Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr. Burns conducts comprehensive evaluations of school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of presenting concerns including attention problems, learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, and autism spectrum disorder. She has particular expertise in the evaluation of individuals with attention (ADHD) and executive functioning (EF) difficulties, differentiating ADHD from other possible diagnoses that have similar symptoms but different treatment paths. She also has extensive experience evaluating individuals following a concussion/mild traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Burns approaches her neuropsychological assessment of each client with breadth and depth. Through record review, clinical interviews, questionnaires completed by individuals who know the client well (e.g., parents, teachers), and direct testing with the client, she assesses all areas of cognitive and social-emotional development while evaluating areas of concern in greater depth. Dr. Burns uses her careful observations throughout the evaluation to further her understanding of a client’s strengths and weaknesses. A client can obtain a given test score for a variety of different reasons, and this process approach allows her to tailor her recommendations to the child’s specific needs to ensure the most effective intervention and supports possible.
Dr. Burns received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she specialized in child and adolescent psychology. She completed an APA-accredited internship and APPCN postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s National Health System in Washington, DC. During her fellowship, Dr. Burns gained experience across a variety of specialty outpatient clinics (e.g., Executive Functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Concussion) and as a member of multidisciplinary medical teams (e.g., Oncology/Hematology, Epilepsy). Dr. Burns has published peer-reviewed journal articles and presented research at numerous national and international conferences relating to concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, co-morbid ADHD in individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and substance use disorders.
Dr. Burns lives in Newton with her husband and two children. As a family, they enjoy traveling, exploring family friendly activities in New England, reading, and watching and playing sports.
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