Autism
I am doctor of clinical psychology who has just completed my post-doctoral year at New Connections Academy in Palatine, IL, a therapeutic day school serving children and adolescents ages 6-22 with Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and a variety of other learning and behavioral disabilities. While I am waiting to take my state licensing exam to open my own psychology practice, I am interested in continuing to serve this population in any way that I can. I currently provide in-home Social Thinking sessions for higher functioning Asperger's individuals. My training experiences over the past 7 years have included working with all-ages of individuals, families and groups in hospital, outpatient, community mental health, and school settings with a wide-range of emotional and developmental challenges. I chose my post-doctoral experience to focus on my area of passion: ASD and other similar developmental disabilities. I feel that my past education and experience has taught me the special requirements of working with ASD/Asperger's population. With this experience, I have found that I am able to quickly adapt to the various sensory, processing, and social learning needs to educate and support this wonderful population.
Most recent experience includes: I provided services at a therapeutic day school serving individuals ages 5-22 diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, with co-morbid disorders of ADHD, Mood Disorders, various Learning Disabilities and Sensory Integration problems
I created, implemented, and tracked functional therapeutic goals included in each client’s Individualized Education Plan.
I functioned as part of an on-site multidisciplinary team that incorporated clients’ occupational, music, art, speech, and animal therapies and psychiatric services.
I utilized a behavioral approach with an emphasis on the SCERTS model, a research-based educational approach that directly addresses the core challenges faced by children and persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
I implemented a Social Thinking-based curriculum in individual, small group, and bi-weekly large group therapies, targeting issues of social communication and emotional regulation.
I provided bi-monthly family therapy to enhance clients’ level of care and supports aimed at successful client function across environmental settings.
I served as a member of the Transition Committee and contributed to pre-vocational training programs and events focused on clients’ development of independent life skills and vocational goals.
I designed, proposed, and executed a pilot program utilizing heart rate variance (HRV) biofeedback interventions to assist clients with achieving and maintaining emotional regulation.