Meet Dr. Ghilain
About Dr. Christine S. Ghilain, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
Dr. Christine S. Ghilain is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in New Jersey specializing in both pediatric and adult neuropsychological evaluations. With dual expertise in psychology and education, she is committed to helping children, families, and adults gain clarity, answers, and actionable strategies through comprehensive evaluations.
She is one of only six professionals in the state to hold dual board certification in both Clinical and Pediatric Neuropsychology.
Dr. Ghilain's Education & Training
Dr. Ghilain earned her undergraduate degree with honors as a double major in Psychology and Education from Bucknell University. She obtained her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami.
She completed her internship in Lifespan Neuropsychology at the Emory University School of Medicine / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), followed by a two-year neuropsychology fellowship at CHOA.
Dr. Ghilain is board-certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). She has also attained subspecialty board certification in Pediatric Neuropsychology, making her one of only six professionals in the state to hold this dual-credentialed distinction.
Before starting her private practice, Dr. Ghilain developed a pediatric neuropsychology service line for an 11-hospital system in the Atlanta suburbs.
Comprehensive Care Across a Lifespan
Pediatric Neuropsychology
Dr. Ghilain has particular expertise in pediatric neuropsychological evaluations, with a passion for infant and early childhood assessment. She has presented more than 30 invited talks at national and international conferences. Her clinical and research interests include children with:
- Epilepsy
- Perinatal stroke
- Genetic disorders
- Premature birth complications
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Concussion
Her combined background in education and neuropsychology allows her to partner with families and schools, ensuring that children receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
Adult Neuropsychology
In addition to pediatric care, Dr. Ghilain provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for adults facing neurological, developmental, and cognitive challenges. She works extensively with individuals diagnosed with:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
- Stroke
- Autism spectrum disorder
Her evaluations guide treatment planning, workplace accommodations, and everyday strategies to improve quality of life. She also conducts
guardianship and competency evaluations
and serves as an expert for legal teams, providing Independent Neuropsychological Evaluations to the courts.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Ghilain provides care across the lifespan — from infancy through older adulthood — with expertise in child development, brain function, and recovery from injury or illness.
She works with individuals facing neurological and medical conditions, such as:
- Brain injury, concussion, and stroke
- Epilepsy
- Brain tumors and cancer
- Prematurity and genetic disorders
- Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis and other CNS disorders
She also supports individuals with learning and behavioral concerns, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD
- Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
Leadership, Teaching, and Professional Involvement
Dr. Ghilain remains committed to community engagement and mentoring future professionals. She is the New Jersey State Representative for the APA Division 40 Early Career Neuropsychology Committee (ECNPC), and has a consulting firm dedicated to furthering education and training in neuropsychology. Other professional contributions include:
- Consulting for professional sports programs
- Mentoring early career neuropsychologists navigating licensure and practice in New Jersey
- Volunteering with the Atlantic Healthcare System (AHS)
- Serving as a peer reviewer for multiple scientific journals
Dr. Ghilain is on the faculty at the Emory School of Medicine. Additionally, in 2023, she briefly consulted with the New York University (NYU) Neuropsychology and Learning Service (NLS) and was an Assistant Professor in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine before returning full-time to private practice.
