Torrance Office: (310) 375-4855
Glendale Office:  (818) 547-2623

Child and Adolescent Disorders

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)

AD/HD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention and staying focused, difficulty controlling one’s behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of AD/HD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with AD/HD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have had symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child’s social, family and academic life. In children with ODD, there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster’s day to day functioning.

Conduct Disorder (CD)
Conduct disorder refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They are often viewed by other children, adults and social agencies as "bad" or delinquent, rather than mentally ill. Many factors may contribute to a child developing conduct disorder, including brain damage, child abuse, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experiences.

Child and Adolescent Assessment

We provide the following types of psychological assessments:

Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Like adults, children and adolescents suffer from mood and anxiety disorders; however childhood and adolescent presentations for these disorders may differ substantially from adult versions. Our child and adolescent psychologists are experienced and knowledgeable in the assessment and treatment of the pre-adult person.

• Behavioral observations in multiple settings are conducted
• Level of impairment as a result of AD/HD symptoms is determined
• Individualized recommendations for treatment, educational consultation, family support are provided

Psychoeducational Assessment

• Cognitive and/or achievement assessments are conducted
• Cognitive strengths and weaknesses, the presence of learning disabilities are determined
• Individualized recommendations for academic tasks and school supports are provided

Functional Behavior Assessment

• Behavioral observations in multiple settings are conducted
• The specific function of the behavior is determined, including contextual factors and consequences
• Specialized behavioral treatment planning is provided

Diagnostic Assessment

• Multi-modal assessment and testing of personal psychological factors is conducted
• Areas of functioning, impairment, and diagnosis are determined
• Individualized treatment recommendations are provided

Disruptive Behavior Disorder Assessment

• Incorporates aspects of all aforementioned assessments
• Thoroughly assesses all affected areas of functioning
• Provides specialized behavior intervention plan and consultation to parents, caregivers, and relevant treatment providers