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Brief Description of Services What is a Pediatric/Adolescent Neuropsychological Evaluation? A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation identifies an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and is designed to answer critical questions about a child’s, adolescent’s, or young adult’s functioning. Specific questions or concerns are addressed regarding possible learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, social-emotional vulnerabilities, giftedness, or other issues underlying behavior. Children and adolescents are complex, and sometimes more than one diagnosis is established. Each evaluation is tailored to answer those questions that are relevant for any particular individual. Every report presents a thorough cognitive and emotional “profile,” conclusions, and detailed recommendations to complement the findings.
Who is Dr. Renée Gutman?
How will my child feel about being tested?
How are findings shared?
Will this benefit my child? Dr. Gutman has had the pleasure of following hundreds of individuals from early childhood through their high school, college, and even graduate school experiences. Many of these young people were first brought to her attention because they were “failing,” “misbehaving,” or feeling bad about themselves. Dr. Gutman focused on how each child experienced his or her world, and devoted her work to discovering what went wrong along the way. She identified the child’s own unique cognitive/emotional profile, and determined what needed to be done to help this young person experience success. (Please see some of their own comments on the testimonial page!) Current Practice: Dr. Gutman relocated from New York to Tucson, Arizona, in the fall of 2004. Her current practice has many new youngsters, and quite a few first-time and follow-up teenagers. Much to her delight, many of her “older” patients continue to stay in touch, and several have flown to Arizona so that they can continue to be followed under her care. One of Dr. Gutman’s greatest thrills in life has been watching these “conundrum kids” blossom into some of the most charming, successful, and enthusiastic young adults you’d ever want to meet!
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Dr. Gutman is a pediatric neuropsychologist with more than two decades of experience. Her practice is devoted exclusively to helping parents and professionals understand a child’s particular pattern of learning and thinking, and determining what learning environments, educational approaches, accommodations and/or interventions might best meet his or her personal needs. Dr. Gutman is known for her expertise in meticulously synthesizing information gathered through multiple sources, including a careful review of past records, interviews, observations, and formal testing. She seeks to understand the individual through a variety of perspectives and life experiences. She is also known for her warm, supportive, “upbeat” style, and user-friendly testing environment. 
Testing is thorough and serious, but the environment is relaxed. Sessions are scheduled according to a child/adolescent’s personal tempo. Breaks are taken as needed, and healthy snacks are always made available. There is even a Great Dane on the premises to win over a reluctant child or a reticent teen! Positive reinforcement abounds, and kids come away feeling good about themselves. 
Dr. Gutman’s written reports are comprehensive and personal. An integration of quantitative and qualitative findings is always provided. Feedback sessions are scheduled to allow time for questions, comments, and a thorough discussion of the test results, conclusions, and recommendations. Dr. Gutman remains available to the family after the formal sessions, to insure appropriate follow-up, and to respond to any additional questions in a timely fashion. At the family’s discretion, findings and recommendations may be shared with school or professionals to provide the information needed to establish an IEP, an accommodation plan, and/or appropriate interventions.