Care Recommendations
Behavior & Learning
Care Recommendations
Steps to Identifying Challenges and Seeking Treatment
1. Be Observant: Get curious. You and your child can notice patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Once you’ve identified these patterns, see if they match the challenges above. Check out some of the resources.
2. Discuss with Family: Butterflies should talk to a parent, doctor, or another trusted adult. Ask if they’ve noticed the same issues. Discuss what they think is the best course of action.
3. Discuss with Physician: Talk to your or your child’s regular doctor, if you haven’t already, to get their opinion. They will likely recommend evaluation by a developmental pediatrician, mental health care provider or neuropsychologist.
4. See a Specialist: Go see the recommended specialist. They will likely say a mental health or developmental condition is present and or discuss treatment options. It’s common for them to refer you to another specialist (including speech and language therapist or occupational therapist) for further evaluation.
Recommended Next Steps
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Evaluation by a neuropsychologist who understands the TS brain at these times:
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Start of elementary school.
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Start of middle school.
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Late high school.
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Whenever difficulties occur.
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Work with a mental health care provider (includes therapists and psychiatrists) as needed.
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Toddlers and preschoolers should work with occupational and/or physical therapists as needed. This helps with visual-spatial and motor skills.
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Toddlers and preschoolers should work with speech and language therapists as needed.
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When learning or work issues are present, utilize:
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School or work accommodations:
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Tutoring or additional job training.
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Extension of time demands.
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In-classroom instruction and job training that take advantage of verbal strengths.
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Interventions for developmental conditions.
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This section was prepared by Mira Blumen and TSSUS in consultation with Dr. Knickmeyer and Dr. Mooney.
References
Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Types of Mental Health Care Professionals.
Kelly, K. Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians: What You Need to Know. Understood.
Mental Health America. Types of Mental Health Professionals.
Ross Kidder, K. Assessment for Adults with LD and/or ADHD. LD Online.
Seladi-Schulman, J. Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What to Know. Healthline.