ABOUT
Get to Know Me
MY APPROACH
As a parent myself, I can understand how exasperating it is to pinpoint the cause of behavioral, social, and academic challenges. I appreciate that not all children fit into a specific box or mold. They have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
As a child psychologist, I work with parents who are concerned about their child's development or behavior. Many times, clients aren't sure what behaviors should raise a red flag for them, "Is it normal that my child does this?" or "Is it weird that my child doesn't do this?" These are common questions that most parents face. Bottom line: you are not alone and the answers to those questions aren't as straightforward or clear-cut as you'd expect. The answers are a little bit more multifaceted, and, just like your child, constantly evolving!
ABOUT ME
Neda Petz, Psy.D.
Developmental Psychologist
My specialty is neuropsychological & developmental assessments of children, teens, and adults.
My training and background has provided me with expertise in the following areas: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning differences and disabilities (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia), attention difficulties and disorders (ADHD), developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, neurological and genetic disorders affecting learning and behavior, mood and anxiety disorders, and disruptive, impulse-control, conduct disorders.
I have a subspecialty in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. My passion is conducting ASD evaluations for females and individuals on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, which requires a more nuanced and informed approach.
I'm a first-generation Iranian American and am fluent in Farsi. In addition to my professional practice, I have a passion for art, culture, and music. My undergraduate training was in Fine Arts, which has found its way into my clinical practice as a way to engage children's cognitive and sensorimotor abilities, nurture resilience, build insight, and cultivate social skills. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and currently reside in the La Crescenta area with my family and two daughters.
Culturally Responsive
It is difficult to understand the universe if you only study one planet - Miyamoto Musashi
Assessments not only include technical test interpretation of data. Evaluations focus on an individual's personal history, obtaining a detailed understanding of a client's educational background, cultural values, communication styles, and language. Culture encompasses not only race and ethnicity but also includes language, age, sex, gender, disability, religion, socioeconomic status, and beyond.
