Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
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We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old -
I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
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Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
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We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
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Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
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We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
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Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
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Brooklyn Letters was recommended to me through a friend's speech therapist friend in NJ. The articulation evaluation for my daughter went well. We were pleased with Kristin's services.
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Melissa was wonderful. Our daughter warmed to her immediately and by the time she left, had already started "practicing" some of the techniques Melissa had shown her. I will not hesitate at all to reach out to Melissa again, should … More the need arise.
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Aileen was INCREDIBLY helpful to us, both in assessing possible origins of my grandson's food aversions, as well as informing us of various available interventions to consider.
I can’t thank you and Brooklyn Letters enough for connecting … More us with Aileen. In all our feeding therapy journey we have not gotten anything near the kind of benefit that we did from her. Her knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness have put us on the path of progress with my grandson and has also made us feel genuinely well cared for. -
We were amazed with Allison! She met my son at 2 1/2 years old, not speaking much at all, and over a computer, and she was able to develop a bond and friendship, so much so that he would look forward to his weekly computer time with Allison. … More I was not sure how the speech therapy would go- but we are so happy that we tried it out and continued. It allowed my son to gain confidence in his speech, make a new friend :), and also give him the skills and a bit of understanding of how to shape his mouth or where to place his tongue to make the proper sounds. We were extremely happy with Allison- she was fantastic to work with.
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My sessions with Karen have been extremely helpful. My speech has improved tremendously. In fact, I just finished 2 hours of conducting interviews with a consulting client via MS Teams and I have an upcoming conference call. Both my … More neurologist and neurosurgeon remarked about how good my speech is. Much of the day it is perfect, although I still have some rough spots when I get tired or speak too quickly. One of my granddaughters is a speech pathology student at Ithaca College. She sat in on 2 sessions while she was home for winter break, and she was very impressed with Karen.
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We were delighted with Christie. First, and most importantly, our son made great strides under her guidance. So great, that we felt he no longer needed help! She was incredibly patient and kind with him and our son really responded to … More her. Christie was also great with me and my wife. She provided thorough and informative updates on our son's progress and which exercises she was using with him, so we could reinforce what she was teaching him. All in all, we had a fabulous experience with Christie and would highly recommend her.
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Theo was wonderful and his work with my son has produced some progress. I am grateful for the services Theo provided.
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Highly recommend Jill. She is a total pleasure to work with. After a few months working with Jill, my son is reading above grade level and LOVES to read. Mission accomplished!
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Paige was great and we had been really happy with her. I would highly recommend her! I recommend Brooklyn Letters to whomever asks for a speech therapist.
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Isabel was WONDERFUL and our son absolutely adored her, and he is making great progress with his reading and writing.
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Theo was fantastic with our 4yo son. We were very worried that his progress would fall off when we had to switch to remote sessions, but Theo kept our son happy and engaged through the screen. Highly highly recommend!
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We've been working with Theo from Brooklyn Letters for close to 4 months now and the results are apparent; our daughter has vastly improved her speech in a relatively short amount of time. We make "Theo Day" a celebration … More in our house with pancakes for breakfast, and the enthusiasm is matched in the sessions. Theo is fun, patient, professional, and caring, and he gives us the tools to take the lessons beyond the session. Thank you Theo, and Brooklyn Letters, for helping our daughter express herself.
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I worked with Alina to enhance my pronunciation, tone, and pacing while communicating socially and in a work environment. She was great to work with and clear about goals and learning objectives. The improvement from day 1 has been tremendous! … More
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Cathy has been excellent with us and our son. We will sorely miss her. He has improved significantly with Cathy’s help. Cathy was a true partner with us, especially as we pursued additional help through our son’s school system.
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We really loved working with Alina, she is so fantastic. Patient yet firm, and determined the best course of action very clearly and succintly for us. And it all transitioned so well to Zoom as well. I will definitely be back in touch for … More services for our other child after summer break!
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Vera was amazing! My 11 yo daughter made progress so quickly and really looked forward to her sessions. She was kept motivated and engaged.
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The work that Allison P. did with our daughter over the years has been invaluable to us. Our daughter had such a good relationship with Allison, and it allowed them to work really well together - even remotely these past 6 months. This … More year, Allison went above and beyond by helping us throughout the neuropsych eval we did, trying to re-open our daughter's IEP at her school, and eventually landing her at our chosen school. She was in contact with our daughter's teachers, with the neuropsychologist, and made herself available as a reference to speak on behalf of our daughter's learning differences.
Allison stopped by our house last week to give our daughter cupcakes and say goodbye, and I literally cried with appreciation for what an amazing speech therapist she has been. She has been our daughter's biggest champion. The new families that she will work with this year are lucky to have her. -
Sydney was great! Our son was sad to end his sessions with her, which says a lot. We appreciated her honest assessment of his skill level, and he now has materials to self monitor and practice. Thank you!
