Disability

 

Discovering the disability of a child, or becoming disabled can be traumatizing, and incredibly painful and challenging for families. My work supports parents in addressing the confusing and at times frustrating process of trying to obtain appropriate services for children with autism. developmental delays, learning problems, ADHD, visual or hearing challenges, sensory sensitivities, physical, or other problems.

My personal history includes residual paralysis, and multiple surgeries following polio at age 5. Although I was fortunate that my disability is not very severe, I have personal experience of the impact, both physical and emotional, on myself and my family.

I use a strength based approach in working with disability, helping to identify resources, and develop adaptations to enable the child or adult to function as well as possible, given their personal limitations. With families, I help address the complex feelings of loss, powerlessness, and at times guilt or shame felt by family members.

In addressing issues of disability in children, I believe it is vital for children and parents to play together. Early learning both verbal and non-verbal, emotional regulation, development of autonomy and of a sense of competence and confidence will emerge naturally when support and adaptation enables parents and children to be able to play and enjoy each-other.

My approaches include approaches from Infant Mental Health, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, and family systems in working with disabilities. Although not DIR certified, my work is strongly influenced by Stanley Greenspan’s work, as well as that of Alicia Lieverman, Jeree Paul, Barbara Kalmanson, and others. I am trained in the use of DC:0-3 for diagnosis of mental health and developmental challenges in young children.

  

Discovering the disability of a child, or becoming disabled can be traumatizing, and incredibly painful and challenging for families. My work supports parents in addressing the confusing and at times frustrating process of trying to obtain appropriate services for children with autism. developmental delays, learning problems, ADHD, visual or hearing challenges, sensory sensitivities, physical, or other problems.

My personal history includes residual paralysis, and multiple surgeries following polio at age 5. Although I was fortunate that my disability is not very severe, I have personal experience of the impact, both physical and emotional, on myself and my family.

I use a strength based approach in working with disability, helping to identify resources, and develop adaptations to enable the child or adult to function as well as possible, given their personal limitations. With families, I help address the complex feelings of loss, powerlessness, and at times guilt or shame felt by family members.

In addressing issues of disability in children, I believe it is vital for children and parents to play together. Early learning both verbal and non-verbal, emotional regulation, development of autonomy and of a sense of competence and confidence will emerge naturally when support and adaptation enables parents and children to be able to play and enjoy each-other.

My approaches include approaches from Infant Mental Health, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, and family systems in working with disabilities. Although not DIR certified, my work is strongly influenced by Stanley Greenspan’s work, as well as that of Alicia Lieverman, Jeree Paul, Barbara Kalmanson, and others. I am trained in the use of DC:0-3 for diagnosis of mental health and developmental challenges in young children.