Los Angeles Center for Integrated Assessment - LACIA

10/24/2025

We’re grateful to ABCsofAutism for the vivid reminder that true neurodiversity-affirming care goes beyond labels.

In our field, honoring bodily autonomy, providing sensory breaks, and celebrating differences are more than just “green flags,” they’re essential practices.

As professionals, let’s continue to presume competence, incorporate and nurture special interests, and prioritize connection over compliance.

Every child deserves supports and accommodations that respect their unique strengths.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive future for neurodivergent minds.

10/17/2025

Recognizing the different forms of dyslexia helps us tailor support, not from a place of “fixing,” but from understanding.

Each profile offers insight into how a person’s brain connects with language and where their strengths can shine.

Original post by the brilliant Dr. Neff at neurodivergent_insights

10/14/2025

Each learner’s brain tells a unique story.

There’s no single test or single label that can capture how someone learns, focuses, or makes sense of the world. ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences often overlap, and each brain organizes information in its own way.

When we move beyond checklists and look at the whole person; language, memory, attention, processing, and environment; we see a much clearer picture.

Comprehensive assessment isn’t about finding what’s “wrong.” It’s about understanding how a person’s brain works so supports, strategies, and environments can be built around their strengths.

10/03/2025

🎒 The “School Scaries” 🎒

For neurodivergent kids, school can bring more than first-day jitters. Sensory overload, shifting routines, big emotions, and social stress all add up to a tough transition.

As supportive adults, we can help kids name what feels overwhelming, practice coping strategies, and lean on their unique strengths. With the right support, school becomes less about fear, and more about confidence.

10/02/2025

🎧 Central Auditory Processing: Hardware vs. Software 🎧

Standard hearing tests measure our “hardware”—the ears’ ability to detect sound. But central auditory processing is the “software”: how the brain organizes and interprets those sounds.

When processing is inefficient, kids may hear just fine but struggle to filter background noise, follow multi-step instructions, or keep up in group conversations.

To others it can look like inattention or forgetfulness, but it’s really the brain working overtime to decode sound. Recognizing this difference helps us validate clients’ experiences and tailor supports that actually address the root challenge.

09/25/2025

🧩 Working Memory & the Mental Loop 🧩

Working memory is like the brain’s “sticky note.”

When it’s underdeveloped or inconsistent, as it often is in ADHD and autism, it’s hard to hold multiple pieces of info online and decide which one matters most.

Result: thoughts keep circling back because they never get fully sorted.
To others it can look like rumination or overthinking, but it’s really the brain trying (and retrying) to keep track. It’s not laziness or worry—it’s a working memory challenge, and strategies like external reminders, visual aids, or breaking tasks into steps can help.

09/23/2025

Have you heard of Complementary Cognition Theory?

It’s the idea that humans intentionally evolved to think differently from one another. Instead of everyone having the same cognitive style, diversity of thinking (like being detail-oriented, big-picture focused, imaginative, or analytical) allows groups to solve problems better together than alone.

This theory reframes cognitive differences not as deficits, but as evolutionary strengths. Just like ecosystems thrive on biodiversity, our communities thrive on neurodiversity.

When we value and integrate different ways of thinking, we unlock deeper creativity, stronger problem-solving, and more resilient societies.

09/18/2025

🌟 ADHD & Impulsivity 🌟

Impulsivity in ADHD doesn’t just show up as blurting out or acting without thinking—it can also spill into one’s thought life. 💭

Because the ADHD brain often fires quickly and without filters, thoughts can pop in suddenly and feel intrusive. Later, when reflecting on what was said or done, this can spiral into second-guessing, replaying conversations, and worrying about how others perceived us.

👉 The result? A cycle where impulsivity feeds intrusive thoughts, which then fuel social anxiety.

Remember: this isn’t a character flaw. It’s how an ADHD brain processes stimulation and self-regulation. With awareness and strategies, the cycle can be interrupted. No one is “too much.” Some people’s brains just runs on a different rhythm.

09/16/2025

Stealth dyslexia often goes undetected because students are bright, resourceful, and develop clever ways to compensate such as memorizing, guessing from context, or masking their challenges with strong verbal skills. Behind the scenes, they may be working twice as hard just to keep up or underperforming relative to their potential. With the right diagnosis and supports, those hidden struggles are replaced with confidence, growth, and the chance to let their strengths shine.

09/12/2025

Adjusting the Frame: Recognizing Subtle Presentations of Autism in Therapy
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Subtle signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be easy to miss in children who are bright, verbal, or socially motivated. Yet in the therapy room, differences often appear — challenges with social reciprocity, literal thinking, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation. Some children may even camouflage, looking cooperative while feeling drained.
Traditional talk therapy and classic play therapy can leave these kids feeling misunderstood. By adjusting the frame, therapists can better support their needs. Visual supports, structured role games, avatars/characters, concrete skill-building, and sensory-aware interventions create pathways to connection and growth.
Recognizing these subtleties doesn’t just prevent therapy “misfires” — it opens the door to meaningful progress.
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09/08/2025

Autistic burnout is often scary if you don’t know that you’re in it. Proper diagnosis, a thorough understanding of one’s neurotype, and individualized supports can fast-track effective coping.

09/02/2025