What is Normal any way?
Health Conditions, Neurodiversity, Developmental and Behavioral therapy & support
Whether you are already identified as neurodiverse, are concerned about your child’s development or at your wit’s end with your child’s behavior…
Therapy, consultation and support is available.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having worked in the field of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics for many years, I can offer you and your family a unique set of supports, guidance and resources outside of what you get from your healthcare provider.
Developmental consultations and guidance for children and families
Autism and neurodiverse support and counsel
Home or school/daycare based behavioral consultation with guidance
New diagnosis support and guidance
Coping with chronic conditions
Life adjustments around injuries or health diagnoses
Support and counsel related to life-limiting conditions
Health Condition Support & Counsel
It’s really cool that everybody’s a little bit different but the same too. -Julia from Sesame Street
What is Neurodiversity?
Most people think of autism when you hear the word neurodiverse, but there is a larger spectrum of “conditions” or people that fit into this category.
Neurodiversity is quite simply a different way of thinking, learning, processing or behaving. Persons with conditions labeled: ADHD, autism, Asperger’s, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and Tourette’s are all examples of neurodiversity. Some professionals will even include bipolar disorder and other conditions as a neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity is Not a disability, it is a difference, but is there a benefit to it being referred to as a disability? Yes, in some ways there is a benefit. Certain neurodiverse diagnoses qualify persons for various benefits such as behavioral health therapy or Regional Center Services.
Neurological variations have been a part of humanity since the beginning of time and are essential to humankind. The point of embracing neurodiversity apart from being a disability is based on a model of abilities in which we embrace the disability not as a flaw but as a variation. The model of disability is based on brokenness or incomplete variations of a “normal person.” This does not capture the fact that neurodivergents can live a full and meaningful life.
Who do I work with…
Families of neurodiverse
Families concerned about the development of their young child
Neurodiverse individuals from adolescence to adulthood
Children or adults diagnosed with a health condition or injury. Chronic illness, life-limiting illness, terminal support, new diagnosis or injury.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
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Whether in your own home or in office I will play with your child, ask you to engage in play and make observations during the process. I will be looking at communication, mannerisms and social-emotional skills.
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Some diagnoses are outside of my scope of practice. However with many years of conducting developmental assessments alongside various professionals in the medical field, if I suspect more involved evaluations are needed I know where to send you and what to ask. My ultimate goal is to help you and your child get the developmental services and supports that will help everyone thrive and grow.
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The type of help I provide varies based on the concern and person. If you are a caregiver coming to terms with a diagnosis or behaviors are out of control we will find a steady state through compassionate support and the therapeutic process. If you are neurodiverse and you are struggling with things such as anxiety or relationship concerns, we can address those through various therapeutic processes either in office, the community or home. The ultimate goal is to get everyone to a point of acceptance, calm and continued growth. Schedule a free consultation to discuss further if I may be of assistance for your concern.
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Therapy can be conducted in your own home or virtually if needed. I see people in and around Rocklin. For disabled adults within 10 miles of my office I am happy to offer in office rates for home-based sessions.
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I am familiar with and comfortable addressing many different health conditions or injuries. Having many years in hospital based, specialty clinic based and even hospice based care, I have worked with a wide variety of diagnoses.