Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services

04/02/2026

On World Autism Awareness Day, we at Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services (CCNS) stand in solidarity with autistic individuals and their families. Autism is not a limitation defined by stereotypes—it is a spectrum of diverse strengths, challenges, and lived experiences.

With decades of combined experience, our neuropsychologists have worked closely with children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum and with their families. Through this work, we have seen the full range of abilities that exist within autism. Broad statements about what autistic individuals can or cannot achieve simply do not reflect reality. With timely diagnosis and individualized, targeted supports, growth can be profound. We have seen individuals who were nonverbal and withdrawn as children go on to attend college, build careers, and lead meaningful lives. Claims that people with autism will never work or will inevitably be a burden to society are not only inaccurate—they are harmful.

As Dr. Stephen Shore reminds us, “If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.” This principle guides our work at CCNS. By taking the time to understand each person—their interests, strengths, and support needs—we can build on what makes them thrive, not just address a diagnosis.

On this day, and every day, we encourage understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diversity of the autism spectrum.

11/04/2025

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) has recently revised their formal definition of the complexity of dyslexia, the ways it manifests uniquely from person to person, and the foundational influence of oral language and other
neurobiological factors in literacy development. It confirms that children with dyslexia struggle because of brain-based differences not because of a lack of effort, motivation, or cognitive ability.

Given the far-reaching impact of dyslexia on a child’s learning, self-confidence, and emotional well-being, it is essential to fully understand what each child’s profile looks like—since no two presentations of dyslexia are exactly alike. A comprehensive evaluation that examines not only reading
but also the full range of neurocognitive processes is vital. Such an approach helps clarify the unique nature of a child’s dyslexia and guides the most effective interventions.

At CCNS, we conduct comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that conceptualize dyslexia as a broad neurodevelopmental profile encompassing far more than reading performance alone. Our evaluations examine the interplay of linguistic, cognitive, and emotional factors that contribute to each child’s learning challenges and identify their inherent strengths—informing interventions that are both evidence-based and individually tailored.

If your child is struggling with reading, our comprehensive evaluations can help uncover why—and guide the right path forward.

🔗in comments, 978-341-4992 or info@ccnsphd.com

10/22/2025

🎗️ October is Invisible Disabilities Awareness Month

Not all disabilities can be seen. Conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, and chronic health challenges can deeply affect learning, focus, and daily life — even when they’re not visible.

At Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services (CCNS), we recognize that understanding what’s beneath the surface is key to providing the right support. Our comprehensive evaluations help uncover hidden challenges, identify strengths, and guide meaningful, evidence-based interventions that make a real difference at home and in school.

🧠 Awareness → Understanding → Support

Watching your child struggle is hard — getting help isn't. 📞 978-341-4992 ✉️ info@ccnsphd.com

10/16/2025

🎗️October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to recognize that reading difficulties can have many underlying causes — and that with the right evaluation, you can uncover the best path forward.

At Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services (CCNS), we specialize in comprehensive dyslexia evaluations that provide clarity about why a child may be struggling, identify strengths and weaknesses, and guide evidence-based interventions and school accommodations. While early identification offers the best outcomes, dyslexia can be assessed at any age.

Dyslexia is a neurologically based learning difference that affects accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding. These challenges often stem from difficulties with the phonological aspect of language — even in bright, capable learners.

🧠 Our evaluations assess:
• Phonological processing and rapid naming
• Receptive and expressive language
• Spelling, written expression, and decoding
• Visual processing and retention

🔗 Learn more about our evaluations: https://ccnsphd.com/services

10/15/2025

📚 Free Webinar: Decoding Drain – Why Comprehension Slips Away

🗓️ Friday, October 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (EDT)

Ever wonder what it feels like to read when decoding takes so much effort that comprehension fades? Join Special Needs Advocacy Network for a powerful Reading Comprehension Simulation led by Kathy Cousineau, designed to help parents, educators, and professionals better understand the connection between decoding, fluency, and comprehension.

💡 Experience firsthand how decoding challenges impact understanding
💡 Learn why fluency and targeted accommodations are key to helping students access meaning—not just words—on the page
💡 Gain practical strategies to support students with reading difficulties and dyslexia

🔗 Register today: https://members.spanmass.org/eventcalendar/Details/decoding-drain-why-comprehension-slips-away-1449781?sourceTypeId=Website

10/09/2025

🎗️ October is ADHD Awareness Month

At Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services (CCNS), we understand that attention, focus, and self-regulation challenges can look different for every child.

