Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder associated with impairments in social functioning, communication and by restricted and/or repetitive behaviors. Although children as young as three may be diagnosed with ASD, sometimes the symptoms of ASD don’t become pronounced until adolescence, often in connection with the social pressures of middle and high school. Relationship and communication issues, repetitive behaviors, intense interests and sensory sensitivities are hallmark symptoms. By the teenage years, these core issues may also have contributed to a host of other emotional or behavioral difficulties. A thorough and accurate evaluation incorporating testing, information from parents and teachers, school observations (when appropriate) and in-office assessment is crucial in making a diagnostic determination. Creating an individualized developmental profile of your teen’s strengths as well as their weaknesses is much more important than the label itself, as it will enable us to provide you with a tailored action plan that truly promotes growth.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition which involves a deficiency in the part of the brain that helps us to sustain focus, concentrate, filter out extraneous information, organize, plan, understand others’ actions, and inhibit impulses. There is currently no established “test” which can conclusively diagnose ADHD, and symptoms of ADHD overlap with those of dozens of other conditions. So, diagnosing ADHD requires a very comprehensive approach. ADHD therefore often goes undiagnosed until the increased academic and social rigors of adolescence bring the symptoms to a crisis point. Fortunately, there are very effective treatments for ADHD once a solid diagnosis is made. Teens who do not receive proper treatment for ADHD are at risk for a variety of issues in school, friendships, family life and mental health.
School – Academics
From childhood to adolescence, academics become more demanding, draw on a greater set of skills and are associated with higher stakes. It’s no surprise that children who excelled or at least “got by” during the earlier school years can experience difficulties in middle and high school. These difficulties are frequently associated with gaps in core study and organizational skills, which then compound into gaps in specific subject areas. Left unaddressed, academic difficulties can complicate social and family dynamics, often in dramatic ways. Finding and supporting gaps early is key not only to academic progress and self-esteem, but can head off a wide variety of larger problems.
School – Social
Anyone who has been a teen knows how challenging it can be to navigate the social landscape during those years. Adolescence itself makes things difficult enough. The structure and rhythms of school life add enormous pressure and complication. So, it’s tough, before even considering family dynamics or the burdens of any other issues the teen may be enduring. Effective support and therapy respects all this complexity, understands that the quality of relationships is fundamental, and focuses on the teen’s existing strengths as a starting point for progress.
Mood and Emotion
Adolescence is a fertile time for the development of mood and emotional issues. To some extent, mood swings themselves are normal: cognitive development lags behind emotional development during these years, and the start of high school marks a major transition, so difficulty coping with emotions is par for the course. But these same factors can also contribute to greater volatility in the symptoms of mood and emotional disorders. When symptoms are particularly severe, when they fail to stabilize over time and despite calm, open support from family and friends, professional assistance is a good idea.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common, and very frequently grow pronounced during adolescence. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can appear suddenly, or emerge gradually. Very often, teens who have an anxiety disorder are unable to understand or articulate a definite cause for their fears, worries, emotions and related physical symptoms. Although anxiety is a normal—even healthy—ingredient of life, when it occurs too frequently, is too strong, and affects a person’s daily life and happiness, it is time to seek professional support.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious conditions that can wreak havoc on teens, and are especially common among girls. There are many eating disorders, but all feature persistent eating behaviors that adversely impact health, emotions and the ability to function. Certain factors appear to put teens at risk of developing eating disorders, including social pressures, involvement in activities that value leanness, genetics, and personality traits like perfectionism, anxiety or rigidity. Teens may go to great lengths to hide eating disorder behaviors, so parents need to be educated and alert about common “red flags” and patterns that may signal a problem. Frequently, recognizing and dealing effectively with an eating disorder in a teen is complicated by family issues. Because of the high potential consequences of these disorders, taking them seriously and seeking professional assistance are critical.
Trauma
Many teens experience acute or chronic trauma, and others experience symptoms in their teens of trauma that occurred in childhood. Trauma can be associated with any event that threatens injury, death, or the physical integrity of self or others and also causes horror, terror, or helplessness at the time it occurs. Teens may be less likely than children to openly share traumatic experiences with parents or friends, making it more difficult to promptly recognize and treat their trauma. And symptoms of trauma can contribute to problems within family communication and relationships. Parents may not understand the cause of trauma-related behaviors in their teens, or may feel “locked out” from discussing the trauma.
Family Issues
Conflict is a normal part of family life, and it is particularly common with teens, who are exploring independence for the first time. Disagreements, communication issues and changes in the family all increase the likelihood and severity of these conflicts. Teens can respond to family conflict in many ways, including aggression, defiance, withdrawal, depression, anxiety and self-medication with drugs or alcohol. With effective professional support, teens and their families can use the conflict as on opportunity to build important communication and life skills that not only help to resolve the current situation, but countless others in the future. It is imperative to address family issues that involve teens promptly, prior to the onset of aggressive, violent or self-destructive behaviors.
Sensory Processing
Sensory Processing Needs refer to how the brain processes and responds to sensory input from the environment, such as sights, sounds, textures, and smells. Individuals with sensory processing challenges may experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which can lead to difficulties with everyday activities. For example, some children may become overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises, while others may seek out intense sensory experiences like constant movement or touching objects. Sensory processing challenges are often seen in conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These challenges can significantly affect a child’s ability to focus, participate in school, engage socially, and manage emotions.
