Childhood Development and

Social-Emotional Development

Parents and caregivers often have questions about their children’s development and wonder whether certain behaviors are appropriate at various ages.  There are also increasing concerns about behaviors and difficulties that may be indicative of an autism-spectrum disorder. Children are expected to develop skills across areas of development (cognition, speech/language, motor, adaptive, and social-emotional) during specific time periods. There are tools to assess such difficulties that give parents the answers they need to pave the way for obtaining any necessary interventions. The traditional “wait and see” approach is no longer the norm, as children’s needs should be addressed before they worsen or further impact their own and their families’ lives. Psychologists are specifically trained to assess and treat such difficulties in order to support children and their families in their daily lives.

Caregivers who suspect that their child is not achieving skills in one or more areas of development are encouraged to seek a developmental screening or developmental evaluation in order to formally assess the child’s skill levels. Dr. Tobing-Puente is highly skilled at using many of the leading developmental assessment tools available for young children. Her many years of clinical experience have led to a highly informed clinical opinion. For more information regarding developmental milestones, refer to the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/.

Lauren Tobing-Puente, PhD

Licensed Psychologist Specializing in Children and Families

361 East 19th Street, New York, NY 10003

Phone: (917) 838-9274  Email: services@drtobingpuente.com