As a parent, seeking answers about your child’s development can feel overwhelming. My autism evaluation services are here to provide clarity, support, and a deeper understanding of your child’s unique needs. I specialize in assessing children and adolescents for autism, focusing on identifying their strengths, challenges, and the best ways to help them thrive.

Understanding Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that affects how individuals interact, communicate, and experience the world. It is called a spectrum because it presents differently in every child, with varying levels of strengths and needs. Early and accurate diagnosis can open the door to effective interventions, therapies, and support.

What I Offer

My evaluations are thorough and personalized, providing you with the tools and knowledge to support your child’s growth.

• Comprehensive Assessment: I use a variety of evidence-based methods, including parent interviews, play-based observations (including the ADOS-2), and standardized testing. This helps me build a full picture of your child’s communication, social interactions, sensory preferences, and developmental milestones.

• Parent Collaboration: You know your child best, and your input is invaluable. My process includes detailed discussions with you about your child’s history, behaviors, and concerns to ensure that the evaluation reflects their unique journey.

• Clear, Actionable Results: After the assessment, you will receive a detailed report one week after testing is completed that includes any diagnoses, along with tailored recommendations for therapies, educational strategies, and community resources.

Why Seek an Autism Evaluation?

Parents often seek an evaluation when they notice signs such as:

• Delayed speech or communication skills

• Difficulty with social interactions or making friends

• Repetitive behaviors or intense focus on specific interests

• Sensory sensitivities (such as aversions to certain textures, sounds, or lights)

• Challenges in adapting to changes in routine

Early intervention and understanding can make a profound difference in your child’s development and well-being. An evaluation provides the foundation for accessing appropriate services and creating a plan that meets your child’s specific needs.

Compassionate Care for Families

I understand that this process can feel emotional and uncertain. I am here to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard and empowered. Together, I will help your child reach their full potential and provide your family with the tools to navigate this journey confidently.

The transition into middle and high school often brings new social dynamics, academic pressures, and emotional challenges. For autistic adolescents, these changes can make social interactions and daily routines increasingly complex. My comprehensive autism evaluation services are designed to help adolescents and their families navigate these challenges with clarity, confidence, and tailored support.

Understanding the Adolescent Experience

As adolescents move into middle or high school, they face greater expectations in navigating friendships, group projects, and unstructured social settings like social plans or extracurricular activities. Social cues become more nuanced, peer relationships more confusing, and academic workloads heavier. For autistic teens, these shifts can highlight differences in communication styles, sensory needs, and social understanding, sometimes leading to feelings of isolation or frustration.

My Approach to Evaluation

I specialize in identifying and addressing these unique challenges by providing:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Evaluating social skills, emotional regulation, communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and academic needs using evidence-based tools.

• Holistic Input: Engaging parents, teachers, and the adolescent themselves to gain a full picture of strengths and challenges in different environments.

• Individualized Recommendations: Offering strategies and supports tailored to help adolescents navigate peer relationships, manage anxiety, and succeed in academic settings.

How I Help

My evaluations are designed to provide families and youth with a clear understanding of their adolescent's needs and actionable steps for success. Whether it is exploring strategies for managing sensory overload or fostering peer connections, I aim to empower adolescents with tools to thrive in middle and high school environments.

By addressing these challenges early, I can help adolescents build confidence, foster positive relationships, and feel supported during these pivotal years.

Discovering that you may be autistic as an adult can be both empowering and overwhelming. For many, this realization brings clarity to lifelong challenges, while raising important questions about next steps. My autism evaluation services are designed to provide a compassionate, personalized approach, tailored to adults seeking their first diagnosis.

Autism manifests differently for everyone, and this diversity often leads to unique challenges in identifying the condition in adulthood. For women and those who engage in masking (adapting behaviors to align with societal norms), traditional diagnostic approaches may miss key behaviors and presentations. I specialize in assessments sensitive to these subtleties, aiming to more fully understand your experiences.

At the same time, I recognize that many men may also encounter challenges with masking or have lifelong traits and behaviors that have gone unrecognized. Whether you have struggled with communication, sensory sensitivities, or social interactions, my evaluation process is inclusive and designed to capture a broad spectrum of presentations.

My Approach

• Comprehensive Interviews: I explore your life experiences in-depth, covering areas like social relationships, sensory sensitivities, work dynamics, and emotional well-being to gain a complete understanding of your unique profile.

