Looking for Michael Solomine possibly in New York area?

I am looking for a child psychologist for learing disabled children in the Elmira New York area?

• My daughter is learning disabled and has a severe speech delay. I am looking for a child psychologist or psychiatrist in the elmira new york area that specializes with special needs children.

• Answer:

  Hi, First, I don't know the age of your child. When my son was in 4 yrs old preschool I noticed him to be lacking in the verbal skills of other children (he never shuts up now). Because I have epilepsy I am forever thinking any little problem might have cropped up due to medicine taken at the time of pregnancy. He caught up by about 6 years old, but mind you he an avid reader (9yrs now-read Homer and currently the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy). Although labled as genius level intellect his emotions are way behind, by years. At one school they demanded he see a doctor for his tears and emotional outbursts who quickly said he was ADHD. That year he spent on ritalin was one of the most horrible in my life. The reason I am going into all of this is to show that at a young age it can actually hurt a child going to a psychologist. My husband so happens to be one, just not for children. When my son's current school started talking doctors again my husband contacted a collegue at Johns Hopkins who told him in no uncertain terms that before a particular age bringing them to the psychocologist doesn't do anything. A child would tell the doctor what he/she wishes to hear. I just had a school conference with my son's teacher today who hasn't seen the inside of a psychology book for over 18 years. With that vastly outdated knowledge she started telling me to take my son to the doctor. I tried to explain to her that I could take him to three doctors and get the results of ADHD, he's a genius, he's retarded. It all depends on their views of psychology as it is nowhere near an exact science. This would be my suggestion, depending on the age of your child: -Speak with your pediatrician first. He or she probably knows your child pretty well by now and may have an idea what type of specialist you should see. They also may be able to make suggestions. -You might as well call someone like Montefiore since you are in NY? I have family in the Westchester area and when something important needs to be done they go there. -You could also contact Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD for references. I don't know if they will help, but your child is worth the phone call. Be careful and good luck.