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Dr. Sonya Bhatia, a trusted child and adolescent psychologist in Naples, Florida, offers Parent Training and Guidance sessions designed to empower parents in their important role. These sessions provide a caring, nonjudgmental space to process parenting experiences, explore questions, and address concerns, always with your child’s development and your family’s values in mind. These can be helpful for parents want to learn how to best support their child through development an

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is one of the most recognized tools used in autism assessments, but it is often misunderstood. While the ADOS can provide valuable insights, it is only one part of a comprehensive autism evaluation. The ADOS alone does not determine whether someone has autism and should never be used in isolation to make or rule out a diagnosis.

Parents often feel uncertain when a pediatric-psychology evaluation is recommended for their child. Whether a teacher has expressed concerns, your child is struggling emotionally, or you simply want to understand how they learn and think, knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you feel empowered throughout the process. This article explains the typical steps in a pediatric psychology evaluation in Naples, FL , how long the process usually takes, and how to make th

Many parents wonder how to best prepare their children for life. They want to raise kids who are capable, resilient, and responsible. However, they often feel stuck on how to achieve this goal. The Importance of Life Skills Should you push your child to do more chores? Are they ready to manage their own homework? What is too much versus not enough when it comes to independence? These are questions I hear from parents every week. The truth is, while parents deeply value teachi

"SPACE Therapy for Anxious Childhood Emotions: A Parent-Focused Approach" SPACE Therapy (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) at Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy is a parent-focused, evidence-based therapy designed to reduce child anxiety, improve independence, and strengthen family relationships. This therapy is available both in person and online in PSYPACT states . SPACE Therapy in Naples, Florida Dr. Sonya Bhatia offers SPACE Therapy, an evidence-based

When a child struggles with anxiety, most parents think of sending them to therapy. Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for child anxiety can be very effective. However, some children resist treatment or cannot attend for other reasons—or severe anxiety prevents them from fully participating. That’s where SPACE Therapy for child anxiety comes in. Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Child Anxiety Focuses directly on the child or adolescent (often through

As a parent, it can be hard to know when your child’s anxiety has gone beyond “normal worries.” One effective treatment option for families is SPACE therapy (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).

SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. It is an evidence-based treatment developed at Yale University to help families manage childhood anxiety. Unlike traditional therapy, SPACE focuses on parents instead of the child.

Getting an autism evaluation is an important step for your child and your family. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s why working with Dr. Sonya Bhatia, a child psychologist in private practice, can give you the clearest answers and the fastest path forward.

As we step into a new school year, I find myself reflecting on my time as a classroom teacher at a vibrant elementary school in Woodbridge, Virginia. It was a truly special place. It had incredibly dedicated educators and engaged students, as well as a culture of character it fostered through something called Star Qualities . Star Qualities were part of our school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. These weren’t just nice words on a bulletin board

Young children are concrete thinkers. That means they understand and remember instructions that are simple, direct, and action- based.

It is important for us to be realistic about the environment in which our children are developing. AI is here and, most likely, here to stay. AI isn't an enemy but should be considered as one tool among many that can help our children learn.

How to teach body positivity to daughters.

American Psychological Association Article Summary: Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids Social media can benefit teens' development but also pose risks, especially considering the vulnerability of adolescent brains. To promote healthy use, parents should monitor their child’s social media activity, set time limits, and encourage balanced engagement. Effective guidelines include limiting exposure to harmful content, supervising on

Early intervention helps identify and address mental and behavioral problems early on, setting the stage for healthier outcomes.

As a child psychologist, one of the most sensitive and crucial conversations I have with parents is about how to talk to children about divorce or separation. Addressing this topic at different developmental stages requires careful consideration of a child’s emotional maturity, understanding, and ability to process complex emotions. Please call Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy (239.922.1440) if you would like to schedule a parent appointment to discuss recommendations for

As a parent, navigating the complexities of your child's mental and emotional well-being can sometimes be challenging. You may find yourself wondering whether certain behaviors or emotions are typical social concerns in children for their age or if they might indicate a deeper concern that requires professional intervention. Understanding when to seek help from a child psychologist can make a significant difference in supporting your child's development and overall happiness.

Parenting can be challenging, especially when parents are having difficulty connecting with their kids, and when children are having problems at school, home, emotionally, and socially. Parents who notice signs of behavioral, learning, and mental health problems in their children often wonder if what they're seeing is normal or if their child needs extra support. A child psychologist, like Dr. Sonya Bhatia at Naples Behavioral Pediatric Therapy, can help. Child psychologists

Parents who notice signs of behavioral, learning, and mental health problems in their children may want to ask a professional.