• Validated Assessments: I use tools designed specifically for adults, including those that address masking-related nuances.

• Safe and Affirming Environment: I offer a neurodiversity-affirming space where you can openly share your story and feel truly heard.

• Personalized Insights and Recommendations: Evaluations go beyond diagnosis, equipping you with a detailed report and actionable steps to help you navigate relationships, work, and daily life with newfound clarity.

Empowering Adults on Their Journey

For many adults, a formal autism diagnosis can unlock deeper self-awareness, connection to supportive communities, access to accommodations, or strategies for thriving. Whether you are seeking answers about lifelong challenges, exploring masking behaviors, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, my services are available to help.

As a parent, it can be overwhelming to see your child struggle with focus, impulsivity, or restlessness. You might wonder if it’s just a phase or something more. I am here to help you find answers.

My ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) evaluations are designed with your child and you in mind. I take the time to understand their unique needs, so I can provide you with clarity and actionable steps to support their growth and success.

Here is how I help:

• Understanding Your Concerns: I start with a conversation. You will have the chance to share your observations, concerns, and questions. Your input is invaluable because no one knows your child better than you.

• Engaging Assessments: I use child and adolescent-friendly tools and activities to evaluate focus, executive functioning, and behavior patterns. These sessions are designed to make your child feel comfortable and supported.

• A Holistic Approach: ADHD looks different in every child. That is why I gather input from teachers, caregivers, and others who interact with your child regularly to create a well-rounded understanding.

• Clear Answers and a Plan: At the end of the process, you will receive a detailed report one week after testing is completed that explains your child’s strengths, challenges, and whether ADHD is an accurate diagnosis for your child. I will also provide personalized recommendations, from strategies at home to possible school supports and treatment options.

I am here to help you navigate this journey with confidence and compassion. Together, we can create a path forward that helps your child thrive at home, in school, and in life.

Understanding why focusing, organizing, or managing time feels more challenging than it does for others can be the first step toward clarity. Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is often undiagnosed for years, leaving many individuals struggling to make sense of their unique experiences.

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation includes an in-depth clinical interview to explore personal history, challenges, and strengths. Evidence-based assessment tools are used to evaluate attention, executive functioning, and other related skills. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and helps differentiate ADHD from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

For those seeking a first diagnosis or a deeper understanding of their cognitive functioning, an evaluation provides personalized insights and actionable recommendations. From treatment options to practical strategies for everyday life, the goal is to empower individuals with tools and knowledge to succeed.

Intellectual developmental disorder (intellectual disability) is characterized by significant difficulties in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors, which affect everyday social and practical skills. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may face challenges in areas such as reasoning, problem-solving, learning, communication, and independent living. However, with the right support, they can achieve meaningful goals.

Assessment for intellectual disability involves a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive abilities, adaptive skills, and developmental history. These evaluations help identify strengths, challenges, and the most effective interventions to support personal growth and success. Additionally, accessing appropriate services is key to ensuring individuals receive the resources, education, and therapies they need to thrive.

If you or a loved one is seeking guidance, an evaluation, or assistance accessing services for intellectual disability, I provide personalized, compassionate support tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and their family.

Gifted Testing Services

Gifted testing is designed to identify children and adolescents who demonstrate exceptional intellectual abilities, creativity, or academic potential. These assessments help determine eligibility for gifted education programs, advanced academic placement, or enrichment opportunities tailored to a child's unique strengths and abilities.

During the testing process, I conduct an evaluation using standardized tools to measure cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and reasoning. This personalized approach ensures an accurate understanding of your child’s potential.

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Testing

For children who are both gifted and have learning differences or disabilities, commonly referred to as "twice-exceptional" or 2e, testing is especially valuable. Twice-exceptional children possess remarkable strengths but may also face challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or other diagnoses that impact learning or behavior. These unique profiles require a nuanced evaluation to uncover both areas of giftedness and the support needed to address their challenges.

A 2e evaluation combines gifted testing with additional assessments to identify specific learning difficulties or developmental needs. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your child's abilities, ensuring they receive the right balance of challenge, support, and accommodations to thrive academically and emotionally.

