NESCA’s Londonderry, NH location has immediate availability for neuropsychological evaluations. Our NH clinicians specialize in the following evaluations: Neuropsychological; Autism; and Emotional and Psychological, as well as Academic Achievement and Learning Disability Testing. Our NH clinicians also conduct evaluations for students who are at boarding schools, and two of our NH clinicians have PsyPACT authorization, allowing them to conduct evaluations out-of-state.

Visit www.nesca-newton.com/intake for more information or to book an evaluation.

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Image of a supportive learning environment at home

Building a Supportive Learning Environment

By | NESCA Notes 2024

Image of a supportive learning environment at homeBy: Alissa Talamo, PhD
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, NESCA

Children will do their best when they feel safe and encouraged to try their best. Thus, a structured and supportive learning environment at home is recommended to support the development and well-being of your child. Establishing a structured learning environment involves several key components. Here are some ideas to consider:

  1. Developing a daily schedule with consistent routines helps children understand what to expect, offering them a sense of security and predictability.
  2. Visual aids, such as pictures or timetables, can be used to help children follow these routines.
  3. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can keep your child from feeling overwhelmed and can promote success, with each accomplishment celebrated to reinforce progress.
  4. Designating a specific area in the home for learning activities is important. This dedicated learning space should be free from distractions and should provide your child with the necessary materials to encourage independent learning.
  5. Engaging your child in multi-sensory activities, such as sensory play and interactive games, can enhance understanding and retention.
  6. Clear, concise instructions supported by visual and auditory prompts help children stay on track and complete tasks effectively.
  7. Setting achievable goals and celebrating small successes to build their confidence and motivation, while emphasizing effort and progress rather than just achievements.
  8. Identifying and encouraging the child’s strengths and interests.
  9. Maintaining open communication with educators and therapists, maximizing the effectiveness of interventions.

Overall, emphasizing effort and progress, providing consistent positive reinforcement, and encouraging strengths and interests, can help create a calm, organized, and predictable environment in the home setting, while collaborating with teachers ensures consistency in strategies between home and school.

By implementing these strategies, parents and caregivers can create a nurturing space where their children can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Each child is unique, so it may take time to find the best approach for each. Be patient, flexible, and adaptive, while celebrating progress and all those small victories along the way! For additional resources and support, consider visiting websites, such as childcare.gov, LDA America, and Understood.org.

Resources

https://www.helpguide.org/family/learning-disabilities/helping-children-with-learning-disabilities

https://atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2024/07/26/a-parents-guide-to-empowering-children-with-learning-disabilities

 

About the Author

With NESCA since its inception in 2007, Dr. Talamo had previously practiced for many years as a child and adolescent clinical psychologist before completing postdoctoral re-training in pediatric neuropsychology at the Children’s Evaluation Center.

After receiving her undergraduate degree from Columbia University, Dr. Talamo earned her doctorate in clinical health psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University.

She has given a number of presentations, most recently on “How to Recognize a Struggling Reader,” “Supporting Students with Working Memory Limitations,” (with Bonnie Singer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP of Architects for Learning), and “Executive Function in Elementary and Middle School Students.”

Dr. Talamo specializes in working with children and adolescents with language-based learning disabilities including dyslexia, attentional disorders, and emotional issues. She is also interested in working with highly gifted children.

Her professional memberships include MAGE (Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education), IDA (International Dyslexia Association), MABIDA (the Massachusetts division of IDA) and MNS (the Massachusetts Neuropsychological Society).

She is the mother of one college-aged daughter.

To book a consultation with Dr. Talamo or one of our many other expert neuropsychologists, complete NESCA’s online intake form.

NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, New York (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.

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Why Teletherapy?

By | Nesca Notes 2023

By: Carly Edelstein, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Executive Function Coach

During the pandemic, providers all over the world implemented virtual services. While some therapy clients preferred and/or needed to shift back to in-person once deemed safe, others grew fond of meeting with their therapist virtually. Given the effectiveness, convenience, and flexibility, teletherapy is here to stay. Unlike medical doctors, most therapists don’t need to check your temperature or blood pressure when they see you. Rather, therapists aim to create a physical space where their clients feel safe and comfortable. That said, what if you feel the most comfortable being vulnerable in your home? While not everyone sees the appeal in teletherapy, having the option increases accessibility, and studies show clients attend teletherapy more consistently than in-person, yielding more desired outcomes.

Feeling emotionally and physically comfortable at home during teletherapy is just as important as its convenience. Perhaps you’re a college student or working parent with limited free time in your busy schedule. Teletherapy offers flexibility by removing transportation and wait times. With rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions rapidly rising, teletherapy is an option to consider if you’re seeking support.

Tips for preparing for your first teletherapy session:

  1. Consider privacy; place yourself in a room or space where you can discuss confidential information without others overhearing your conversation. Sound machines that make white noise can help to prevent sound waves from escaping the room.
  2. Limit any distractions; sign into the teletherapy platform in a brand new window versus a tab, so you’re not tempted to browse the web or check emails during your session. You want to set yourself up for success when it comes to being focused and staying present.
  3. Notice what’s in your background; in order to feel as comfortable as possible, make note of what your therapist may see behind you while on video.
  4. Sit back, relax, and trust the process!

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/teletherapy-for-mental-health-treatment/

How well is telepsychology working? (apa.org)

 

About the Author

Carly Edelstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Having worked both in private practice and schools, she has extensive experience supporting students, families and educational teams to make positive changes. Ms. Edelstein provides executive function coaching and psychotherapy to clients ranging from middle school through adulthood. She also offers consultation to schools and families in order to support her clients across home and community environments.

To schedule an appointment with one of NESCA’s counselors, coaches, or other experts, please complete our online intake form. 

NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; and the greater Burlington, Vermont region, serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.

 

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