Dr. Fernandez obtained her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Houston where she studied pediatric neuropsychology and completed research on the neuroanatomical markers for dyslexia.  She completed her APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute.  Her specialty training includes working with children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, epilepsy, ADHD, and learning disabilities as well as schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.  Dr. Fernandez has also worked closely with the UCLA PEERS Program and developed a passion for teaching social skills to neurodiverse youth.  In 2017, Dr. Fernandez founded the Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology in part to address the growing need for culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations for Latino/a children.  She is the Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology at the UCLA Hispanic Neuropsychiatric Center of Excellence and collaborates with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health on program development and training.

Description: Presentation and question/answer by Vindia G. Fernandez, PH.D.

Dr. Fernandez will discuss the intersection between neurodivergence and race/ethnicity; how that affects diagnosis and access to mental health and educational services; the work she does to conduct culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations with neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults; and provide practical recommendations for advocating for these marginalized students from a socially responsible neuropsychological framework.  

Location:  Via Zoom

"The opinions of presenters at informal forums, such as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) or club meetings, and their approach to psychological issues and interventions do not represent a formal endorsement of any position by the Los Angeles County Psychological Association or its members.  The opinions, ideas, and concepts expressed are purely those of the presenter."