When one mother first heard the school psychologist say her eight-year-old son had a "learning disability," her heart sank. But when a private evaluator later described her son as having "learning differences" and spoke about his unique cognitive profile with both challenges and remarkable strengths, everything shifted. Same child, same academic struggles, but suddenly there was hope and possibility.

When your autistic child refuses to do something one day that they willingly did the day prior, or they melt down over simple tasks they've done many times before, it's easy to feel frustrated and wonder if they're just being defiant.

When your child is struggling in school, the question of whether to pursue a school district assessment or seek a private evaluation can feel overwhelming. As parents, we want to do what's best for our children, but the differences between these two options aren't always clear.

As a parent, few things are more challenging than watching your child struggle in school when you know they're capable of so much more. Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or simply needs some extra support to thrive in the classroom, understanding how to request appropriate accommodations can make the difference between academic frustration and success.

Helping kids build resilience—the ability to bounce back after hard days, keep trying when things feel tough, and believe in their own potential—is one of the most important things we can do.

Building strong partnerships with your child's teachers is one of the most powerful ways to support their academic success.

Dyslexia—one of the most common learning differences that affects reading— is a brain-based learning difference that affects the way a person processes language, impacting skills related to reading, writing, and spelling.

The shift from elementary to middle school represents a significant milestone in any child's educational journey.

Summer break provides a valuable opportunity for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to reinforce and enhance their academic skills without the pressures of the regular school year.

My interest in psychology comes from a desire to learn about people’s stories and support their growth and development.

When your child is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, seeking an evaluation can be the first step toward clarity and support.

At Mind Matters, we are committed to providing gender affirming, culturally competent assessments that recognize and respect each child’s unique gender identity.

Neuropsychological assessments play a crucial role in understanding brain function and diagnosing cognitive disorders.

If you’re parenting a gifted/2E (twice-exceptional) kid, you likely notice that traditional parenting advice doesn’t always fit your family. Many parents of gifted/2e kids find that typical parenting strategies upset their kids or lead to power struggles.

Join Mind Matters as our Psychologists discuss why it’s crucial to understand that ADHD isn’t just about being hyperactive or easily distracted.

Our public schools mirror our society. With more than 350 languages spoken in the United States, our multilingualism as a nation reflects in our public school classrooms too.

Everyone has differences in how their brain processes their environment. Those differences can lead to unique ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. We call this “Neurodiversity.”

Historically, San Francisco celebrates its cultural diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. Yet, despite the ‘openness’ of the city, it can still be harder for autistic and other Neurodivergent** folks to thrive here than it should be.

Did you know that there are different types of tests that help us learn about ourselves and how we think, learn, and feel? These tests, or assessments, have special names and purposes that can help you and the people around you.

Berkeley, Oakland, and the surrounding towns in the East Bay are famous for their progressive and activist culture. Their inclusive atmosphere and environmental consciousness are recognized.