Developmental Challenges

Is sensory processing disorder (SPD) the new ‘catch phrase? Are we over-diagnosing?

2014-05-29T01:01:34+00:00

Question: "What is your opinion on "sensory processing delay"and OT therapy? Is this being overly diagnosed in your opinion and the new catch phrase? Thank you." -K   Dear K: Thank you so much for submitting this question.  I  think there are many parents like yourselves who share the same concerns. To provide you the [...]

Is sensory processing disorder (SPD) the new ‘catch phrase? Are we over-diagnosing?2014-05-29T01:01:34+00:00

How to Help an Older Child with Nighttime Bedwetting

2014-05-23T11:07:34+00:00

Hi Dr Deb, I have been counseling the parents of an 8y/o girl. Her mother describes her issue with bedwetting as follows. " She was in pull/ups at night until she was 6.She is a really heavy sleeper. She started wetting the bed in September right when she started 3rd grade and 2 weeks after [...]

How to Help an Older Child with Nighttime Bedwetting2014-05-23T11:07:34+00:00

What to Expect when raising a child with Asperger’s/Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder

2014-05-16T09:13:34+00:00

Question: I would love more information on raising a child with Aspergers. Thank you!   Answer: I appreciate this question and while it is very general (and I could write books on the topic!) I thought I would start by giving families a little bit of a ‘what to expect’ when raising a child with [...]

What to Expect when raising a child with Asperger’s/Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder2014-05-16T09:13:34+00:00

6 Quick Strategies to Promote your Child’s Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

2014-03-17T21:51:38+00:00

(This is an excerpt from a talk I was asked to give to the parents at San Diego French American School March 19, 2014. The parents voted on which topics I would discuss in my presentation- and this was right at the top of their list!) We all want our children to have a strong [...]

6 Quick Strategies to Promote your Child’s Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence2014-03-17T21:51:38+00:00

Summertime Quick Tips to Improve your Child’s Handwriting!

2013-07-31T08:35:43+00:00

(Many thanks to my friend and exceptionally talented and knowledgeable colleague Danielle Shulman for this article!! For information about Danielle,  or to read more of her tips on improving handwriting skills visit her website at www.writesteps.com                   - Dr. Deb) It’s summer time! The kids are at camp, [...]

Summertime Quick Tips to Improve your Child’s Handwriting!2013-07-31T08:35:43+00:00

Dr. Pontillo Featured on ParentSavers National Podcast: Potty Training: Naptime and Nighttime: Tips for Parents!

2013-07-18T13:06:33+00:00

Last month I had the great pleasure of being invited to be a featured expert on Parent Savers national podcast on nighttime potty training (Scroll down to the bottom of the post if you'd like to listen!) . Along with two parents of young children and the host, we discussed what to expect, various tips/strategies, [...]

Dr. Pontillo Featured on ParentSavers National Podcast: Potty Training: Naptime and Nighttime: Tips for Parents!2013-07-18T13:06:33+00:00

Does your child look lost on the playground? Does he or she have difficulty playing with other children? How occupational therapy can help.

2013-07-11T10:35:39+00:00

(Many thanks to my colleague Andrea De Marino, MHS, OTR/L for this article. For more about Andrea or occupational therapy visit her website at www.sensorysolutionsinc.com      - Dr. Deb) Some children have a difficult time interpreting sensory information from their environments, whether it be from the sense of touch (tactile input), movement (vestibular input), [...]

Does your child look lost on the playground? Does he or she have difficulty playing with other children? How occupational therapy can help.2013-07-11T10:35:39+00:00

Internet Safety Contract for Parents and Children/Teens

2013-06-13T11:25:41+00:00

As well all know the growing number of children and teens that are becoming victims of online predators are alarming. As discussed this morning on my interview with CBS news, I recommend using a internet safety contract with your child or teen to encourage safe and responsible internet use. Please feel free to comment with [...]

Internet Safety Contract for Parents and Children/Teens2013-06-13T11:25:41+00:00

My Top 5 Potty Training Mistakes – and how to avoid them!

2013-05-03T12:48:55+00:00

Ok, so listen, we are all human, and no one can say that potty training a toddler is easy!There will be bumps along the road. However, to make this journey as seamless as possible, take a look at these top 5 most common mistakes (and how not to make them!) in order to ensure a [...]

My Top 5 Potty Training Mistakes – and how to avoid them!2013-05-03T12:48:55+00:00
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