Select Organizations Dr. Ghilain Belongs to:
Publications & Presentations
Click to view a select sample of Dr. Ghilain’s relevant talks, presentations and publications:
- Ghilain, C.S. (2023, June). Psychometrist Training: Promoting Competence in Psychological Testing. Invited to present a 3-hour talk at the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2022, October). Brain Health Promotion Across the Lifespan. Invited to give the Keynote Address at the New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA) Conference, Fairfield, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2022, October). Gender in Neuropsychology: An Introductory Conversation. Invited to present for the New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA) Conference, Fairfield, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2022, March). Gender in Neuropsychology: An Introductory Conversation. Invited to present for the Morris County Psychological Association, Parsippany, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2022, February). Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Invited to participate in a multidisciplinary panel about mental health for families in the Randolph Township school district, Randolph, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S., Braun, M., & Postal, K. (2022, February). Cognitive Health Promotion Across the Lifespan: A Growing Practice Opportunity for Neuropsychologists. Talk 1: Maximizing Brain Health in Adult and Geriatric Populations; Talk 2: Starting the Conversation: How to Discuss Health-Related Behaviors with Clients; Talk 3: Starting Young: Approaching the Topic of Brain Health with Pediatric Populations. Accepted as a 3-part symposium presentation at the International Neuropsychological Society Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2021, November). The Neural Signatures of Learning Disabilities and ADHD: A Neuropsychological Introduction. Invited to present to members of the Randolph Special Education Parent Advisory Group in Randolph, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2021, November). Gender in Neuropsychology: An Introductory Conversation. Invited to speak to members of the Montclair Study Group including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech/language therapists, among others, in Montclair, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2021, April). A Path to Neuropsychology. Invited to speak with Morris County Vocational School District Junior High School Students in Denville, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2020, January). Neuropsychological Evaluations in the School Setting. Invited to speak at the Board of Directors Roundtable for Directors of Special Education Services in Essex County, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2019, October). A Path to Neuropsychology. Invited to speak with Science National Honor Society students at Randolph High School, New Jersey.
- Ghilain, C.S., Murdaugh, D., Ono, K., & Burns, T.G. (2018, February). ImPACT-Pediatric versus ImPACT: Pediatric Sample Differences in Baseline Performance. Presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 2018, Washington, D.C.
- Fisher, E., King, T., Ghilain, C.S., Murdaugh, D.,& O’Toole, K. (2018, February). Improvements in Adaptive Functioning Among Children with Medical Disorders Following Cognitive Remediation Therapy: An Item-Level Analysis. Presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 2018, Washington, D.C.
- Ghilain, C.S. & Howarth, R. (2018, May). Neuroanatomy Review: Vasculature. Advanced Seminar Didactic Series, Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- Coman, D.C., Bass, M.P., Ghilain, C.S., Alessandri, M. & Llabre, M. (2017). Effect of equine assisted activities on social and sensory functioning of children with autism. Society and Animals, p. 1-25.
- Howarth, R.A., Jay, M.F., Krentzel, A., Ghilain, C.S., & Blackwell, L.S. (2017, February). Functional outcomes for pediatric patients diagnosed with Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis during inpatient rehabilitation. Presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 2017, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2017, February). Pediatric Brain Tumors. Neuropsychology Grand Rounds, Emory Center for Rehabilitation Medicine & Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- Ghilain, C.S.. (2017, April). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): The View Through A Neuropsychological Lens. Advanced Seminar Didactic Series, Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- Murdaugh, D.L., Ghilain, C.S., Moffitt, K., & Ikanga, J. (2017, April) Dementia & Demyelinating Disorders, Neuropsychology Grand Rounds, Emory Center for Rehabilitation Medicine & Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- O’Toole, K. & Ghilain, C.S. (2017, July). Cognitive Remediation at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. A webinar for APPCN Postdoctoral Training Directors. Recorded and archived for all APPCN members.
- Ghilain, C.S. & Fournier-Goodnight, A. (2017, September). Photon vs. Proton Radiation Therapy. Advanced Seminar Didactic Series, Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- Ghilain, C.S. & Keifel, J. (2017, October). Executive Functioning: Profiles Across Populations. Advanced Seminar Didactic Series, Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- Ghilain, C.S., Parlade, M.V., McBee, M., Coman, D., Owen,T., Alessandri, M., Gutierrez, A., Boyd, B., & Odom, S. (2016). Validation of the pictorial infant communication scales (PICS) for preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 21(2), 203- 216.
- Ekas, N., Ghilain, C.S., Celimli, S., & Alessandri, M. (2016). The role of family cohesion in the psychological adjustment of non-hispanic white and hispanic parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 10-24.
