Dr. Laura Jansons
Dr. Jansons is in private practice in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, where she provides neuropsychological assessments for both adults and children. She has been delivering direct therapy, assessment, professional training, and making scholarly contributions in her field since 1990.
Dr. Jansons began her career at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and her master’s degree in Human Developmental Counseling. She received her doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and completed her Neuropsychology Certificate Training at Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Jansons is a Board-Certified Fellow of the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and is also Board Certified in Neurofeedback by the Board Certification International Alliance (BCIA).
Her research interests focus on large-scale brain systems, neural network dynamics, and cerebellar and vertically organized brain functioning. Dr. Jansons is a co-partner in several projects, including a start-up company dedicated to developing a web portal for patients and advanced clinicians. She is also involved in the technical development of custom brain entertainment therapies. In addition to her professional work, Dr. Jansons is a performing musician.
Neuropsychology
Comprehensive Testing
Neuropsychologists play a crucial role in diagnosing congenital cognitive and neuropsychological issues in both children and adults. Dr. Laura Jansons’ expertise in the brain-behavior relationship ensures the highest quality neuropsychological assessment and consultation for patients and their families. This allows the clinical team to focus on enhancing the patient’s quality of life and helping them realize their full potential.
For Adults:
Neuropsychological testing can identify weaknesses in specific cognitive areas. It is particularly sensitive to mild memory and thinking problems that might not be apparent through other means. In cases where problems are subtle, testing may be the only way to detect them. For example, testing can help determine whether memory changes are a result of normal aging or a neurological disorder. It can also identify issues linked to medical conditions affecting cognition, such as diabetes, metabolic or infectious diseases, or alcoholism.
Test results are also valuable in distinguishing between different illnesses, as accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Various conditions exhibit distinct patterns of strengths and weaknesses on neuropsychological tests, which can help pinpoint the areas of the brain that may be involved. For example, testing can help differentiate between Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and depression. Your physician will use this information, in conjunction with other tests such as brain imaging and blood tests, to reach the most accurate diagnosis.
For Children:
Neuropsychological testing can shed light on the reasons behind your child’s academic challenges. For instance, a child may struggle with reading due to an attention problem, language disorder, auditory processing issues, or a reading disability. Testing also informs the pediatric neuropsychologist’s approach to designing interventions that leverage your child’s strengths. The results highlight the skills that need development and the strategies that will best support your child’s learning.
Testing is also useful for detecting the effects of developmental, neurological, and medical issues, such as epilepsy, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or genetic disorders. Additionally, it can establish a baseline to track the effectiveness of treatment or monitor your child’s progress over time.