Sensory processing needs can also show up in behaviors like meltdowns, especially when a child becomes overwhelmed by sensory input they can’t manage. Transitions between activities or environments may be particularly difficult, as changes can increase sensory sensitivity or discomfort. These challenges may not always be obvious to others, making it harder to understand why a child is struggling.
The good news is that with proper support and interventions, children with sensory processing needs can develop coping strategies and thrive in everyday settings. Early intervention and a tailored approach are key to helping children with sensory needs manage their environment and improve their quality of life.
What Others Say About Us
I am so grateful for Dr Pontillo. She is very bright, compassionate and thorough. She helped evaluate my daughters and guide us in the direction to support them the way they needed. I can’t say enough how wonderful she is.
I would highly recommend San Diego Kids First. They are caring and knowledgeable and have helped the many clients I have referred to thrive academically and socially.
Immersed in a community of families that put their children above all else, I have been lucky to meet and learn from Dr. Pontillo and am proud to call San Diego Kids First the only place I refer. Dr. Pontillo expresses an impassioned energy for being a well-respected leader in child psychology and it’s that energy that I want in a psychologist for my family and friends. Parenting decisions, I have found, require an artful and nimble approach and having the ability to use San Diego Kids First makes me feel at ease among the many uneasy parenting decisions we all must make.
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.
Dr Deborah Pontillo provided us with amazing service for our daughter when a teacher suggested she get evaluated for learning differences. Dr Pontillo’s treated us (my husband and myself as well as our daughter) with empathy, respect and professionalism. She is relatable and down to earth as well as brilliant. We were not prepared for the diagnosis our daughter received yet Dr. Pontillo helped us understand what it meant for us as well as what treatment/therapies were most appropriate. We took her recommendations and trust her so much that, 4 years later, we continue to trust Dr Pontillo with her thoughts and suggestions. We highly recommend Dr Pontillo, would never go anywhere else for pediatric psych evaluations and her services were worth every cent.
As a clinical psychologist and owner of a company that provides similar services, I truly admire the work that SDKF does in the community. I refer clients to them frequently and with confidence. Dr. Pontillo has built a strong, compassionate, and multidisciplinary team that offers a wide range of services, including psychological testing, social skills groups, in-home therapy, and academic support. SDKF is a true gem in the San Diego community, and their dedication to helping children and families shines through in the quality of the work they do.
They are truly experts and so kind! My son was struggling in middle school, and they supported us through that experience. I love that they offer a full continuum of care for families from parenting, child and teen therapy, as well as support with educational struggles and will work with the schools to help advocate for your child. I highly recommend them!!!
Dr. Gamboa is absolutely phenomenal. She’s warm, patient, and so accommodating. She really makes the experience feel so comfortable. My daughter wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. Her expertise is top notch and I wouldn’t trust anyone else – truly! Thank you Dr. Gamboa!
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.
I highly recommend San Diego Kids First as a resource for your child’s mental health! Their intake process is easy and seamless and they have numerous skilled therapists to choose from to meet your child’s needs. This is my primary place to refer children and families and I have only heard great feedback about this group. I have also seen the positive change that has taken place in my client’s children as a result of getting services from them!
Dr. Deborah Pontillo and her team are a rare gem in the field of child and adolescent psychology. As the founder of Kids First, she has created a concierge-style, full-service practice that offers truly comprehensive care. From psychological testing and diagnostic evaluations to individual therapy, parent coaching, and school consultations, her team addresses the full range of developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs with an exceptional level of professionalism and warmth.
Dr. Pontillo stands out not only for her clinical expertise, but also for the care and attention she brings to every family she supports. The practice is highly personalized — families are never treated as just a number. She works closely with parents, schools, and other professionals to coordinate care, ensuring that each child receives thoughtful, tailored interventions that evolve with their needs. Kids First is the only practice I recommend in the San Diego area. Dr. Pontillo and her team are trusted, skilled, and truly invested in helping children and families thrive.
We have trusted San Diego Kids First with our family for the last five years. I have two neurodivergent children that both received diagnoses and therapy with Dr. Pontillo and Dr. Gamboa. My daughter has an amazing connection with Dr. Pontillo. Through her sessions we were able to help sleep patterns, adjust behaviors, and practice self-love. I appreciate that we can receive holistic care with educational and coaches on the team. We have had Dr. Rivet help us create a household that works well for us, and the Educational Specialist, Ms. Sheri Friedman was able to help my daughter move from well under grade-level to thriving above grade-level in one summer. Sheri was also an incredible advocate for us through the IEP process. This entire team is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and understanding. We are forever grateful that they are in our lives. ADHD and ASD can feel so overwhelming and I couldn’t have done it without Dr. Pontillo and her team.
I’ve known Dr. Deborah Pontillo for many years and have always been impressed by her deep expertise, professionalism, and dedication to the families she serves. She has over 20 years of experience in the field and also serves on the voluntary faculty at UCSD’s Department of Psychiatry, where she helps train and mentor future clinicians.
Her practice, San Diego Kids First, is an invaluable resource for our community – an interdisciplinary team of professionals focused on the developmental and behavioral health of children and teens. What really stands out is their collaborative approach — the team works closely together to understand each child and family from multiple perspectives, ensuring care that’s thoughtful, coordinated, and comprehensive.
As a colleague, I trust Dr. Pontillo and San Diego Kids First completely and have referred many children, teens, and families to her over the years. I know they will receive outstanding, compassionate, and well-integrated care.
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.