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Our experience with Theo was terrific. Theo was great with my son. He developed a positive relationship with him based on sincerity, respect, trust and a deep personal connection. In their lessons, Theo was encouraging, creative and kind. … More He helped our son understand how to differentiate the sounds he made when he spoke, and gave him great exercises to practice every week between lessons. Our son was sorry to have the lessons come to an end, but recognized that Theo had helped him as much as possible and it was time for him to stop. Theo explained to him (and us) how to keep working to get the last 5%, and encouraged him to keep working on the exercises on his own. I have recommended Theo to another parent who noticed my son's improvement and inquired for her own son.
We are all grateful to have gotten to know Theo, and we greatly appreciate all the work he did to help our son. -
"I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Michelle Macroy-Higgins. We are extremely pleased with her work with our daughter. I was so grateful for my daughter to have a speech therapist who is a researcher (specialty in late … More talkers), graduate professor and practitioner. Her expertise was clearly evident in our conversations and work with our daughter. She was very responsive to my questions and often sent articles and other materials about language development that I found helpful. Thankfully, my daughter's speech improved tremendously. Michelle developed such a warm relationship with my daughter. My daughter was always excited to see Michelle and would greet her at the door with a big hug. Lastly, I would add that Michelle always demonstrated empathy with me as a mother who was initially worried about her daughter's language development. I could go on and on about how pleased we were with Michelle's work."
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Theo is a wonderful Clinton Hill speech therapist. We were really pleased with him. Our son showed drastic improvement, not only in his speech but in his confidence.
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Alexa has been an enthusiastic, reliable, well prepared and caring teacher for our 6 year old daughter. She has been able to improve and increase our daughter's confidence lesson by lesson with patience and competence; through varied … More and productive didactic practice. Alexa has engaged our daughter in several activities that always kept her motivated and eager to learn literacy. My wife and I, both of us are educators, feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe Alexa's pedagogical skills. Alexa has had a big impact on our daughter literacy growth. Thank you Brooklyn Letters!
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We were absolutely DELIGHTED with Marsha's services. She was wonderful. We found her to be kind, fun, engaging, very knowledgeable. She provided us with clear instructions and additional written handouts each week. She engaged our … More son with different techniques and toys, and showed us how to use her techniques when we were interacting with him. I actually just texted her on Saturday - Our son finally said "more" - one of the target words we had been working on with her. It was a total joy to hear, and I had to share it with her - she wrote back immediately to congratulate us. I am so appreciative of her expertise, and wish we could have seen her for longer. I recommended her to another family in our neighborhood who is looking for a speech therapist.
DIVING DEEP INTO AUTISM:
Understanding the Three Levels of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and multifaceted topic that can sometimes feel overwhelming, mainly due to its broad spectrum. Essentially, the condition is divided into three levels that help categorize the varying degrees of autism’s impact on an individual’s life – from ‘requiring support,’ ‘requiring substantial support’ to ‘requiring very substantial support.’
This blog post aims to delve into this intricate classification and provide a clearer understanding of the three levels of autism, breaking down each level for a better grasp and aiding the proactive nurturing of those living with the condition.
Levels of Autism: Everything You Need to Know
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is used to diagnose autism in individuals, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies autism into three levels: Level 1 (Requiring Support), Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support), and Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support).
ASD Level 1: Requiring Support
Level 1 is the mildest form of autism, and individuals may have difficulty interacting socially and communicating but can still function independently in their everyday lives. It is characterized by difficulty in social situations, communication issues, and repetitive behaviors. People may find it difficult to engage in conversation and may avoid eye contact. They may also have difficulty playing or engaging with others and may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or repeating words or phrases.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is used to diagnose autism in individuals, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies autism into three levels: Level 1 (Requiring Support), Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support), and Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support).
ASD Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support
Level 2 is a moderate form of autism, and individuals may need support to interact and communicate in social situations but can usually still care for themselves. It includes more intense social challenges, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty with communication and other activities. These individuals may have difficulty understanding and using language and may be prone to outbursts or other challenging behaviors. They may also have difficulty understanding social cues and engaging in conversations.
ASD Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support
Level 3 is the most severe form of autism, and individuals may need significant support with their communication, socialization, and daily activities. Individuals with Level 3 autism may have difficulty communicating, lack social skills, and need assistance with activities of daily living. It is the most severe form of the disorder, and individuals may exhibit extreme difficulty in communication, socializing, and engaging in everyday activities. They may also have difficulty engaging in self-care activities and require assistance with daily life tasks.
Individuals and families need to understand the various levels of autism to provide the most appropriate support and interventions. Early intervention is key in helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. With the right support and interventions, individuals with autism can lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Diagnosis of autism is typically based on an individual’s behavior and developmental history. It is important to understand the three different levels of ASD diagnosis – Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 – in order to provide the most appropriate support for an individual with autism.
