How We Can Help
Shifting Focus
At Shifting Focus we have a special interest in the psychiatric treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and Trauma. While these are our areas of interest, we treat children with a wide variety of needs. Our main goal is for your child to heathy and happy!
The psychiatric assessment generally takes 60-90 minutes and will include information from the parent/guardian and the child. In this appointment we will discuss your child's developmental history, academic progress, family relationships, areas of strength, behavior challenges, mood-related symptoms, and previous treatment history. After this information is gathered, we will discuss diagnostic impressions and whether further treatment may be indicated. We will discuss potential treatment options and recommendations for follow-up.
It is important to know that not all patients will benefit from medication interventions. It is always preferable to utilize non-pharmalogical methods before considering medications. If the decision is made to start a medication, we will spend time discussing medication options as well as their potential risk versus benefit. Medication adjustments are sometimes needed and timely follow-up will be necessary to ensure the best outcomes.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) occur when a child is exposed to alcohol in-utero. This exposure can result in physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Children with FASD often struggle to process and retain the information they have been given and need constant repetition. FASD afftects a child's ability to connect cause and effect and to learn from their mistakes. These symptoms can be exhausting for parents and sometimes make traditional parenting strategies ineffective. At Shifting Focus, we have real world experience with FASD and offer recommendations in a judgement-free atmosphere.
Many children have experienced events that cause them to feel threatened or unsafe. Common childhood trauma's may include; witnessing domestic abuse, community violence, medical trauma, and physical/sexual abuse. It is important to note that, what may not be traumatic for one child, can significantly affect another. These experiences can have lasting effects on their behavior, learning, and emotions. The symptoms of childhood trauma can often be mistaken for ADHD and/or anger and oppositional behavior. A thorough evaluation can ensure that your child is getting the treatment and help they need to reach their full potential.
Shifting Focus places special emphasis on the treatment of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). While there is no "cure" for Autism, behavioral and medication interventions can often help decrease certain symptoms associated with Autism. It is important to work with a provider who has experience treating children with ASD. You can feel secure in knowing that Shifting Focus has the expertise to understand your child's unique abilities.
*Shifting Focus does not diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders, as this should be done as part of a multi-disciplinary evaluation. If there are concerns that your child may have Autism, appropriate referrals will be made to ensure they receive a quality assessment.
Phil is currently pursuing his education in obedience and looks forward to being at the clinic full-time in the future. He is a one year-old standard poodle who enjoys long walks, a good steak, and chasing cats. He comes to us from Spirit Standard Poodles in Northfield, MN and was chosen based on his aptitude for therapy work. He is a joy to be around and we are excited to add him to our team!
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