HI Dr. Deb, I am wondering if you have suggestions for my 2 1/2 year old in preschool. He has been throwing sand, pushing kids down (dad taught him to wrestle), taking toys out of other kids hands and throwing them and not doing well during free play/choice time. He does GREAT in circle time [...]
Happy New Year to all my readers. Here's wishing you all the very best for you and your family in 2013. With the ringing in of the New Year often comes resolutions, hopes, and promises - those we make to ourselves and our children. Yesterday, I received a question from a mother in my practice [...]
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 [...]
Breaking News! Our very own Dr. Deborah Pontillo was just featured in the SD Voyager! Click here to read the SD Voyager's interview with Dr. Pontillo, and learn more about her journey and getting San Diego Kids First to where it is today! Here's a sneak peek from the interview: "I loved doing evaluations at Rady Children’s [...]
At San Diego Kids First, we put the needs of our families above everything else. And as the needs of our community change, so do we. To better support our families, we’re welcoming an amazing new addition to our team! Starting mid-October, Dr. Alex Thibeault will be available for appointments. At San Diego Kids First, we [...]
YOU ASKED, WE LISTENED! Our new girls-only social skills groups are starting soon, designed for girls ages 7-11 and 12-17! Our social skills groups will meet weekly to help girls learn vital social skills in a supportive environment optimal for learning and growth. Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Rangel, our bilingual staff psychologist and specialist in [...]
Your ADHD Treatments: Are They Working? Join San Diego Kids First in helping to test an exciting new app to answer this question! These days, when hearing the words “inattention” or “impulsivity”, most people immediately think of ADHD. But the truth is that there are many causes of these behaviors. And even when ADHD is the cause, dialing in on [...]
