Dr. Asal | Neuropsychology

Unlocking Each Child’s Potential

Pediatric neuropsychologist and licensed clinical psychologistAsal Houshiarnejad, Psy.D., practices in the Calabasas area. She specializes in providing comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, evidence-based therapy, and consultation for children, teens, and young adults with developmental, academic, cognitive, attentional, learning, behavioral and/or social-emotional challenges, as well as those with current medical conditions and complex medical histories.

Dr. Asal conducts a thorough neuropsychological assessment to reveal each patient’s unique learning profile, strengths, and weaknesses in order to understand how the patient’s brain functions and processes information. This provides unique insight into the way the person learns, thinks, relates to others, and manages feelings. It illuminates why that patient may have trouble with some tasks and, most importantly, what the individual needs to thrive.

At my private practice—Asal Houshiarnejad, Psy.D., Testing and Therapy Services, we diagnose and treat a range of issues—from learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and more,” says Dr. Asal. “I work collaboratively with other professionals as part of each child’s treatment. This integrative, quality care helps children build confidence and thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.”

The process begins by addressing important questions, such as, “How does my child’s medical history affect how they process information?” and “Is my child delayed in their developmental milestones?” These questions reflect the child’s thinking processes. “Why is my child struggling to learn in school?” and “Does my child need special education or testing accommodations?” are questions that allow insights into learning capabilities. Other questions may address anxiety and/or depression to help parents and teachers better understand a child’s emotional issues. While questions that delve into disruptive or defiant behaviors, difficulties making friends, or facing day-to-day challenges, such as “Does my child have autism?” or “Why does my child have so much difficulty with daily living skills?” enable parents to provide the right therapy to help a child cope better now and in the future.

Fortunately, Dr. Asal offers as many answers as questions to help children meet their challenges head-on. “As a mother of three children, I truly understand the variety of emotions parents feel when they see their child struggling,” explains Dr. Asal. “It’s important for me to treat each child as if they were my own and help parents feel supported in their journey.”

Dr. Asal gives patients and their families a customized treatment plan with concrete tactics to effect change. Employing a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness therapy, social skills training, and parent management training, she teaches patients tangible self-soothing techniques to help self-regulate when upset, cope with anxiety, address behavioral issues, and deal with significant life stressors.

Fluent in both English and Farsi, Dr. Asal Houshiarnejad “Nejad” is a Phoenix Children’s Hospital/BARROW Neurological Institute and UCLA/The Help Group-trained clinical neuropsychologist. She completed a formal two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology through the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the David Geffen School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. Dr. Asal utilizes her breadth of training, compassion, and commitment to give patients key strategies to unlock their full potential.

Asal Houshiarnejad, Psy.D.
23586 Calabasas Rd., #107
Calabasas
424.209.4345
drasalh.com