Welcome to Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology

A premier diagnostic clinic located in the heart of La Jolla Village.

 

At Brain Spectrum, we specialize in conducting gold-standard evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disorders, ADHD, and Processing Deficits. We also address behavioral disorders and other psychological conditions, like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 

Dr. Elisabeth Thurlow, owner and director of Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology, is an expert in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder and has over 25 years of experience conducting comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Directly involved in each and every evaluation, she provides the high standard of care that she would want for her own family. Brain Spectrum is an exclusive practice that offers the kind of sensitive, individualized evaluations families & individuals deserve.

~ Dr. Elisabeth C. Thurlow

Licensed Psychologist #PSY31761

In-Depth Evaluations & Client-Based Care

At Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology, we are committed to a holistic approach to diagnosis that uncovers the unique factors that influence how clients think, feel, and learn. Dr. Thurlow offers comprehensive and sensitive evaluations that help her clients understand the complexities that make each of them unique.

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Psychoeducational
Evaluations

All parents want their children to reach their full potential, but some have concerns about their children’s academic performance (often based on feedback from teachers).

Dr. Thurlow routinely assesses for learning disorders such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia in all age groups. She provides cognitive testing, neuropsychological testing, and in-depth assessment of reading, writing, math, and cognitive processing.

She can also provide tailored recommendations for services, including for IEP or section 504 plans

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Autism (ASD)
Evaluations

We help children, teens, and adults who are bright, interesting, and unique, but many also struggle with social awkwardness, sensitivities, and unusual behaviors that are difficult to understand.

Dr. Thurlow affirms neurodiversity in all its forms, and is an expert in accurately diagnosing ASD. She helps clients gain clarity and confidence, and she provides concrete recommendations to help them improve their lives at home, at school, at work, and with friends.

She is fully certified to conduct the ADOS-2, which is universally recognized as the gold-standard measure for assessing ASD. 

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ADHD & Executive Function

Difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior, disorganization, trouble completing tasks, spacing out, fidgeting: These are common signs of ADHD, but they are common signs of several other diagnoses as well. Accurately diagnosing ADHD requires more than just a checklist or questionnaire.

Dr. Thurlow provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for ADHD.

She also provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment and school services, including for IEP and 504 plans as needed.

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Gifted Learning
Evaluations

Dr. Thurlow’s Gifted Evaluations integrate information from interviews, child observation, standardized questionnaires, and structured intellectual assessment measures.

This comprehensive approach enables her to determine whether your child is in a suitable academic setting, and whether they would benefit from advanced academic placement.

Once your child’s evaluation is completed, you will be provided with a report that is suitable for submitting to your child’s school.

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Psychological
Evaluations

When you or your child is struggling with difficult emotions, it can be very confusing and frightening.

Dr. Thurlow has been conducting complex assessments of children, teens, and adults with multiple diagnoses and co-occurring profiles for many years.

Her psychological evaluations are comprehensive in nature, and involve cognitive testing, personality and emotional assessment, in-depth clinical interviewing, and behavioral observations.

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Career Assessments

Choosing an educational or career path can be daunting, especially for high school and college students.

We provide personalized guidance & support to help identify our clients’ strengths and interests, and match them with well-suited educational and career paths.

Our assessments are designed to help neurodivergent students and their parents understand the unique challenges they may face, and make informed decisions, giving them the confidence they need to find a fulfilling career & successful future.

Helping Individuals Across The Lifespan

You and your family are important. Being evaluated for ASD, ADHD, or a different issue requires compassion and empathy to ensure your emotional comfort. Whether a psychological evaluation is for you, your teen or your school-aged child, Dr. Thurlow has the compassion necessary to make your family feel safe, heard, and fully understood.

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School-aged Children

At Brain Spectrum Neuropsychology, we plan tailored assessments that provide high-precision, evidence-based evaluations of children’s psychological, educational, and learning disorders.

We also recognize that your child’s comfort is paramount, so we pay special attention to establishing rapport.

We try to make the testing process as light and fun as possible.

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For Your Teenager

We have a special place in our hearts for helping our teen clients, with a long track record of helping them understand where they fit into an increasingly complex world.

Combining empathy, clinical insight, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, we work to provide support and insight as teens seek answers to questions related to sexual identity, social isolation, school pressure, social media, depression, anxiety, and autism.

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For You

Unlike many psychologists whose expertise is limited to children and adolescents, Dr. Thurlow is a lifespan neuropsychologist, equipped to evaluate clients of all ages.

She conducts comprehensive assessments of ASD, learning disorders, and psychological concerns in adults ranging from 18-100+ years of age.

Endorsements and Testimonials

Dr. Cheryl Arutt, PsyD, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist

"I have known Dr. Thurlow for 25 years and give her my highest recommendation! She is that special kind of expert who really listens, combining her deep knowledge and experience as a neuropsychologist with her compassion as a human/parent/friend to illuminate ways to really support and deeply understand young people whose brains work differently. Her evaluations improve lives, and I always know those I refer to Dr. Thurlow will be in excellent hands."

Dr. Mandy Moradi, Clinical Consultant Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center

"I have collaborated with Dr. Thurlow in various capacities over the years. She is an exceptionally bright psychologist who is committed to the wellbeing of our neurodivergent community. There is wide variability when it comes to evaluation quality, and finding a professional who offers best practice evaluations using gold-standard measures can be challenging. Dr. Thurlow offers the kind of sensitive, thorough, and evidence-based assessments that I trust. I recommend Dr. Thurlow without hesitation."

Dr. Jesse Olague, Child Psychologist, Del Mar

"Dr. Thurlow is without a doubt the best diagnostician in San Diego. Not only does she have the experience and high-level skills to understand even the most complex cases, she is also incredibly compassionate and kind. Families and professionals alike love working with her. I trust her clinical judgment without reservation."

David Teitelman, parent of a neurodivergent child.

"Dr. Thurlow is a spectacular psychologist/diagnostician. I can attest to her expertise in the areas of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and Neuro divergence. Dr. Thurlow was able to determine significant flaws in a previous evaluation of my neurodivergent child. With her help, we were finally able to obtain an accurate diagnosis after many years of struggle.

Dr. Thurlow's consultation, compassion, and support in obtaining an accurate diagnosis has truly been life-changing for our family."

1-858-333-6008

Email: Contact@BrainSpectrumNeuro.com

888 Prospect Street, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037