Neuropsychology is a subspecialty of psychology concerned with the relationship between the brain and behavior, including the diagnosis of brain pathology using psychological tests and assessment techniques.
A pediatric neuropsychologist is a psychologist who has additional training or experience in working with children and teens and their special needs. At Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, we have several full-time pediatric neuropsychologists on staff to evaluate and consult for a wide variety of problems in children and teens from infancy through young adulthood.
Certain symptoms may be cause for neuropsychology testing, including:
- Difficulty thinking
- Problems learning
- Uncontrollable emotions
- Unusual behaviors
- Memory problems
Our team treats a wide range of neurological conditions in children. An evaluation may be needed if your child or teen has been diagnosed with any of these conditions:
- Acquired brain injury
- Brain tumors and other childhood cancers
- Cerebral palsy
- Concussion
- Congenital heart disease, heart failure or heart transplant
- Developmental problems
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Encephalitis
- Genetic or metabolic disorders
- Hydrocephalus
- Neurofibromatosis
- Other neurological conditions
- Seizure disorder and epilepsy
- Spina bifida
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
Our team offers many services and evaluations to meet the specific needs of our patients. Our pediatric-trained neuropsychologists work with other specialists throughout Children’s to provide comprehensive, effective care for each patient. Treatment is tailored to your child, and we work with you at every stage so you will know what to expect. Our team of experts combines the latest diagnostic, treatment and neuroimaging technology with a caring, child-friendly approach to deliver unique treatment options based on each child’s condition and needs.
Our comprehensive services, which aim to provide complete, effective care for your child, include:
- Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Program: Our team helps patients with brain tumors who may experience behavioral or learning problems.
- Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Research shows that children with heart conditions are more likely to have motor and language delays as well as learning problems. Our experts can help your child work through any developmental issues.
- Cognitive Remediation Program: This program helps preadolescent and young adolescent patients and their parents learn the skills needed for increased independence in important areas of executive and adaptive functioning.
- Concussion Program: Our goal is to educate the public about the dangers of concussions. We help kids and teens safely return to school and sports after a concussion.
- Epilepsy Center: Our Epilepsy Center is a Level 4 pediatric epilepsy center, which is the highest designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). We provide neurodiagnostic monitoring, clinical trials, and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
- Medication monitoring assessment: Your child may be placed on new medicine to help with his focus, learning or behavior. This service allows us to test your child before and after he takes a new medicine. We compare the two sets of tests to see if the medicine is working.
- Neuropsychological evaluations: A neuropsychological evaluation is done when there may be a problem with a child’s behavior or thinking. It is available to children and adolescents up to age 21. We offer both inpatient and outpatient evaluations and consultations.
- Rehabilitation consultations and evaluations: We see patients during inpatient and day rehabilitation to help identify treatment options.
Our Expertise Extends to All Areas of the Brain
Having a child diagnosed with a neurological condition can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. At Children’s, our No. 1 priority is to support you and your family. Whether treating a toddler during an emergency or helping a teen through recovery after neurosurgery, we make it our mission to provide the best care—and best experience—for every child. Family is a big part of your child’s well-being. Not only are you a vital member of your child’s healthcare team; you are a source of security and comfort.
We work to support your whole family while your child is in our care—and after she goes home.
Children’s Physician Group is home to one of the leading neuropsychology practices in the Southeast. Combining the latest proven technology and research with a caring, child-friendly approach makes Children’s a top choice for the treatment of common, rare and complex neurological conditions. Our Neuropsychology Program is led by Practice Director Robyn A. Howarth, PhD, ABPP/CN.
Neuropsychologists and psychologists
- Nneka Morris Alexander, PhD, ABPP
- Donald Jay Bearden, PhD
- Laura Sheldon Blackwell, PhD, ABPP
- Thomas G. Burns, PsyD, ABPP
- Ashley Fournier-Goodnight, PhD, NCSP, ABPP
- Cortney Fritz, PhD
- Elyssa Gerst, PhD
- Robyn A. Howarth, PhD, ABPP/CN
- Dawn L. Ilardi, PhD, ABPP/CN
- Jacqueline M. Kiefel, PhD
- Susan McManus Lee, PhD, ABPP/CN
- David J. Marcus, PhD, ABPP/CN
- Kristin Niel, PhD
- Kim E. Ono, PhD, ABPP
- Kathleen M. O’Toole, PhD, ABPP/CN
- Alexis Quinoy, PhD, ABPP
- Kindell R. Schoffner, PsyD
- Laura Wright, PhD
Psychometrists
- Stephanie P. Sweeney, EdS
- Rachel Jones, MS, NCSP
- Kelsey Lamb, MS
Center for Advanced Pediatrics
1400 Tullie Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Office Building at Children's Scottish Rite Hospital
5461 Meridian Mark Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
Neuropsychology accepts all payers when a child’s diagnosis is medical or neurological. However, based on the department’s availability, patients deemed to be outside the typical scope of care (a behavioral issue not related to a medical diagnosis) will be processed as a self-pay patient or referred out to a community provider depending on appointment availability.
Contact Us 404-785-KIDS (5437)