PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRIST SPECIALIZING IN AUTISM & NEURODIVERGENCE IN ROCKVILLE & ONLINE ACROSS MD, CA, VA, & NY
The support your child needs to shine.
As a parent, life might feel like walking a tightrope—never sure what might set things off or how to help your child find calm in the chaos.
Maybe there are moments when their frustration spills over into anger, directed at you, their teachers, or even themselves. You might find yourself holding your breath, hoping today isn’t another day of battles over getting out the door, or watching them get stuck in repetitive behaviors that seem impossible to interrupt. It can be exhausting, heartbreaking, and lonely at times, carrying all this worry while trying to hold things together for your family.
As a psychiatrist who specializes in care for neurodivergent children and teens—I get it, and you don’t have to do this alone anymore.
Specialized support for neurodivergent children & teens can help with…
Reducing aggressive behaviors
Finding appropriate outlets or treatments for “stimming” behaviors
Improving focus and the ability to sit still for longer
Receiving accommodations and recommendations for school
Having a resource for advice and referrals from someone who knows your situation well
My Approach
Creating connection & comfort for you and your child.
When we start working together, I take time to really understand your child’s world from all angles. We’ll spend 90 minutes together in our first session—just you, your child, and me—so I can hear your story, learn about what’s been working, and where things feel hard. If you’re local to the DMV area, I offer these sessions in person at your home, so your child can feel at ease in their own environment and I can get a better understanding of what their day-to-day life is like.
I’ll also connect with teachers, therapists, or anyone else involved in your child’s care, because what happens at home, at school, and everywhere in between matters. Sometimes I’ll observe your child directly, but if they’re more comfortable doing their own thing while we talk, that’s okay too.
My goal is to meet your family where you are, creating a space that feels safe and supportive for everyone.
When it comes to treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I’ll offer recommendations based on what I’ve learned, whether that’s medication, therapy, or other support. But please know I’m not here to push a particular agenda. If medication isn’t something your family is comfortable with, we’ll talk about other options. You can take time to think about it, and we’ll revisit the conversation if or when you’re ready.
I’m here to celebrate every bit of progress, no matter how small, and to be a steady presence you can check in with whenever you need. There’s no expectation of perfection—just a commitment to finding what helps your child thrive.
Let’s find what works, together.
Questions?
Frequently asked questions
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You might notice your child experiencing the world a little differently—maybe they have intense interests they love to talk about, prefer routines and get really upset when things change, or struggle with social situations in ways that seem different from their peers. They might have strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, or lights, or they may communicate and connect in unique ways. Every child is different, so these signs can show up in all kinds of combinations. Psychiatric support can help by providing a space to better understand your child’s needs, offering strategies that support their growth, and helping you feel more confident in navigating challenges together.
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Therapy can offer tools to help your child manage big feelings, build on their strengths, and find ways to navigate situations that feel overwhelming. Medication, when it’s the right fit, can help ease certain challenges like anxiety, focus issues, or intense mood swings, making daily life feel a little less like an uphill battle. The goal isn’t to change who your child is—it’s to help them feel more comfortable in their own skin. Through this specialized support, we can help your child thrive in ways that feel authentic to them.
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If you’re located near Rockville, MD, and have a child or teen with a developmental disability, I can meet you right at home or even at school. This allows me to observe your child in a space where they feel most at ease, giving us a clearer picture of what’s working and where support is needed. It’s also a chance to collaborate with you and any other caregivers in real time, so we can work together toward creating a fuller, more functional life for your child—and a smoother experience for your family.
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I may recommend medication depending on the symptoms your child is experiencing, but will always discuss all treatment options with you. If you want to try other treatment options first—like therapy or adjusting their schedule or environment—I’m absolutely open to that and can make recommendations that align with your preferences and their needs.