, it is worth investigating your child’s learning patterns more … Read more

Many of us have experienced the panic associated with an evaluation or test. It is often a very uncomfortable feeling that can have a debilitating effect. Test anxiety is associated with the stress and excessive worrying a student feels before, during, and after a test. While some level of nervousness is normal before a test … Read more

You, your child, or loved one have been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation. For many, this is the first time they have heard about this type of testing. Rest assured; you are not alone! We are here to help you understand what this includes and how it can be beneficial. What are some of the … Read more

As parents, we often worry about our child’s development whether it be emotional, behavioral, social, or academic. This is a normal part of parenting. Trusting your gut is also an important part of parenting, as well as seeking help or reassurance from trusted health professionals.  This brings to mind many families that have come to … Read more