Dyslexia and other learning disabilities, such as dyscalculia and dysgraphia, can impact academic performance, self-esteem, and day-to-day functioning. My comprehensive testing services are designed to identify challenges related to reading, writing, math, non-verbal skills (such as identifying a profile consistent with Nonverbal Learning Disability/NVLD), and overall learning, while highlighting an individual's unique strengths.

My evaluation process includes cognitive testing, academic achievement testing, and observations to assess how a person processes and retains information. This enables me to identify specific challenges and provide a roadmap for effective support at school, home, and beyond.

What to Expect

• Detailed assessment of cognitive and academic skills

• Identification of strengths and areas of challenge

• Customized recommendations for educational accommodations and interventions

My goal is to empower individuals by providing clear insights and actionable strategies that enhance learning and foster personal growth. Let me help you or your child achieve their full potential through a personalized evaluation process.

Developmental testing is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess a child’s growth and progress in key areas such as cognitive, language, motor, social, and emotional development. These assessments help identify strengths, potential delays, or areas requiring additional support to assist children in reaching their full potential.

In my practice, developmental testing involves the use of evidence-based tools and techniques tailored to the unique needs of each child. Parents receive clear, actionable feedback and recommendations to support their child’s development at home, in school, and in other settings.

This service is especially helpful for children who:

• Show delays in reaching developmental milestones.

• Have been referred by a pediatrician or teacher for further evaluation.

• Exhibit challenges in communication, behavior, or social interaction.

Through developmental testing, I aim to provide a better understanding of a child’s abilities and create a roadmap to foster growth, learning, and overall well-being.

Comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations are designed to provide a nuanced understanding of an individual's unique strengths and challenges across various areas of development and functioning. These assessments are particularly helpful for parents seeking clarity about their child’s struggles, especially when concerns are present but the underlying causes are not yet clear.

Areas Assessed Include:

• Cognitive Abilities: Evaluating overall intellectual capabilities, including problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This includes nonverbal cognitive assessments as needed.

• Language and Verbal Reasoning: Assessing communication abilities, including understanding and using language effectively.

• Nonverbal and Visual-Spatial Reasoning: Measuring skills related to interpreting visual information, patterns, and spatial relationships.

• Attention: Identifying strengths and challenges in sustaining focus and managing distractions.

• Executive Functioning: Analyzing skills such as planning, organization, time management, and impulse control.

• Memory and Learning: Understanding how information is retained, processed, and recalled over time.

• Fine Motor and Visual-Motor Skills: Evaluating coordination and the ability to integrate visual input with motor tasks.

• Academic Skills: Measuring performance in core areas like reading, writing, and mathematics to identify any learning difficulties.

• Adaptive Functioning: Assessing practical, day-to-day skills required for independence, such as self-care, communication, and problem-solving in daily life.

• Social and Emotional Functioning: Exploring relationships, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.

• Behavioral Functioning: Examining patterns of behavior, including adaptability, self-regulation, and responses to various environments and situations.

How I Help

By integrating insights from these areas, comprehensive evaluations provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of your child’s functioning. I deliver the clarity needed to guide interventions and tailored support. Each evaluation includes practical, actionable recommendations to empower families and help children succeed at home, in school, and in social settings.

Psychoeducational evaluations are comprehensive assessments designed to provide insights into a student’s learning, cognitive abilities, and emotional functioning and how these areas impact a student's educational performance. These evaluations are particularly valuable for identifying strengths and areas of need, helping parents and educators better support a child’s academic and personal development.

In addition to being a Licensed Psychologist, I am also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with extensive experience in the special education system and providing detailed evaluations that include tailored recommendations for school-based interventions and educational placements. When needed, these evaluations can also include an in-person school observation to better understand how your child functions in their educational environment, providing additional context for accurate recommendations.

Key components of a psychoeducational evaluation include:

• Cognitive Assessments: Evaluating a child’s intellectual abilities, including areas of strength and difficulties.

• Academic Testing: Identifying specific challenges in reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic areas.

• Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessments: Understanding emotional well-being and behaviors that may impact learning.

• Executive Functioning Evaluations: Exploring skills like attention, organization, and problem-solving.

• School Observations (if requested): Gaining valuable insights into how a child interacts and learns in their classroom setting.

With my deep understanding of the special education system, I collaborate closely with families to interpret results and provide actionable recommendations. These may include recommendations for individualized education program (IEP) supports and 504 Plan accommodations, or guidance on whether a specific school placement might better meet your child’s needs.