- Ghilain, C.S., Ono, K., & Burns, T.G. (2016, February). Pediatric ImPACT: Detecting Age and Gender Based Differences of Baseline Functioning. Presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 2016, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Murdaugh, D.L., Ghilain, C.S., Moffitt, K., & Ikanga, J. (2016, December) Stroke Syndromes. Neuropsychology Grand Rounds, Emory Center for Rehabilitation Medicine & Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Ekas, N., Timmons, L., Pruitt, M., Ghilain, C., & Alessandri, M. (2015). The power of positivity: Predictors of relationship satisfaction for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1-11.
- Ghilain, C.S., Anderson, S., Sun-Suslow, N, Bermudez, C., Forte, M., Babakhanyan, I., Gallo, B., Luca, C., Jagid, J., Singer, C., & Levin, B. (2015, June). Are emotional factors associated with cognitive outcomes following DBS? Presented at the Movement Disorders Society Conference, June 2015, San Diego, California.
- Ghilain, C.S., Anderson, S., Sun-Suslow, N, Bermudez, C., Forte, M., Babakhanyan, I., Gallo, B., Luca, C., Jagid, J., Singer, C., & Levin, B. (2015, February). Assessing DBS candidacy in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: Do emotional factors influence outcome? Presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 2015, Denver, Colorado.
- Ghilain, C.S. & Marcus, D. (2015, October). The Case of Phillip: Traumatic Brain Injury. Extern Seminar Series, Department of Neuropsychology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- Ehrenreich-May, J., Storch, E.A., Queen, A.H., Hernandez Rodriguez, J., Ghilain, C.S., Alessandri, M., … & Wood, J.J. (2014). An open trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 29(3), 145-155.
- Ghilain, C.S., Parlade, M.V., Owen, T.D., Alvarez-Tabio, C., Gutierrez, A., & Alessandri, M. (2014, May). Measures of symptom severity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder: The role of maternal anxiety. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Ekas, N., Keylon, L., Pruitt, M., Ghilain, C.S., & Alessandri, M. (2014, May). Happy wives and happy husbands: Actor-partner association among mothers and fathers of children with autism. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Ghilain, C.S., Parlade, M.V., McBee, M., Coman, D., Durham, P., Alessandri, M., Gutierrez, A., Hume, K., Boyd, B., & Odom, S. (2013, May). Psychometric features of the pictorial infant communication scales (PICS) in preschool-aged children with ASD. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Sebastian, Spain.
- Atick, J., Ghilain, C.S., Gutierrez, A., & Alessandri. M. (2013, May). Language development in preschoolers with ASD: A comparison of outcomes across educational settings. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Sebastian, Spain.
- Ghilain, C.S., Coman, D., Gutierrez, A., & Alessandri, M. (2012, May). The impact of teachers’ attitudes towards evidence-based practices on student autism symptom severity. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Toronto, Canada.
- Ghilain, C.S., Coman, D., Gutierrez, A., Hume, K., Boyd, B., Odom, S. & Alessandri, M. (2011, May). The impact of teachers’ attitudes towards evidence-based practices on experienced levels of burnout: Do comprehensive treatment models for children with autism positively affect teachers, too? Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Diego, California.
- Souders, M., Ghilain, C.S., & Paterson, S. (May, 2011). Sleep in 6 month old infants at risk for ASD. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Diego, CA.
- Landoll, J., Ghilain, C.S., Coman, D., Schoultz, P., Gutierriez, A., Sperry, L., Boyd, B., Odom, S. & Alessandri, A. (2011, March). Autism severity and the effect of parental stress on parent and teacher report of autism symptoms in preschool children. Poster presentation at the Society for Research in Child Development, Montreal, Canada.
- Ghilain, C.S. & Evans, D.W. (2009, May). Ritualistic and adaptive behaviors in children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Chicago, IL.
- Ghilain, C.S. (2009, February). Ritualistic and adaptive behaviors in children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Poster presented at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Research Poster Day, Philadelphia, PA.