ADHD Clinic

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often over-diagnosed and misunderstood. Many underlying factors contribute to, ostensibly, off- task behavior, and other issues often mask themselves as, or contribute to, ADHD features.  Before proceeding with treatment, it is important to determine the nature of those underlying factors.  For some patients, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may not be practical or necessary. The “ADHD Clinic” provides patients with a less time-consuming and less costly option that can serve as a reasonable screening to “red flag” areas of clinical concern. Patients screened through the ADHD Clinic will be administered approximately 45 minutes of psychometric testing by an intern or practicum student. The outcome of these measures are quickly scored and reviewed with parents or forwarded to the child’s pediatrician or neurologist. Having this information, parents and/or physicians will be empowered to make appropriate decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and/or the need for more comprehensive testing, as it is important to note that this assessment option in no way replaces a complete evaluation. Generally speaking, screening measures can with some degree of confidence identify those children who demonstrate the following:

• Relatively pure ADHD features

• Extremely high or low cognitive ability, which could be compromising appropriate attention

• Learning disabilities, which often present as difficulty focusing on academic demands

• Emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, etc.), which can contribute to attending difficulties

• Significant developmental and adaptive skill delays, which also contribute to a student being off task for a large percentage of the school day
  
  

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic

According to a 2007 study by the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 150 children in America have some type of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Given the large number of children affected, specialized diagnosis and treatment is crucial to ensure that each child’s needs are met appropriately.  We at CPS have made a concerted effort to develop a sub-group of highly specialized clinicians extensively trained in the diagnosis of and treatment planning for children suspected of having spectrum disorders. Sheri Silverman, Psy.D. has led this team for the past 5 years.

With the increased demands for evaluations, additional experienced clinical staff members have been recruited to assist Dr. Silverman. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sheryl Sugerman, N.C.S.P is a part of our team. Dr. Sugerman is a nationally certified, licensed school psychologist who has been in the education field for over 20 years.   She has 18 years experience working with individuals with Autism and related disabilities in a variety of positions.  Beyond her clinical experience, she has served as the Director of Program Development and Therapeutic Services for the Baudhuin School of Nova Southeastern University. She has performed numerous assessments in both the public and private sectors and has provided professional development seminars and workshops nationally on best practices in assessment and parent education for students with Autism and related disabilities.