-BENEATH THE SURFACE

Calmer waters begin with deeper understanding.

Parents often arrive after weathering confusing diagnoses, conflicting advice, difficult school meetings, and moments of anxiety and uncertainty.

Behavior gives us information, but it does not tell the whole story. The same action can come from many different sources: different sensory needs, emotions, sensory experiences, relationships, or attempts to feel safe. My role is not to take over the helm. It is to listen, stay curious, and help your family recognize the currents beneath the surface.

| Together we’ll navigate what comes next.

—MY APPROACH

Guided by relationship. Grounded in understanding

Neurodiversity-affirming care does not ignore distress. It helps us understand the waters that your child is navigating — and refuses to frame the person as something to fix.

Quote: The course becomes clearer when children are truly understood, on a background of overlapping colored circles.

The child has a voice

Children are participants in their care, not simply subjects discussed by adults.

Felt safety comes first

Sensory needs, pacing, environment, and relationships matter before meaningful work can happen.

Parents are partners

You bring lifelong knowlege of your child. I bring clinical experience. We need both to find the way forward.

Advocacy is part of care

Understanding should lead to useful accommodations, stronger self-advocacy and practical next steps.

—WHAT CARE CAN LOOK LIKE

Every journey begins by finding your bearings.

A compass resting on beige textured fabric.

Beginning in the least stressful way

That might mean starting visually, visiting the office informally, or letting your child see the space before being asked to participate.

Making room for sensory needs.

We can consider lighting, smells, movement, comfort objects, breaks, and other details that help the nervous system feel safer

Adjusting the course as your child guides us

If your child does not have the spoons that day, we can slow down, shift focus, or find another way forward

Offering choices without overwhelm

I share a thoughtful range of resources and options— a buffet not a mandate-at a pace that feels manageable for your family.

 

01 · PLAY THERAPY

A relationship where your child can be fully themselves

Flexible, play-based, neurodiversity-affirming therapy that meets vulnerability and dysregulation with safety, connection, and curiosity - not pressure to perform or comply.

02 · NEURODEVELOPMENTAL & AUTISM ASSESSMENT

Understanding - not a list of deficits

A collaborative, strengths-aware evaluation designed to make sense of your child’s individual profile. The report becomes a practical roadmap for understanding, accommodations, and advocacy.

03 · CAREGIVER THERAPY & SUPPORT GROUP

A place for parents to feel understood

Connection either with me or other parents navigating a different kind of parenting journey - without judgment, simple fixes, or the expectation that you should have it all figured out.

4 · SIBLING SUPPORT GROUP

Space for siblings’ experiences, too

A supportive setting where siblings can connect, express what family life feels like for them, and make room for their own needs and perspectives.

  • "Maria’s passion, love, and expertise shine through in all that she does. Psychologists who truly understand and honor neurodiversity-affirming practices are rare, and Maria is truly one of a kind. Her wisdom and heart continue to elevate and inspire my own practice. Anyone would be lucky to have Maria in their corner! "

    Jaclyn Heinemann, MS, OTR/L
    Clinical Manager, Occupational Therapist & Feeding Therapist
    Wright Choice Therapy

  • "Through my volunteering with EndSarNJ, Maria met my son, who is autistic with PDA and ADHD. He immediately felt comfortable with Maria. Her calm demeanor, her willingness to meet him exactly where he was, and her respect that allowed him to engage in the way that felt right for him were incredible to witness. She formed an instant, genuine connection when she was just being herself and not in a professional role with him. This contrasted with the dozens of professionals we have worked with over the years, highlighting just how truly special Maria is at relating to complex children."

    EndSarNJ Board Member

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