Services
Individual therapy for neurodiverse individuals and their supporters
*Therapy caseload is currently FULL and CLOSED to new patients
I specialize in working with individuals that may have been diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability, those that identify as being neurodiverse, and people that care for them. While experiencing neurodiversity is not itself a reason to pursue therapy, experiencing mental health concerns (such as anger, anxiety, and depression) in the setting of neurodiversity can require a more experienced, focused approach. Furthermore, I consider myself a neurodiversity affirming therapist, working with my clients to identify how stigma and ableism impact their identity development and how their differences can be embraced as strengths. Along similar lines, siblings, partners and parents of neurodiverse people may also seek a therapist with experience in this setting as they navigate their own journeys in supporting their loved ones.
Neurodiverse diagnoses and identities may include the following:
Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
Autistic/ autism spectrum disorder
Down Syndrome
Executive dysfunction
Intellectual disability
Learning disabilities
And more
Assessment and Evaluations
Diagnostic assessment: For individuals ages 4 and up in need of an evaluation for a first-time diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, an updated assessment of support needs and strengths, and/ or documentation of abilities and recommendations for upcoming transitions in educational, vocational, residential and other support settings.
Assessment typically includes:
Review of history and current presentation with individual/ their caregivers
Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)
Developmental history interview with a childhood caregiver
Completion of questionnaires
Feedback with recommendations
Written report
Assessment usually takes 3-4 hours and can be scheduled as one long block or multiple 60-90 minute sessions. Report provided 2-4 weeks after all assessment activities have been completed. Individuals are encouraged to provide reports of any previous assessment or psychodiagnostic testing.
*Diagnostic assessments currently scheduling 3 months out
Capacity evaluation: For young adults, to determine their ability to make informed decisions regarding their own medical care and finances and to establish how they want to be supported, should that be necessary. Feedback and brief report provided. Includes completion of 17A guardianship paperwork, if applicable. Evaluations typically take 2 hours.
Sexual consent evaluation: For teens and adults (17+) with developmental disabilities, to evaluate their understanding of sexual health, activities and relationships and ability to safely engage in sexual activity with others. Feedback and brief report provided. Evaluations usually take 2 hours.
Supported Decision Making Consultation
Supported Decision Making is the practice through which “people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are able to make their own decisions with the support of trusted persons in their lives and retain all their legal and civil rights” (SDMNY.org). While this practice has existed for years, New York State recently passed legislation protecting and honoring this alternative to legal guardianship. The process of establishing Supported Decision Making can be as formal or informal as an individual and their supporters want, but it can be helpful to set aside dedicated time to talk through the following:
Who the individual wants on their support team
What decisions are important to review as a team
How the individual wants to be supported in the decision-making process
What important decisions are anticipated and can be discussed ahead of time
How to document their decisions
I offer individuals and their supporters a consult process of at least 3 60-minute sessions where I can facilitate these discussions with the individual and their team. The exact number of sessions is determined by the needs of the individual.
Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities course
The Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities curriculum was created by Elevatus Training. It is an evidence and trauma informed curriculum that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities that was designed for and by people with developmental disabilities. For more information, see their website.
I will offer this 22-lesson course once a year for individuals ages 14 and up. Class is held weekly starting in October. Registration opens in August. Class will contain a maximum of 10 students to ensure ample time and attention to each person.
The 2023-2024 course will be offered every Wednesday* from 4:30PM - 5:30PM starting October 18th!
