My philosophy:

Children develop at their own rates and in their own times. Their individual strengths should be recognized and their interests should be nurtured. It is better to compare their own gains over time than to try to compare them to their peers or siblings, which is not only unfair to them, but causes unnecessary pain. They need to develop a sense of agency and autonomy. Parents and educators can promote this by encouraging and scaffolding new skills, allowing independence when appropriate, and praising successful approximations to  goals. Consistency and practice are key to successful change. Children cannot  change unless their nervous systems are regulated. We help do this through co-regulation. Our relationships with children, creating a safe space and attuning with their emotional needs is essential to their regulation and, ultimately to  them developing changes in their habits and routines.

Every parent should feel empowered to advocate for their children in educational and medical settings. Parents should be part of a community that supports them, validates them, and provides resources for their children’s needs. They should have strategies to support their child in the home that promote positive interactions, support educational and therapeutic goals and reduce stress.