Diane Rubino

As a Certified ADHD Practitioner, I work with children and adolescents who struggle with attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation, impulsivity, organization, and self-esteem. ADHD can impact school, friendships, and family life in ways that are misunderstood. I partner with both children and parents to better understand how ADHD shows up, build practical strategies that actually fit their lives, and help kids develop confidence in their strengths while managing their challenges.

Many of the children and teens I work with struggle with anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, school stress, or constant worry. Using evidence-based approaches, including SPACE-informed parent work, I help parents reduce accommodations that keep anxiety going while supporting children in building confidence, flexibility, and resilience.

As a Certified Autism Specialist, I work with autistic children and adolescents with a wide range of strengths, needs, and presentations. Many of the children I see also experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation challenges, gifted or twice-exceptional profiles, or a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) profile. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, practical, and tailored to each child and family.

I believe parents are one of the most powerful agents of change in a child's life. That's why I often involve families in the therapeutic process. Together, we work to better understand a child's behavior, strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create lasting change at home. My goal is not just to help children feel better, but to help families function better together.

I use CBT to help children and teens better understand themselves and the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck and build practical skills for managing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, ADHD, OCD, and everyday challenges. My goal is to help kids feel more confident, capable, and resilient both in and outside of therapy.

Children don't always have the words to tell us what's going on, but they often show us through play. I incorporate games, art, storytelling, and creative activities to help children express themselves, build coping skills, and strengthen emotional awareness. Play allows me to meet children where they are while helping them grow in ways that feel natural, engaging, and meaningful.