Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment
Empowering Families, Celebrating Unique Minds
Are you concerned about your child’s struggles, but hesitant to pursue help for fear they’ll be misunderstood or labeled unfairly? You may be wondering if a neurodiversity-affirming assessment can help.
Children and teens who struggle with neurodivergence are often made to feel like something is wrong with them. They wonder why they struggle so much compared to the other kids around them, and why they experience the world differently. You see how hard your child works to fit in and succeed, and you’re ready to find answers for your family to help them reach their full potential.
At Whole Child Neuro, we specialize in neurodiversity-affirming assessments that recognize and celebrate your child’s unique way of experiencing the world. Our mission is to provide clarity and support, helping families understand their child’s strengths and challenges without stigma or shame.
Knowledge is power, and a Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment at Whole Child Neuro can help your family uncover what’s really going on.
Rather than encouraging shame or pathologizing your child, our process helps to understand their unique neurotype to help them succeed, build their self-esteem, and celebrate their differences rather than hide them.
What to Expect from a Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment
We know that seeking an assessment can feel daunting. That’s why our process is supportive, transparent, and family-centered every step of the way. Our neuropsychologists use modern, evidence-based testing to assess a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. We present our findings in clear, accessible language, making it easy for you to share with teachers and other professionals supporting your child.
Dr. McDonald will meet with you and take the time to really understand what the results of your child’s assessment mean, answer the questions that come up, and guide you toward the appropriate next steps to support your child. Our assessments are not about finding faults—they’re about giving your family the tools to help your child reach their potential.
You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what’s going on for your child, and a roadmap to ensure they receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
How Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessments Work at Whole Child Neuro
Step 1 - Intake Consultation
Reach Out to Our Office
Fill out our contact form on our website, or give us a call at 818-900-9444 to schedule an intake appointment.
Initial Neuropsychological Consultation
Dr. Laura McDonald meets with you and your child to discuss presenting concerns and gather a detailed developmental, social, educational, psychological, and medical history. Dr. McDonald will also reach out to your child’s educational team to gather information from them.
Step 2 - Neurodiversity-Affirming Testing
Our team at Whole Child Neuro utilizes thoughtful and considerate approaches to evaluate your child’s thinking processes, sensory experiences, communication methods, and areas of strength. We help identify the unique strengths and capabilities of your child’s neurotype.
Step 3 - Feedback & Ongoing Support
Post-Testing Parent Feedback Session
After testing, a parent feedback session is scheduled to discuss findings and recommendations. We help families understand the challenges that can arise in a world that isn’t always built for neurological diversity, while providing practical strategies for navigating neurotypical expectations. We also connect you with neurodivergent communities and resources, supporting your child’s journey and sense of belonging.
Get Dr. McDonald’s Written Report
You’ll receive a comprehensive written report detailing the evaluation results and practica strategies for authentic living.
Get Ongoing Support
Our team continues to support your family, monitoring progress and collaborating with educators and care providers to ensure your child’s needs are met.
Who Can Benefit From Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessments?
If you or your child experience any of the following, a neurodiversity-affirming assessment may be beneficial:
Autistic individuals looking for assessments that honour autism as a core aspect of their identity
People with ADHD seeking acknowledgement of their unique executive functioning approaches
Individuals with learning differences interested in understanding their distinctive processing styles
Those with sensory processing variations wishing for their sensory experiences to be validated
Adults who discovered their neurodivergence later in life aiming to make sense of lifelong patterns
Gender-diverse people exploring how gender identity intersects with neurological diversity
Why Opt for Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment
Genuinely Affirming: We celebrate neurological differences as important elements of human diversity, not as problems to be fixed.
Focused on Strengths: Our approach highlights and builds upon the distinct talents and abilities associated with various neurotypes.
Sensory-Friendly: The assessment process is thoughtfully designed to support and respect individual sensory preferences and sensitivities.
Respectful of Identity: We honor neurodivergence as a meaningful and central part of each person’s identity.
Connected to Community: We provide pathways to neurodivergent communities and valuable resources for ongoing support.
At Whole Child Neurodevelopment Group, we strive to provide the highest quality testing services and neuropsychological evaluations for children and young adults to help them reach their full potential. We provide neurodiversity-affirming assessments for families throughout the Greater Los Angeles area — including individuals in Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, and Beverly Hills — from our office here in Encino.