Alaa Sakallah, PhD

Dr. Alaa Sakallah – Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Specialty and Expertise
Dr. Alaa Sakallah specializes in pediatric neuropsychology and sees patients at our Golden Valley location. She evaluates how medical conditions affect a child’s thinking, learning, behavior, and everyday functioning. In addition, she provides practical, family-friendly recommendations to support school, home, and community life.

Education and Training
Her advanced training includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute of the Developing Brain. Previously, she completed a clinical internship at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Together, these experiences built a strong foundation in evidence-based assessment and care.

Patient Care Approach
Fluent in English and Arabic, Dr. Sakallah works comfortably with families from diverse backgrounds. She chose the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology to partner closely with patients and caregivers, explaining how health conditions can influence cognition and behavior. Moreover, she emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the evaluation process.

Professional Passion
A long-standing interest in the brain–behavior relationship drives her work. Because each child’s profile is unique, she tailors evaluations and recommendations to individual strengths and needs. As a result, her goal is to turn complex test results into actionable, easy-to-use plans.

Life Beyond the Clinic
Outside of practice, she enjoys reading, travel, and exploring the Twin Cities food scene. She often seeks out new restaurants and cuisines as a way to experience culture and community. Furthermore, she values balance and routine in daily life.

Health Philosophy
Her approach to wellness is adaptable and realistic. For example, she encourages regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and effective stress management—then adjusts these habits as life changes. Ultimately, small, consistent steps tend to create the most durable progress.