A pediatric ADHD evaluation can help uncover why a child may be struggling — whether with focusing, staying organized, managing impulses, or sustaining attention. Our comprehensive assessments look beyond symptoms to identify each child’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and processing skills, and to determine whether ADHD or another condition may be contributing to the difficulties.

Because ADHD and executive functioning skills go hand in hand, our evaluations also assess abilities like attention, organization, and working memory. Understanding these patterns helps families and schools put the right supports in place — from classroom accommodations to strategies that foster success at home and beyond. 🔗in comments to start the evaluation process.

10/07/2025

We're excited to share a post from CCNS's Lauren Grenier, PhD on emerging research in EF skills.

As neuropsychologists, we see every day how building these foundational skills early can set the stage for success in school and beyond. At Concord Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services (CCNS), our evaluations can pinpoint a child’s executive strengths and challenges, helping families and schools know where support is needed.

https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7378772805414227968

-

A new study shows that when young children learn to name and categorize objects, this does more than extend their vocabulary. It directly builds their executive function skills: the brain-based processes that help us set and reach goals, such as attention, self-control, working memory, and flexible....

10/01/2025

CCNS psychologists Lauren Grenier, PhD and Laura Austin, PhD presented to the local community on helping parents build executive functioning skills at home. The event was hosted by Academy MetroWest.

Parents left with practical tools they can put into action immediately—and the reassurance that they’re not alone in facing these challenges. From organizing routines and managing transitions to fostering independence, executive functioning strategies play a vital role in helping children thrive day to day.

It was inspiring to see families, therapists, and professionals collaborate around such an important topic. If you are interested in a similar presentation to your community, please reach out info@ccnsphd.com or (978) 341-4992, 🔗in bio.

-

09/16/2025

Our affiliate, The Concord Center, is running a FREE parent workshop series this fall. Topics range from what to expect for you child’s therapy, to executive functioning challenges to SPACE Treatment. This is a valuable opportunity for parents to receive guidance and education around mental health challenges and treatment options for their children and adolescents. Sign up here: https://www.concordcbt.com/parentworkshops

-

09/10/2025

Renee Folsom, PhD, is one of CCNS’s valued Pediatric Neuropsychologists. She reflects on Back-to-School Night and executive functioning—offering meaningful tips drawn from both her perspective as a parent and her expertise as a professional.

Back-to-School Night at my daughter’s middle school drew a packed auditorium of parents eager to learn how to best support their children this year. The principal shared the results of a recent high school survey on what it takes to be a successful high school student. Surprisingly, academic performance (e.g., grades, mastery of subject matter) was not the biggest contributor to students’ success, it was engagement in the learning process. Attitude toward work, ability to plan/organize activities, time management, how best to tackle a problem, and bouncing back after failure were far more important. Thriving in high school was not just about grades but executive functioning.
Continue reading: https://ccnsphd.com/renee-folsom-executive-funtion-insights/

-

09/04/2025

In partnership with Academy MetroWest, CCNS’s Dr. Lauren Grenier and Dr. Laura Austin, licensed psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists, will provide an overview of executive functioning: clarifying what it is (and what it isn’t), outlining the core domains involved, and describing how EF challenges often present in the home environment. Executive functioning (EF) refers to a set of cognitive processes that support goal-directed behavior, including organization, planning, emotional regulation, and time management. For many school-aged students, challenges in these areas can lead to difficulties both in the classroom and at home. Tickets through Eventbrite link, seating capacity is 50.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-executive-functioning-at-home-a-guide-for-school-age-parents-tickets-1549601171819?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/19/2025

Our affiliate, The Concord Center is offering a free workshop designed to build stronger parent-child connections through practical, evidence-based strategies. CCNS encourages our families to take advantage of this excellent opportunity on 8/21 at 12pm.

Register: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sQeUbK-4j0CvLrPTZfqTltQEOYxhB9JIrpE0-9JF_ARURUpPTUFTV1JESzEzTlVGRkNXSUwwSjkyWS4u