Ep. 217: Assessing Learning Differences in Bilingual Students & Students in Dual Language Programs with Dr. Vindia Fernandez

Joining us for this episode of the podcast is Dr. Vindia Fernandez, who has been on the show before back in episode 3. Dr. Fernandez earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Houston and completed her APA-accredited internship and fellowship at UCLA, specializing in neurodevelopmental issues like autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. As founder of the Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology and director at UCLA’s Cultural Neuropsychology Program, her focus is on culturally appropriate evaluations for Latino/a children and teaching social skills to neurodiverse youth.

Dr. Fernandez discusses how bilingualism in children is often misunderstood and that it’s usually good for cognitive development. She also elaborates upon some red flags when it comes to identifying possible learning disabilities such as dyslexia and how her procedures differ depending on whether or not the bilingual child is in an English-only classroom or if the child is in a dual language immersion program. She reflects on some of her frustrations around how bilingual children are assessed and what she hopes to see change in the future.

While we have certainly seen great strides and progress in this area, there is still much work to do, such as honoring heritage languages, increasing integration, and identifying problems earlier. Dr. Fernandez is a wealth of knowledge on this topic, and her passion truly shines through. 

Show Notes:

[2:40] - Assessing bilingual children is a true passion for Dr. Fernandez.
[3:44] - She feels that bilingualism in children is often misunderstood.
[5:22] - Learning another language is incredibly dynamic and complex and is different for every child.
[7:06] - Vindia reflects on a recent change of more children engaged in dual language immersion programs.
[9:55] - What red flags should be paid attention to that don’t tend to be problems with monolingual children?
[13:11] - Vindia explains why her procedures differ depending on whether the bilingual child is in a dual language immersion program.
[15:46] - Vindia explains why assessments might need to be done in both of a child’s languages.
[18:07] - What role do language disorders play in bilingual children?
[21:28] - We ultimately want these children to be confident and to reach milestones.
[24:15] - “You teach to the skill that you want to see improvement in.”
[27:16] - Dr. Fernandez mentions that 50-75% of behavior therapy involves parents. 
[30:55] - She gives some helpful advice to parents.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 3: Neuropsychological Evaluations Through a Cultural Lens with Dr. Vindia Fernandez

• Episode 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation

• How to Initiate a Special Education Assessment

Connect with Us:

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Dr. Vindia Fernandez:

• Dr. Vindia Fernandez’s Website

• Dr. Fernandez’s ChildNEXUS Page

• Email: [email protected]

The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc. or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.