Childhood is a complex and wonderful time. Children may face challenges in many areas of their lives: social, school, and family. To be successful, children need many competencies and skills. Growth and development can take many paths, and there are many ways for children to succeed. It’s wonderful to be a parent, but it can be challenging as well. We all need support and help on this journey from time to time.

Some common reasons children and families visit me are:

• Disorders of social development such as autism, Asperger syndrome, attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) or pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).
• Social problems: getting along with others, friendships, getting along in your family.
• School problems: grades, learning problems, homework, and/or behavior.
• Low self-esteem.
• Shyness, withdrawal and/or isolation from others.
• Executive functioning problems.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.

My work includes diagnostic, therapeutic and consultation services.

Diagnostic Services: Individual assessments can define and highlight the child’s strengths while identifying the child’s weak or problematic developmental areas. In some cases, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment or evaluation (also known as psychological or psycho-educational testing) is recommended to understand why a child is having troubles. Sometimes, just an assessment of social competencies is needed. My assessment process concludes with face-to-face and written summaries of findings and individualized recommendations.

Therapeutic Services: Some children have trouble understanding what’s expected of them in classrooms, in friendships, and in their families. My therapeutic work stems from the evidence-based practices of cognitive behavioral, applied behavioral and Michelle Garcia Winner’s
Social Thinking programs. Ongoing therapeutic work with children may include individual and/or small group sessions to help with social competencies and social skills.

Consultation Services: I offer consultations for parents of recently-diagnosed children and parenting skills for parents of children with social developmental disorders.