Resources

Parent Resources for South Bay Families

Clear, practical answers to the questions parents ask most about testing, learning differences and school support. Written by Dr. Maddison Paul, licensed clinical psychologist in Hermosa Beach.

Testing basics

Updated September 2026

Psychoeducational vs. neuropsychological evaluation: what's the difference?

How psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations differ, where they overlap, and how to decide which one answers your questions about your child.

Updated September 2026

How to prepare your child for testing day

A practical checklist for testing day: sleep, breakfast, what to bring, what to tell your child by age, and what not to do.

ADHD

Updated September 2026

How much does an ADHD evaluation cost in Los Angeles?

What drives the cost of an ADHD evaluation, what the fee should include, and how insurance, HSA/FSA funds and free school evaluations fit in.

Dyslexia and learning

Updated September 2026

Signs your child may have dyslexia, by age

What dyslexia can look like from preschool to high school, what it isn't, and the next steps if you're worried about your child's reading.

Autism

Updated September 2026

What happens during an autism evaluation

Each step of a child or teen autism evaluation, what the DSM-5-TR criteria mean, possible outcomes, and how to talk with your child about results.

School support

Updated September 2026

School testing vs. private evaluation: IEP, 504, and why parents go private

How free school evaluations and private evaluations differ, how IEPs and 504 plans work in California, and how the two kinds of testing fit together.

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