ChildNEXUS
Dr. Fernandez discusses how bilingualism in children is often misunderstood and that it’s usually good for cognitive development. She also elaborates upon some red flags when it comes to identifying possible learning disabilities such as dyslexia and how her procedures differ depending on whether or not the bilingual child is in an English-only classroom or if the child is in a dual language immersion program.
LACPA
Neurodivergent youth often report a
history of traumas due to teasing, bullying,
social rejections, harmful interventions, and assessments that focus on deficits. Such experiences multiply in children of color and those of linguistic minorities who are subjected to personal and collective racism. Read more...
ChildNEXUS
Back To School Town Hall
A discussion on how to support students as they transition to the upcoming school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists include Speech and Language Pathologist, Roxanna Elghanayan, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr. Vindia Fernandez, Occupational Therapist, Leah Hiller, Educational Therapist, Marilyn Kahan, and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Shannon McHugh.
The UCLA Tarjan Center
Navigating the Road from Adolescence to Adulthood
Dr. Veytsman discusses parents' challenges and goals during their young adults' transition from adolescence to adulthood. The presentation includes predictors of successful outcomes for both adolescents with and without developmental disabilities. She further discusses resources and services available to young adults and parents to support their transition to adulthood.
ChildNEXUS
Diverse Thinking, Different Learning
"When is it important to consider an evaluation for your child? Well, the earlier the better. But then the question is, what are the differences between evaluations and which is best for your child? My guest on today’s episode helps break it down and dives deep into the differences between a neuropsychological evaluation and a psychoeducational evaluation. Not only that, but we also discuss the challenges of evaluating non-English speakers and identifying neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose native language is not English."
Katie's Crib
Social Media, Screens, and Kids, Oh My!
How much screen time is too much? Is it safe — and ethical — to share pictures of your new baby on social media? Scandal's Katie Lowes talks to friend and fellow actress Melissa Fumero ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") about her experiences with social media and screen time and her 2-year-old son. Then, child psychologist Dr. Vindia Fernandez runs down the benefits and risks of sharing kids’ photos on social media and how screen time can impact a child’s development.
Dyslexia 101
Vindia G. Fernandez, Ph.D. presented, “Dyslexia 101: Identification and Treatment” at the UCLA Semel Institute as part of the Tarjan Center Lecture Series. The presentation covered information about academic difficulties and cognitive profiles associated with dyslexia and evidence-based interventions to address these challenges.