As a parent, as well as a professional who works with children, adolescents, and their families, I’d like to acknowledge how long, winding and strange the pandemic road has been for all of us! Nearly all of our normal structures and routines have been abolished or transformed into something different—and often, not for the better. [...]
Hello! This last October, thanks to a parent sponsor (whose son has autism spectrum spectrum disorder) I had an amazing time presenting to teachers at their private school about the "ABCs of ASD" which is a new teacher training program I developed especially for teachers of students with ASD in a general education preschool or elementary/middle school. [...]
Parent Buddy Program I recently had a parent email me this: "If becoming a parent changes your life completely, becoming a parent to a child on the spectrum gives that change a whole new dimension. It is heartbreaking to see your child struggle to pick up skills that seem to come so naturally to a [...]
7 Important Things Every Parent Should Know About Your Child’s IEP/504 Plan! Written by Kim Brownell, LCSW, SDKF staff therapist and 504/IEP consultant. For an office, Telehealth, or in-home appointment with Kim or if you have any questions about your child or teen, please email her directly at kbrownell@sdkidsfsirt.com • IEP vs 504. What is [...]
Tips on how to facilitate social skills developement during play dates! A quick sound byte for parentslooking for tips on how to facilitate social skills during play dates. Sincerely, Deb Pontillo, Ph.D. Director, San Diego Kids First
Quarantined Parent Series Part 4 with Dr. Deborah Pontillo click picture above to go to YouTube video In this Q&A, Conrad and Joan Macalalad, from Potentia Prep, and San Diego Kids First's, Dr. Deborah Pontillo, answer your questions on how to help kids stay motivated, continue to get the social-emotional connection they need, and [...]
Lunch and Learn with Dr. Deborah Pontillo, Hosted by Potentia Prep click picture above to go to YouTube video Join us for our Lunch and Learn with Dr. Deborah Pontillo, Hosted by Potentia Prep, where we answer your most burning questions about how to help your special needs child during quarantine and adjusting to [...]
How to help your child on the autism spectrum from overpowering and controlling a younger sibling! This quick video lays out 3 pieces of advice for this common question. Listen to the video for a detailed explanation on these 3 steps: 1. Remember to structure the play for your child: Setting up [...]
