WELCOME

I want you to know you don't have to navigate this journey alone. If you're in a place where you have concerns about your child's development, you've been on the search for a therapist that provides evidence informed neurodivergent affirming care, or you're needing more support as a parent, I can help. Learning differences/neurodiversity, such as, autism, dyslexia, AudDHD, and/or ADHD, doesn't just impact your child, but your connectedness with your child.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

GET TO KNOW ME

Melissa Gregory, Psy.D., M.A., M.Ed.

Licensed Psychologist

Known to my young patients as, "Dr. Missy," I specialize in working with youth who have complex, chronic medical/mental health conditions, and/or learning differences, compounded by sensitive nervous systems.

My aim is to capitalize on your child's innate strengths as they develop new ways to understand their learning profile, cope with stress, and negotiate relationships.

I am especially sensitive to supporting you when your child is identified as a having special health needs, learning differences, and/or exceptionalities.

I will provide you the education and support you desire to have a better understanding of your child to implement more effective parenting strategies, nd a stronger parent-child relationship.

MY QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed Psychologist
B.A., University of Wisconsin
M.A., St. Mary’s University
M.Ed., University of Minnesota
Psy.D., University of St. Thomas
M.P.H., 1 year of master’s study, University of MN
Marriage and family therapy certificate, University of St. Thomas
Doctoral internship Urban Child and Family Consortium
Early childhood special educator
20 years of experience in school, hospital, clinic and private practice
Extensive experience with the evaluation of children and adolescents
LEAH fellowship and the University of MN’s Department of Pediatrics

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

You may have heard Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which is also referred to as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or a number of other names. For many years, the diagnostic criteria used by psychological assessment professionals (the DSM-5) called for a differentiation between specific forms of ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, pervasive development disorder (PDD), and Rhett’s Disorder. Instead, an ASD diagnosis now encompasses the entire range of symptoms.

ASD by any name refers to the constellation of symptoms that occur due to differences in early neurodevelopment. As a child’s brain develops, those who are diagnosed with ASD begin to exhibit signs of developmental difference before the age of three. As research and studies continue, clinicians can now diagnose children at much younger ages. Early testing and diagnosis can be a great benefit for your child, because it can ensure successful treatment and therapy and lead to the best possible functioning.

When should you schedule an evaluation for your child?

Early identification of ASD can be crucial to your child’s health and wellbeing, but as the word spectrum indicates, a child diagnosed with ASD may experience a range of symptoms, including:

Difficulty with social interactions
Inability to understand or express themselves through verbal and nonverbal communication
Engaging in repetitive behaviors
Cognitive development differences
Struggles with sensory perception
Concentration and attention problems
Disordered sleep
Gastrointestinal concerns

Because autism testing is often recommended for very young people (in the first two years of life), parents can struggle to determine whether or not their child should visit us for assessment. We encourage parents to pay attention to the following early indicators for infants and toddlers:

Not responding to their name by 12 to 18 months old
Lack of interest in objects and people around them by 15 months old
No interest in play or pretending by 18 months old
Repetitive play and/or play with non-toy items
Unexpected reactions to sounds or sensations
Repetition of words or phrases or unrelated answers to questions
Inability to empathize and/or difficulty expressing or explaining their own thoughts, feelings, and emotions
Avoiding eye contact
Lack of enjoyment in interacting with others or preferring to play alone
Excessive responses to minor changes in daily routines or environments
Hyper-focusing on just a few interests even to the point of obsession
Repetitive body movements (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, spinning)

Any of these symptoms might indicate underlying issues, and scheduling an autism evaluation at our office is the best way to receive diagnosis and begin treatment/therapy.

What does ASD evaluation for children look like?

To be sure that we eliminate other explanations or diagnoses, our psychologist will complete a full battery of tests to evaluate your child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. This testing might include:

Cognitive testing
Adaptive testing
Developmental testing
Behavior and emotional testing

As we conduct the evaluation, we strive to provide comfort and care for both you and your child. To begin the assessment, we simply talk with you about your child. We will ask for detailed for background such as medical records/history or any relevant developmental history. We will also talk with you about why you decided to schedule the ASD assessment for your child, discuss your particular concerns, and endeavor to answer all of your questions.

For part of the autism assessment you may be with your child, but we will help your child separate from you to play and assess. These activities are designed to illustrate how your child communicates, plays, and engages with others who are not familiar. Some of what we do may seem silly, but every activity helps us better understand and diagnose your child. We then use the standardized ASD assessment rubrics to complete a report with diagnostic information and recommendations for a treatment plan.

What is ADHD?

ADHD and ADD are both common acronyms for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The current diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5 defines three types of ADHD: 1) the inattentive presentation; 2) the hyperactive-impulsive type; and 3) the combined type. ADHD is characterized by disrupted attention span and focus and bursts of hyperactivity. ADHD can often involve problems with executive functioning as well. Executive functions refer to the group of brain activities and neurological activities that make it possible for us to perform numerous tasks like focusing, organizing our thoughts, understanding our environment, and accessing short-term memory. When the mind fails to effectively control this group of functions, an individual’s safety, health, and productivity can all falter, making it difficult to lead a fulfilling life. Problems can be evident in school, at home, and socially.

When Should You Schedule an Evaluation for Your Child?

Children who are experiencing symptoms of ADHD often struggle in school and exhibit behavioral challenges related to the impairment of their executive functioning. If you suspect that your child might be experiencing the symptoms of ADHD, the first step you should consider is assessment.

Some symptoms of ADHD you which might warrant assessment include (but are not limited to):

Struggles to pay attention across settings (home, work, school, and social interactions)
Struggles to maintain attention and remember details if uninterested or the subject is taxing
Struggles to control impulses, interrupting people, failing to complete tasks, and anger or mood issues
Excessive energy, hyperactivity, fidgeting, very talkative
Described as being “constantly in motion”
Difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships

It is important to remember that all people, but particularly young children, exhibit some ADHD warning signs. It is not just normal, but expected for a young child to get distracted from time to time, or to experience bursts of energy/restlessness. These behaviors do not necessarily mean that your child will be diagnosed with ADHD. When the problems are disruptive to daily functioning, an assessment should be considered.

What Does ADHD Testing for Children Look Like?

There are a variety of other disorders that have symptoms that mimic or overlap those of ADHD. Thus, to rule out other causes, a full testing battery is completed. This battery is specific to the situation but may include some of the following.

Parents will be interviewed and asked to provide us with a great deal of information about the child to help us make the most accurate assessment possible. It is important to get information about medical, developmental, social, school, and home histories. This helps us as we look for comorbidities and in ruling out other causes for the behaviors/symptoms. Any educational reports or previous testing your child has completed with educators, teachers, or counselors, will be important to provide to help us contextualize your child’s symptoms and needs.

Rating scales for to be completed by parents, teacher, and the child (when possible) will be assigned. These allow behaviors of the child to be compared to norms based on age.

A BIT ABOUT THERAPY

I see individuals of all ages but specialize in working with young ones from two to twelve.

Rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, I utilize different well-regarded and evidenced based psychotherapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Trauma Focused and Developmental Repair, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

I value interdisciplinary collaboration and work closely with physicians, education, and other medical/mental health professionals by coordinating care plans that can optimize treatment interventions and outcomes.

You are the expert in your child's life and I am here to support you. My goal is to capitalize on your child's innate strengths to improve their connectedness to you.

CONTACT ME

I am currently offering testing services. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the form below indicating, 1) what state you reside in, 2) the date of birth of your child, and 3) current concern. Last, if you would prefer a call back, please leave a couple of days/times that are good for you.

Please note that I do not accept insurance.