Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions parents ask us most. If yours is not here, call us and we will answer it directly.
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of how a person thinks, learns, and manages emotions. It measures skills such as attention, memory, language, and executive functioning, then connects the results into one clear picture that explains what is happening and what will help.
At West LA Neuropsychology, assessments are neurodiversity-affirming. The goal is to highlight strengths as well as clarify the areas where support is needed.
What conditions and concerns do you assess?
Our evaluations identify both the strengths and the challenges associated with ADHD, autism spectrum differences, learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, giftedness and twice-exceptionality (2e), anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation challenges, social and communication difficulties, and medical or neurological conditions such as concussion, seizures, or genetic conditions.
See our assessments for how each evaluation works.
How is a private evaluation different from school testing?
School testing answers a narrow question: does this student qualify for services? A comprehensive private evaluation answers a bigger one: how does this child learn, and what will actually help? It looks across attention, learning, emotional well-being, and more, and it results in individualized recommendations rather than an eligibility decision.
Private evaluations can also serve as Independent Educational Evaluations when families need a qualified second opinion on school testing.
Our school district already evaluated our child. What are our options?
If you disagree with the district's findings, or simply want an independent expert to look deeper, our doctors conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). An IEE takes a qualified second look at the district's testing, examines areas the school assessment may not have covered, and gives you findings and recommendations you can bring to IEP meetings.
What ages do you work with?
We assess children, adolescents, and young adults. Young adult evaluations also examine the transition to adulthood, including college accommodations, job performance, social relationships, and daily functioning.
Do you evaluate infants and toddlers?
Yes. Dr. Chandni Singh specializes in early diagnostic evaluations for infants, toddlers, and young children, particularly where autism spectrum or other neurodevelopmental concerns are suspected. Early answers mean earlier support.
Who will evaluate my child?
One of our four doctors: Dr. Karen Wilson, Dr. Claudia Kernan, Dr. Jesse Fischer, or Dr. Chandni Singh. All are licensed psychologists with specialized training from institutions including UCLA and Vanderbilt, and each brings a different focus, from early autism diagnosis to concussion and sports-related brain injury. Meet the whole team.
What does the evaluation process look like?
Five steps: a parent intake interview with a review of medical, developmental, and school history; communication with teachers, physicians, or therapists; a series of age-appropriate tests; a feedback meeting with parents; and a comprehensive written report with clear, individualized next steps.
What do we receive at the end?
Two things. First, a feedback meeting where we explain the results in plain language and answer your questions. Second, a comprehensive written report with individualized recommendations you can bring to your school, physician, or therapist.
Do you attend IEP or 504 meetings?
Yes. Our doctors can participate in IEP and 504 meetings, attend team meetings, observe at school, consult with teachers, and advise on treatment and educational planning.
We already have an evaluation from another provider. Can you help us make sense of it?
Yes. Our consultation service exists for exactly this. One of our doctors will review the report with you, explain what the findings mean, and discuss educational and treatment planning.
Consultations are also a good fit for families who are deciding whether a full assessment is the right next step.
Can we talk with someone before committing to a full evaluation?
Yes. Many families start with a consultation. One of our doctors will meet with you, review your child's history and any records you share, and help you decide whether a full assessment is the right next step. If it is not, you still leave with guidance you can act on.
What are your office hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on weekends. Call (310) 876-4294 during those hours, or send a message any time through the contact form and we will follow up promptly.
How do fees and scheduling work?
Every family's situation is different, so we handle fees and scheduling by phone. Call us at (310) 876-4294 or email admin@westlaneuro.com and our office manager, Teresa, will walk you through availability, costs, and everything you need to get started.
Ready to take the next step?
Call us or send a message. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what makes sense for your child or young adult.