A Level 1 diagnosis indicates that the individual has mild symptoms of autism and needs some additional support to function in daily life. This may include support in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behavior. Level 2 and Level 3 diagnoses are for individuals with more severe autism symptoms and require more intensive support for daily functioning.
It is important to note that diagnosis levels are not meant to be used to compare individuals, as each individual’s experience of autism is unique. The diagnosis level is simply a tool to help determine the level of support needed for an individual to be successful in daily life. With this in mind, all individuals with autism must receive the support they need to reach their fullest potential.
Parenting a Child with Autism
Parenting a child with autism can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects each child differently. Learn the 2 useful interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Here are some general guidelines to help you navigate this journey:
1. Seek a Professional Diagnosis: If you suspect your child may have autism, seek a professional diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or other qualified specialist. An early diagnosis can lead to early intervention, significantly improving outcomes.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about autism and its characteristics. Understanding your child’s unique challenges and strengths will help you provide appropriate support and advocacy.
3. Early Intervention: Early intervention services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy, are crucial for children with autism. These therapies can help address communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral challenges.
4. Structured Routine: Establish a structured daily routine. Children with autism often thrive when they know what to expect. Visual schedules or timers can help your child understand and anticipate daily activities.
5. Effective Communication: Communication can significantly challenge children with autism. Use clear and concise language, and consider using visual aids, such as picture cards or communication devices, to assist in communication.
6. Sensory Sensitivities:Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities. Pay attention to sensory triggers and provide a sensory-friendly environment. This might include soft clothing, noise-canceling headphones, or a quiet space.
7. Social Skills Development:Social skills can be challenging for children with autism. Encourage social interactions and playdates, but be sensitive to your child’s comfort level. Social skills training and social stories can be helpful.
8. Behavioral Management: Work with a behavioral therapist to develop a behavior management plan that addresses challenging behaviors. Positive reinforcement and clear expectations can be effective strategies.
9. Advocate for Your Child: Be an advocate for your child within the school system and the community. Ensure that your child receives appropriate accommodations and support at school and has access to inclusive activities.
10. Connect with Support Groups:Join support groups for parents of children with autism. These groups can provide valuable information, emotional support, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges.
11. Self-Care: Caring for a child with autism can be emotionally and physically demanding. Make self-care a priority to prevent burnout. Seek respite care or support from family and friends when needed.
12. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Each milestone is a significant step forward.
13. Long-Term Planning: Begin planning for your child’s future early, including transitioning into adolescence and adulthood. Explore vocational training, independent living options, and guardianship or legal considerations as needed.
Brooklyn Letters ASD Diagnostic Assessment
We collaborate with the top NYC Metro area psychologists who diagnose autism spectrum disorder. Brooklyn Letters offers ASD intervention such as speech-language therapy, literacy, and math support for all levels of autism spectrum disorder.
Who Should Consider an ASD Diagnostic Assessment?
Individuals of all ages and functional levels should consider an ASD diagnostic assessment if there are concerns or suspicions of ASD-related signs and symptoms expressed by the individuals or their parents or caregivers.
What Does the Diagnostic Assessment Entail?
➡ The diagnostic assessment comprises several essential components:
➡ A comprehensive parent interview, where the individual’s social behavior, language, and communication skills, interests, and behaviors are thoroughly discussed.
➡ An IQ test is administered to evaluate intellectual strengths and weaknesses.
➡ In some cases, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), a semi-structured evaluation specifically designed for ASD characteristics, may be utilized.
➡ Additionally, language testing and a school observation may be conducted as part of the evaluation process.
➡ Following these assessments, the psychologist will review the results with you and provide recommendations based on their findings.
How Long Does the Assessment Take?
Typically, a diagnostic assessment can be completed across two to three office visits, with each session lasting one to two hours. For adults, it is often possible to complete the evaluation in a single day.
What Occurs After the Assessment?
Following the assessment, the psychologist compiles the results into a confidential report. You have the option to share this report with whomever you choose. The report will also include valuable recommendations for potential treatments or interventions.
Brooklyn Letters offers therapy for children and adults on the autism spectrum. If you have any further questions or are interested in scheduling an ASD diagnostic assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team is here to provide support and assistance throughout this process.
FREE CONSULTATION!!!
Call: (347) 394-3485,
Text: (917) 426-8880
Email: [email protected]
(we respond to email right away!)
Craig Selinger
Latest posts by Craig Selinger (see all)
- How to Become a Speech Therapist in New York - April 28, 2024
- NYC Middle School Transition Support Group - April 7, 2024
- Understanding Toddler Neurodevelopmental Evaluation - April 3, 2024