I am committed to empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their child’s success in school and beyond.

In addition to being a Licensed Psychologist, I am also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) with extensive experience in the special education system and provide Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) tailored to help families navigate school-based decisions for their child. These evaluations are comprehensive assessments conducted to ensure that your child’s unique needs are fully understood in the school setting.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request an IEE at the school district’s expense if they disagree with the results of a school-conducted evaluation. If approved, the school must cover the cost of the IEE. This right ensures families have access to an independent perspective to advocate for their child’s needs effectively at no cost to you once you receive approval from the school district.

IEEs often include detailed assessments of cognitive abilities, academic skills, social-emotional functioning, and other relevant areas, depending on your child's specific concerns. As needed, these evaluations may also include an in-person school observation. My expertise in working with children and adolescents, along with my in-depth knowledge of IDEA and other educational regulations, enables me to offer actionable recommendations for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.

The goal of an IEE is to provide an objective perspective, empowering families with insights that support effective collaboration with schools. Whether you are seeking to understand the appropriateness of current services, exploring eligibility for additional support, or advocating for specific accommodations, my evaluations prioritize clarity, accuracy, and advocacy for your child’s educational success.

Disability evaluations are tailored assessments designed to support individuals with documented developmental disabilities, such as autism or intellectual disabilities, in accessing essential services and benefits. These evaluations are conducted with compassion and precision, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary documentation to navigate complex systems and secure the support they deserve.

Who Can Benefit?

Disability evaluations are ideal for individuals who require updated or comprehensive assessments to:

• Qualify for services through agencies like the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), or the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) which manages the iBudget program.

• Establish eligibility for adult guardianship, providing families and caregivers with legal authority to make decisions in the best interest of their loved ones.

• Obtain or maintain Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), ensuring financial support for daily needs.

What to Expect

The evaluation process involves a thorough review of an individual's history, current functioning, and unique needs. It may include:

• Diagnostic testing to confirm or update developmental disability diagnoses.

• Functional assessments to determine the level of support required.

• Detailed written reports with recommendations tailored to the individual's situation.

Why Choose This Service?

A professionally conducted disability evaluation can make a critical difference in securing access to life-enhancing services and benefits. With expertise in developmental disabilities and an understanding of the requirements of OPWDD, DHS, APD, Social Security, and guardianship proceedings, evaluations are crafted to meet the highest standards of accuracy and advocacy.

By providing clear, comprehensive documentation, disability evaluations empower individuals and families to navigate the systems that can help them thrive.

Navigating academics and standardized testing can be challenging for individuals with unique learning needs or disabilities. My practice provides comprehensive evaluations to support requests for accommodations on major standardized exams, including the SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and more, as well as for college accommodations.

For standardized testing, evaluations are tailored to meet the requirements of testing boards, identifying conditions such as learning disabilities, ADHD, or other challenges that may impact test performance. The process includes a thorough review of your educational and medical history, standardized testing for cognitive, academic, and executive functioning skills, and detailed documentation to support requests for accommodations like extended time, additional breaks, or alternate formats.

For college accommodations, I work with students to identify the supports they need to thrive in academic environments. Based on your specific needs, evaluations may include recommendations for accommodations such as note-taking assistance, reduced-distraction testing environments, priority registration, or assistive technology. I also provide detailed reports designed to meet the documentation standards of college disability offices.

If you are preparing for a high-stakes exam or starting college and need support to ensure equitable access to learning and testing environments, I am here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals.

Many private and independent schools require specific assessments as part of their admissions process. These may include cognitive testing to evaluate intellectual abilities and ensure alignment with the school's academic expectations. Some schools may request additional evaluations tailored to their specific admissions criteria.

Our admissions evaluations are designed to meet the unique requirements of each school, providing clear and objective results. We ensure the process is thorough, personalized, and focused on showcasing your child’s potential in a supportive and professional manner.

Selective mutism is an anxiety-based disorder where a child consistently struggles to speak in specific settings, such as at school or in social situations, despite being able to speak comfortably at home or in familiar environments. This condition is often misunderstood as shyness or defiance, but it is rooted in overwhelming anxiety that prevents verbal communication in certain contexts.

