Can Anyone Recommend a Child Psychologist or Behaviorist for My 3 Year Old Son?

Updated on May 14, 2008
P.E. asks from San Mateo, CA
9 answers

hi all,

my son is almost 3 1/2 years old, very active. although he has not been medically diagonsed, the school psychologist believes that he is add with some sensory issues.
"they" also thought that he might be on the spectrum(autism) i don't want to jump to any conclusions but i want my son to get the help and support that he needs, he sees a school ot once a week(so far it doesn't seem to be helping) its only been 2 months so i know that i need to be patient, i'm just anxious in wanting to see some progress

please give me your feedback, advice, doctor recommendations etc.

thanks so much

P.

my question is can any one recommend a childrens psychologist, or a doctor who specializes with childrens behavior? i live on the peninsula (san mateo)i'm hoping to make an appointment and have him observed asap.

are there any play groups in the area?

i'm willing to travel to get a diagnosis and help my son. he's very bright, but his
"add "seems to get in the way of everything

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T.H.

answers from San Francisco on

You might consider the Autism clinic at Stanford or an evaluation at Children's Health Council in Palo Alto.

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M.H.

answers from San Francisco on

p.s I lost your number?? thanks. Love to talk some more check out faces on the peninsula, go to there website and they also have doctors that specialize in spectrum disorders.

I have a 5 year old that has sensory, attention, tactile and speech delays, I has been inthereapy since 1 and doing very well. call me if you need to talk. I live in millbrae and just had another baby and home for a few more weeks. early intervention is key and your son could really benifit from it-kids like this need special attention and can be integrated fine in the normal school system,
M. ###-###-#### or ###-###-#### would love to talk, ps I lost your phone number

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J.K.

answers from San Francisco on

P. - It's good that you are looking into this now. If he does have any of the issues you expect then early therapy makes all the difference. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers at about 3 1/2 and is really making progress with the therapy that we've been able to provide. My suggestion would be to take your concerns to your pediatrician. He/She will be able to refer you (and this will make your insurance happy). We are in Fremont and were referred to the Developmental Psychologist at Childrens Hospital in Oakland, but I know that they have the same services at Stanford Medical Center. You also should contact your local public school district and try to have them assess your son. The state provides therapies and assistance to children in preschool. Be forewarned that any of these assessments will take 6-9 months. The system, public and private, is VERY backlogged at this point. So I would suggest that you keep doing what you're doing, but move forward on getting a diagnosis. Don't worry about "labeling" your son. I was worried about that until someone reminded me that it's really about getting what you need for your son so that he will be successful in life and if a label opens doors for you that can help him then that's the way it has to be.

If you want to talk more, feel free to contact me.

-J.

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L.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I don't know anyone on the Peninsula, but I heard Jonathan Maddox, MFT (Marriage & Family Therapist), speak at a conference a couple of years ago. He did a workshop and I was very impressed with his presentation and asked for his business card. He specializes in psychotherapy with children, adolescents and families. His phone number is ###-###-#### and address is 2131 San Pablo Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564. If you don't want to go to the East Bay, perhaps he can refer someone on the Peninsula for you. Hope this helps.

L.

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D.J.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi P.,
My son is 12 years old and was just recently diagnosed with ADHD. Through the school system he was diagnosed with Dyslexia. He struggled in school every year. He is slowly progressing in school, but only after years of feeling like a failure. We are taking him to see a Dr. Stuart Bair who is a specialist in the ADD/ADHD field. He accepts Blue X insurance and maybe others. His number is ###-###-####. He is located at 1777 Borel Place #216, San Mateo. I hope he can help, he has us. Good luck.
D.

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P.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi,

Dr. Cantwell in SF is an MD pediatrician who practices alternative therapies. He can diagnose ADD/ADHD. You will need an OT (Occupational Therapist) to diagnose the sensory issues...don't have anyone I like to recommend...Barbara Fourt came recommended to me but her waiting list was too long for us to consider her. We like Dr. Don Williams in Palo Alto as a child psychologist. You most likely will need a child psychiatrist to do a complete assessment and get a clear picture of what's going on. Everybody else seems to offer only a piece of the pie.

good luck,

P.

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S.T.

answers from San Francisco on

P.
I think 3.5 is very young to label a kid. They are active and into lots of things at that age. However I do have a name address, and phone for you. You don't say where you live but Linda Stewart PhD is in Menlo Park. Her office is located at 849 Menlo Ave, Menlo Park. CA Her phone is ###-###-####. If you see her please tell her that Ron and S. Timpson recomended her. Thanks and good luck.

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C.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Children's Health Council in Palo Alto may be able to help you. (650) 326 - 5530

I also recommend you look into some parent organizations like Parents Helping Parents in Santa Clara www.php.com
I think on their web site they have a section where you can search for professionals. I recommend calling them and talking with someone in person.

C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi P.,

The Children's Health Council in Palo Alto might be a place to check.

Good luck! L. F

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