Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my toddler has ADHD?

ADHD symptoms in toddlers can vary, but common signs include difficulty focusing, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. It’s important to consult with a pediatrician or specialist for a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.

Yes, we provide specialized support for picky eaters, including behavior therapy and feeding strategies to help children develop healthy eating habits and reduce food aversions.

Occupational Therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills needed for everyday tasks, such as fine motor skills, self-care, and sensory processing. Behavioral therapy, on the other hand, targets modifying behaviors and improving social and communication skills through positive reinforcement.

Office hours are Monday-Friday. On occasion, early morning or evening appointments are available.

To register, simply visit our appointment page, fill out the required information, and we’ll reach out to guide you through the next steps.

This depends on what services you are requesting (e.g., a developmental screen, an evaluation, parenting assistance, therapy, etc. Please visit our services page for more information). The main goal of most initial sessions is to collect information and generate an assessment or treatment plan. In many instances, parents prefer that their children not attend the initial appointment, so that we can discuss things openly without the child present. This is a personal choice, and there is no general rule on which is the best way to proceed. In general, it is always ideal if both caregivers can attend the initial appointment.

Yes, we encourage you to visit our center to meet our staff, see our facilities, and learn more about our programs. Contact us to schedule a tour.

Appointments can be canceled or rescheduled via our online booking system, or by calling the office at 858-692-4187. Please remember that you are responsible for the full session fee if you cancel your appointment without 24 hours’ notice.

We work with children of all ages, from infants to teenagers, with programs tailored to their specific developmental stage.

Does your question not appear here? Please visit our Contact page to submit your inquiry online.

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Are you ready for help? We’re ready to start you on your journey to maximize the developmental, social, emotional, behavioral, and academic potential of your child, teen, and/or family.

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What Others Say About Us

I’ve been referring my patients to Dr. Pontillo for the past several years with the utmost confidence that she will care and understand their developmental needs. Dr. Pontillo always provided them with a balanced and age appropriate intervention to help not only the child but the family as a whole.

Chrystal de Freitas M.D., Pediatrician Carmel Valley Pediatrics

I am a general pediatrician with a special interest in ADHD, spending about 20% of my clinical time caring for ADHD patients. I have known Dr Pontillo since 2005 and have an enormous respect for her clinical skills and insights. She is my “go to” psychologist for more complicated developmental issues and for diagnosis of subtle high functioning disabilities. Dr. Pontillo’s interest in her patients and her ability to clearly delineate developmental problems allows parents to move forward with establishing a treatment plan. She is an invaluable resource to the San Diego Pediatric community.

Nicholas Levy, MD, Medical Director, El Camino Pediatrics, V. Asst Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, UCSD

Dr. Pontillo is an exceptional, and one-of-a-kind child psychologist. I have referred many children of my patients to Dr. Pontillo and she has always given them the best care and attention. Referring a patient to another professional is a big responsibility. I always look for a colleague who is efficient, professional, experienced and one who is able to come up with a clear diagnosis. I keep referring to Dr. Pontillo because of her expertise, efficiency and especially her warm and caring personality that is extremely necessary when dealing with children. I very highly recommend Deborah Pontillo, Ph.D as a child diagnostician, developmental and behavioral specialist, and therapist.

David Kravetz, M.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, UCSD