Hello!
Just in time, January showed us what living in Michigan is all about!
I am excited to announce that we have expanded our neuropsychological testing services so families do not have to wait for comprehensive evaluations for Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and other Learning Disabilities. Scroll down to learn more!
Read on to see Dr. John on video and learn from Dr. Kenya about the Job Grounding Method is to change a child's behavior!
Warm wishes for health and happiness,
Dr. Pam McCaskill
734-416-9098
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McCaskill Family Services Newsletter
Term: Winter| Issue 37| January, 31st, 2023
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Hooray! We've made it half-way through the school year! So, how are things going? Is your child flourishing, struggling, improving, or seeming burnt out? If you're one of the many families who has a child or teenager struggling with academics, a comprehensive evaluation may be helpful in figuring out the root cause of their difficulties.
We might be a little bias, but we truly love our evaluation process here at MFS. Over 20 hours of work go into each of our evaluations to provide you with the most thorough, personal, and comprehensive evaluation. Our MFS clinicians are highly trained in assessing and diagnosing learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders that could be contributing your child's struggles. We use the most up-to-date and empirically supported testing methods to ensure accuracy, and take the time to examine all the small details that make up the larger picture. At the end of the evaluation, we meet to provide you with personalized recommendations, next steps, and proper referrals to get you or your child on the road to success. Comprehensive evaluations are at the heart of our practice.
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At McCaskill Family Services, we specialize in working with children and adults who are struggling with all kinds of presenting mental health issues. If your family or someone you know could benefit from an evaluation with our practice, please contact us. Our clinicians are trained and experienced in empirically-based techniques and testing protocols, and would be happy to schedule an intake appointment with you. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 or by email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.
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Dr. John McCaskill sums up the importance of
a proper comprehnsive, neuropsychological, evaluation at MFS
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A comprehensive evaluation helps us to understand what's happening below the surface. |
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Visit our website to learn more about our evaluation process. |
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Dr. Makhiawala completed her doctoral degree in school psychology at the University of Oregon. Her doctoral research explored an adapted parent training intervention for children with developmental delays and their siblings.
Dr. Makhiawala completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Nebraska Internship Consortium in Professional Psychology, where she trained in the Behavioral Pediatrics and Integrated Care Program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Dr. Makhiawala is trained in evidence-based interventions for, anxiety, depression, parent training, noncompliance, tantrums/behavioral concerns, ADHD, disruptive school behavior, and adjustment disorders. She has previously worked in a pediatric clinic where she provided therapy to children and adolescents while consulting with schools, physicians, and families to improve outcomes across settings. She has advanced training and specialization in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders in children and adolescents.
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Dr. Kenya recently moved back to Michigan with her high-school sweetheart and three kiddos after living in the Pacific Northwest for 12 years. We are so grateful to have her as part of out MFS family! |
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Impact Your Child's Behavior |
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As parents, we often try to shape our children's behavior through rewards and consequences (removal of screen time priveledges, earning dessert, etc.) Although these methods usually work, it can be frustrating for parents to figure out which consequence is most appropirate and consistently implement it throughout the day. Job grounding is an easier way to help change a child's behavior, while enhancing their sense of community and independence. Read about it from Dr. Kenya by clicking below! |
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Newsletter Editor's Notes |
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Evals: A clinician's perspective
I've been a part of the McCaskill Family for the past 7 years, and have done my share of neuropsychological evaluations for families. The last part of the evaluation process is my favorite part. This is where I get to meet with parents and discuss diagnoses, recommendations and next steps. Here are a few reasons why evaluations are so valued in my eyes as a clinician:
- Parents are often relieved to finally have answers to their questions about the "missing piece" that they've been feeling in their gut with regard to their child's well-being. They breathe a sigh of relief and feel a sense of peace, knowing they now have a bit more control over the situation.
- We provide families with accurate information so they can better understand their child and how to help them (it's too easy to find mis-information on the internet). I love debunking myths society has concocted about ADHD and learning disabilities.
- As a team, we come up with in-school academic supports that are best suited for their child, helping to relieve some of the stress and anxiety everyone involved is likely feeling and making school a happier environment for the child.
- We highlight their child's strengths by understanding the ways their brain works best. Just like adults, children have a profile of strengths and weaknesses, and encouraging focus on their strengths only helps them to continously shine in these areas.
- Parents realize it's not their fault. The reason their child has been having emotional meltdowns at home after school, can't fall asleep at night, or can't remember their spelling words (no matter how many times they quiz them) isn't due to inadequate parenting, but to a neurodevelopmental issues that is completelty out of their control. When they see their child struggling, many parents tell me they feel like they have failed, when really quite the opposite is happening. Many families have already tried different interventions in attempts to impact the sitaution, knowing in their gut that something was "off" (e.g., making flash cards, Kumon tutoring, behavioral reward systems, therapy, etc.) By seeking out an evaluation, they are actively working towards taking another step in helping their child.
To all the parents out there, you're doing great. -Jaclyn
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Happy New Year! I'm Jaclyn, a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders for all ages. I co-run the McCaskill Family Services DBT groups for teens and adults, and specialize in psychological assessment. I am also our monthly newsletter editor and social media manager!
I'd like to personally thank you for staying in touch with our practice, and hope you find this newsletter inspirational and informative. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment with me, please contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com. I look forward to working with you!
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409 Plymouth Road, Suite 250, Plymouth, MI 48170 • 734.416.9098
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