Signs of Selective Mutism Parents Might Notice:

• Your child speaks freely at home but becomes silent around teachers, peers, or extended family.

• They rely on gestures, nodding, or pointing instead of speaking in social settings.

• They avoid eye contact or display signs of physical tension (e.g., fidgeting) when expected to talk.

• Persistent difficulty participating in classroom activities or group settings due to their inability to speak.

I offer comprehensive evaluations to help diagnose selective mutism and develop an effective plan to support your child. Evaluations include:

• Detailed Parent and Teacher Interviews: Gathering observations from those who know your child best.

• Behavioral Assessments: Assessing how your child communicates and interacts across various settings.

• Personalized Recommendations: Creating a tailored intervention plan to reduce anxiety and build confidence in speaking.

Early identification and support can make a significant difference in overcoming selective mutism. If your child shows these signs, an evaluation can be the first step toward reducing your child's anxiety and helping them feel more comfortable communicating.

Pre-adoption evaluations are an essential part of the adoption process, providing prospective parents with insights into their readiness and capacity to welcome a child into their family. These evaluations are designed to assess emotional preparedness, family dynamics, and the ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child.

During the evaluation, I conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes interviews, standardized measures, and a review of relevant family history. This process not only fulfills adoption agency requirements but also helps parents better understand their strengths and address any areas that may benefit from additional support.

My approach is compassionate and collaborative, aiming to empower families as they embark on this meaningful journey. Whether you are pursuing domestic, international, or foster-to-adopt placements, I am here to provide the guidance and documentation you need for a successful adoption process.

Trauma assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of how traumatic experiences impact emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. These assessments are designed to uncover the nuanced effects of trauma, including the presence of specific trauma-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reactive attachment disorder (RAD), and adjustment disorders.

Expertise in Differential Diagnosis: Trauma, Autism, and ADHD

Trauma symptoms, such as difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, and social interactions, can often overlap with presentations of autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, these diagnoses are not mutually exclusive, and it is possible for an individual to meet criteria for both a trauma-related disorder and either ADHD or autism. My expertise lies in conducting nuanced evaluations that recognize and address this overlap to ensure that no aspect of an individual’s experience is overlooked.

Further informing my work, I have conducted peer-reviewed research on the overlap between ADHD and PTSD and have presented on the intersection of autism and PTSD at conferences, including the American Psychological Association Convention. This expertise informs my approach to evaluations, allowing me to provide accurate, evidence-based diagnoses that account for both co-occurring and standalone conditions.

What to Expect in a Trauma Evaluation

• Comprehensive History: Gathering detailed information about developmental milestones, life experiences, and specific traumatic events.

• Symptom Analysis: Assessing how trauma manifests in emotional regulation, behavior, attention, and relationships, while carefully exploring potential co-occurrence with ADHD or autism.

• Standardized Testing: Using evidence-based tools to measure trauma-related symptoms and compare them to characteristics of autism and ADHD, as well as other disorders, ensuring all possible diagnoses are considered.

• Collaborative Feedback: Offering clear, compassionate feedback to help families and individuals understand the findings, including cases where trauma coexists with neurodevelopmental conditions.

By integrating my clinical expertise, research background, and a deep understanding of trauma, autism, and ADHD, I ensure that evaluations lead to accurate diagnoses and actionable recommendations tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Making informed decisions about psychological and developmental health is essential for achieving the best outcomes. I offer second opinions designed to provide clarity and confidence for individuals and families seeking to confirm or reassess a previous diagnosis or to gain deeper insights into a disorder.

I offer a thorough, personalized review process that includes:

• Detailed Record Evaluation: A comprehensive analysis of existing evaluations, medical records, and treatment plans. If additional clarity is needed, I provide further information to help you understand the nuances of a diagnosis.

• In-Depth Assessment: When necessary, I conduct additional psychological testing and clinical interviews to gather further insights.

• Collaborative Approach: I consider input from previous providers, educators, and other professionals to create a well-rounded perspective.

• Clear Guidance: Findings are communicated in a straightforward, compassionate manner, along with tailored recommendations for next steps.

Whether you are looking to confirm a diagnosis, explore alternative possibilities, or develop a clearer understanding of a diagnosis, my second opinion services provides the expertise and support you need.

I am also available to review your records in detail and offer explanations or additional context to ensure you feel confident about the path forward.