Elena Ostroy, Ph.D., ABN

27/10/2023

Wanted to share an article I was recently interviewed for by a local journalist. Glad to see dyscalculia/math LD getting some much needed attention:

“It leads to misdiagnoses and neglect,” he said. “It comes down to educating the educators. We need a bipartisan effort that crosses the party lines. Every

15/05/2023

New blog post on the diagnosis of nonverbal learning disability (NVLD)

Although the concept of NVLD (nonverbal learning disabilities) has been around since for decades, it is still not fully understood. The DSM-5, the psychiatric diagnostic manual commonly used in the US, does not include the NVLD diagnosis and there is still ongoing debate over the definition of NVLD....

19/10/2022

My new blog post discusses the challenges of identifying and supporting twice exceptional (2E) Kids

Evaluations of twice exceptional (2e) children, intellectually gifted children with learning disabilities

18/04/2022

One of the few much needed studies to systematically review neuropsychological functioning in gifted children. Compared to typically developing peers, gifted children have many cognitive strengths, yet on many other measures of cognitive functioning, no discernible difference is identified between gifted and typical kids. Just like typically developing children, intellectually gifted kids can have learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, like ADHD requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment. Yet identifying LD and ADHD among these children remains more challenging precisely because of their cognitive strengths relative to typically developing children:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-international-neuropsychological-society/article/neuropsychological-profile-of-intellectually-gifted-children-a-systematic-review/E4DE226BAA7ED66B762945EE5C9568BF

18/03/2022

Print and share our downloadable booklets, fact sheets, and puzzles, or present one of our lesson plans as a Brain Awareness Week activity.

28/02/2022

An ADHD evaluation should include more than just a few symptom checklists. Here's why:

A couple of times a week, I get an inquiry that poses the question above. Usually it goes something like this – I suspect that I/my child have ADHD, can you diagnose it? My response is usually an attempt to explain why the testing I do is not just to confirm or disprove the suspected diagnosis but...

25/02/2022

Many great ideas for improving executive functions. Some more practical than others. I would maybe refrain from cutting up your table for firewood.

Executive functioning skills range from working memory to cognitive flexibility to inhibitory control, and beyond. They power our daily functioning, future planning, and mental/physical health. Here, learn how to improve core EFs through recommended activities, exercises, and games.

23/01/2022

Researchers have identified a specific brain network that becomes active as we plan our replies within a conversation.

01/12/2021

Over the past few months, several of my patients have had something in common. All were teens or young adults, highly intelligent and often high-achieving academically. Yet all, over the years, have found social interactions often quite challenging. More than one noted that it was a skill that had t...

05/08/2021

The email I received from a parent sounded like many other inquiries I have been getting this year – her son, heading to third grade in September, is still struggling to sound out many words, does not read fluently even some of the more common words despite reading them over and over, and has been...

26/05/2021

Some evidence based brain health tips, particularly important for women given the increased risk of cognitive impairment, but really applicable to all:

NAN's Women in Leadership Committee, in collaboration with the Culture & Diversity Committee, has evidence-based considerations for your brain health! Be sure to download both the English and Spanish versions to share in your practice and community.

19/04/2021

Considering the pros and cons of in-person vs remote evaluations in my recent blog: https://www.brooklynneuro.com/post/remote-vs-in-person-testing

14/04/2021

Now this was a worthwhile study!

Abstract. During narrative experiences, identification with a fictional character can alter one’s attitudes and self-beliefs to be more similar to those of the

17/03/2021

It’s Brain Awareness Week

Learn more about Brain Awareness Week and how your institution can join the campaign by becoming a partner and hosting an activity in your community.

13/03/2021

Now offering comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults combining remote and in-person services